Ipamorelin
Also known as: Ipamorelin
A selective ghrelin receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue) prized for stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. Considered one of the gentler GH peptides.
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Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that selectively activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), mimicking ghrelin to trigger a clean pulse of growth hormone from the pituitary. Unlike earlier GHRPs, it has high specificity and does not meaningfully stimulate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin. This selectivity gives it a favorable side-effect profile while still amplifying GH secretion, especially when combined with a GHRH analog.
- Half-life
- Approximately 2 hours
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Selective GH release with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation
- Supports lean muscle, recovery, and fat metabolism
- May improve sleep depth and quality
- Lower appetite stimulation than GHRP-6
- Synergistic with GHRH analogs such as CJC-1295
- Favorable tolerability profile
Potential Side Effects
- Mild head-rush or flushing after injection
- Water retention or tingling in extremities
- Injection-site irritation
- Possible transient increase in hunger
Common Dosing
Research protocols often reference ~100-300 mcg per dose, 1-3 times daily, frequently timed before sleep or paired with a GHRH analog. Educational reference only.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not approved for human therapeutic use
CJC-1295
A long-acting growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates the pituitary to produce more growth hormone. Often paired with a ghrelin mimetic for synergistic GH release.
Sermorelin
A GHRH analog comprising the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone, historically used to assess and stimulate pituitary GH output. A gentler, physiologic GH peptide.
Tesamorelin
A stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Studied for its strong effect on visceral adipose tissue.
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend
The most popular GH-peptide combination, pairing a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) with a selective ghrelin agonist (ipamorelin) to produce a strong, clean, synergistic growth hormone pulse.
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Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
1998
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Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers
1999
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Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients
2014
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Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats
1999