What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist notable for stimulating robust GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin — making it one of the most selective and well-tolerated GHRP compounds. Frequently combined with CJC-1295 for synergistic GH pulse amplification and sustained IGF-1 elevation. Compoundable with prescription.
Mechanism of Action
Selective GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonism; stimulates pulsatile GH release without significant cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin elevation; synergistic with GHRH analogs
Target: GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor)
Research / educational reference. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
nascent 28/100
PubMed hits
50
CT.gov trials
2
Strong-human apps
0
Sample papers
8
Sample articles by era
- pre-20189
- 2024-20262
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps1
- Animal / in-vitro0
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective GH secretagogue activity | Ghrelin-receptor agonist with human PK/PD data; clinical outcome literature thinner than approved GH therapies. | Limited human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •Selective GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonism; stimulates pulsatile GH release without significant cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin elevation; synergistic with GHRH analogs
- •Primary target framing: GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor)
Half-life
~2 hours
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 170851-70-4
- PubChem
- CID 9831659
- Formula
- C38H49N9O5
- Molar mass
- 711.9 Da
- InChIKey
- NEHWBYHLYZGBNO-BVEPWEIPSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 18–24 months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often 21–30 days (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.
European journal of endocrinology · 1998 · PMID 9849822
- The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism.
Physiology & behavior · 2024 · PMID 39043357
- Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats.
Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 1999 · PMID 10373343
- Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers.
Pharmaceutical research · 1999 · PMID 10496658
- Influence of chronic treatment with the growth hormone secretagogue Ipamorelin, in young female rats: somatotroph response in vitro.
Histology and histopathology · 2002 · PMID 12168778
- The influence of ghrelin agonist ipamorelin acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a cichlid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Animal reproduction science · 2024 · PMID 38996787
Research Indications
Stimulates natural GH release through pituitary signaling pathways
Associated with increased lean mass and reduced body fat
Supports tissue repair and recovery from exercise or injury
Some protocols show improvements in slow-wave and restorative sleep
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 200 mcg | Once daily (PM) | Subcutaneous injection |
| Standard Dose | 300 mcg | Twice daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Combined with CJC-1295 | 200 mcg each | Twice daily | Subcutaneous injection |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove Ipamorelin vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Improved sleep quality may begin. Mild water retention possible initially.
Week 2–4
Deeper sleep, improved recovery. Appetite may increase slightly.
Week 4–8
Noticeable improvements in body composition, energy, and recovery speed.
Week 8–12
Skin quality improvements, reduced body fat, increased lean mass becoming visible.
Week 12+
Sustained improvements in body composition, strength, and overall vitality.
Side Effects & Safety
- Water retention and mild bloating, especially early in protocol
- Increased appetite (particularly with GHRP compounds)
- Flushing or warmth at injection site
- Tingling or numbness (carpal tunnel-like symptoms at higher doses)
- Fatigue or lethargy if dosed at suboptimal times
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation possible (especially GHRP-6)
- Rare: Elevated blood glucose — monitor if diabetic or pre-diabetic
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist notable for stimulating robust GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin — making it one of the most selective and well-tolerated GHRP compounds. Frequently combined with CJC-1295 for synergistic GH pulse amplification and sustained IGF-1 elevation. Compoundable with prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 102 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 98% · Mixed 2% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 0.2–0.4 mg · Most common: 0.2–0.4 mg
Reports span 0.05 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 98% said they felt similar to their last entry, 2% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned similar or mixed compared to their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 51 days · Based on 44 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate Ipamorelin in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.