Ipamorelin — Research Summary

Research Use Only · Not for Human or Veterinary Use

Selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide studied for targeted GH release wi

Ipamorelin

An evidence summary of published preclinical research on Ipamorelin. This page is educational and summarizes findings reported in third-party scientific literature. No claims are made regarding safety or efficacy in humans.

Molecular Data

FORMULA C38H49N9O5
MOLECULAR WEIGHT 711.85 g/mol
SEQUENCE Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NHâ‚‚

Compound Overview

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that selectively stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary via the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor. Developed by Novo Nordisk in the late 1990s, it is considered one of the cleanest GH secretagogues due to its highly selective action. Unlike other GH-releasing peptides such as GHRP-6 or hexarelin, Ipamorelin does not significantly stimulate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at therapeutic doses.

Reported Mechanism (Preclinical)

Ipamorelin binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a, also known as the ghrelin receptor) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, triggering a calcium-dependent GH release. It preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of GH secretion and works synergistically with endogenous GHRH. Its selectivity arises from minimal cross-reactivity with other pituitary hormone pathways.

Mechanisms described above are reported in preclinical (animal and in vitro) literature and have not been established for human use.

Key Research Highlights

  • Demonstrated dose-dependent GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin in human studies (Raun et al., 1998)
  • Showed favorable effects on bone mineral content in ovariectomized rat models
  • Improved body composition parameters in preclinical cachexia models
  • Maintained pulsatile GH release patterns unlike continuous GH administration
  • Exhibited gastrointestinal prokinetic effects potentially useful for post-operative ileus (Greenwood-Van Meerveld et al., 2007)

Published References

  1. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
    Eur J Endocrinol, 1998
  2. Ipamorelin as a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide
    Horm Res, 1999
  3. Effects of ipamorelin on GI motility and postoperative ileus
    J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2007

Available for Research

Lab-tested, third-party COA published, U.S. ships same day.

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Compliance Notice: American Peptides products are sold strictly for laboratory and academic research purposes only. They are not intended for human or veterinary consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease. All content on this page is educational in nature, summarizes findings from preclinical literature, and does not constitute medical advice or product claims. Researchers are responsible for handling these compounds in accordance with their institution's safety protocols and applicable laws.