NO. 031 · STAGE 1 · Lv. 72 · HP 130
IPAMORELIN
Selective Ghrelin Receptor Agonist
ALIASES
Ipamorelin, NNC 26-0161, GHS-R1a agonist, selective ghrelin mimetic
CLASS
Synthetic pentapeptide · selective ghrelin receptor agonist
FORMULA
C38H49N9O5
SEQUENCE
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
HALF-LIFE
~2 hours
ROUTES
Subcutaneous (research)
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Pentapeptide selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Triggers pituitary GH release without significant cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone elevation. The cleanest profile in the GH-secretagogue class.
EVIDENCE GRADES
Raun et al. 1998 (PMID 9849822) characterized ipamorelin as the first selective GHS without cortisol/prolactin elevation in rat and swine models.
Beck et al. 2014 (PMID 25331030, NCT00672074) Phase 2 trial reported numerical but not statistically significant reduction in time to first bowel movement. Helsinn/Lilly program discontinued.
Community-reported research protocols. No completed Phase 3 trials.
MECHANISM CATEGORIES
RESEARCH CONDITIONS
SAFETY
Side effects
- Mild injection-site reactions
- Transient hunger (mild)
- Rare water retention
- Rare mild flushing
Known interactions
- Concurrent rhGH not recommended
- Insulin / glucose-lowering agents (mild hyperglycemia possible)
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Pituitary tumor
- Pregnancy/lactation (unstudied)
REGULATORY STATUS
FDA · Not FDA-approved. Helsinn/Lilly Phase 2 postoperative ileus program discontinued. Research-use only.
WADA · Prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 (growth-hormone-secretagogue sub-category).
STORAGE
Lyophilized · 4 °C 24 months
Reconstituted · 2-8 °C, 28 days
PEER-REVIEWED EVIDENCE
- Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, Thøgersen H, Madsen K, Ankersen M, Andersen PH. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol 1998. PMID 9849822. link →
- Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD, et al.. Safety and pharmacology of ipamorelin in healthy volunteers and postoperative ileus patients. J Gastrointest Surg 2014. PMID 25331030. link →
FAQ · 9 QUESTIONS
▶ What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and the first-described selective agonist of the ghrelin / growth-hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). It triggers pituitary GH release without significant cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone elevation.
▶ Why is ipamorelin considered the cleanest GHS?
Ipamorelin selectively activates GHS-R1a with high affinity and minimal cross-reactivity to stress-hormone pathways. Older GHRPs like GHRP-6 and Hexarelin elevate cortisol and prolactin via off-target signaling; ipamorelin does not, per Raun et al. 1998 rat and swine pharmacology.
▶ Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6 · what's different?
Both are ghrelin receptor agonists. Ipamorelin is selective (no significant cortisol/prolactin elevation, low appetite signal). GHRP-6 produces stronger appetite stimulation and mild stress-hormone elevation. Ipamorelin has the cleaner profile in the GHS class.
▶ Why is ipamorelin paired with CJC-1295?
Ipamorelin engages the ghrelin receptor; CJC-1295 (No DAC) engages the GHRH receptor. The two pathways are independent and complementary; combined activation amplifies the GH pulse synergistically per animal-model dual-pathway studies.
▶ Is ipamorelin FDA-approved?
No. The Helsinn/Lilly Phase 2 postoperative ileus program (Beck et al. 2014, PMID 25331030) was discontinued. No subsequent FDA approval.
▶ Is ipamorelin WADA-prohibited?
Yes. Ipamorelin is prohibited at all times under WADA Section S2 in the growth-hormone-secretagogue sub-category.
▶ What is the half-life of ipamorelin?
Approximately 2 hours plasma half-life. The pulse-and-decay profile lasts roughly 3-4 hours in published pharmacokinetic studies.
▶ How is ipamorelin dosed in research?
Animal-model and community-reported research protocols use 100-300 mcg per administration, often paired 1:1 by mass with CJC-1295 No DAC, 1-3 times daily, subcutaneous. No human dose is recommended by this wiki.
▶ What are the side effects of ipamorelin?
Mild injection-site reactions, transient hunger (mild ghrelin-receptor activation), rare water retention, rare mild flushing. Cleaner profile than older non-selective GHS like GHRP-6.
SIGNATURE MOVES
GHS-R1a selectivity. No cortisol or prolactin elevation.
Beck et al. 2014 Phase 2 postoperative ileus trial. PMID 25331030.
SOURCED FROM PEPPU LABS
Reference compounds documented on this page are available as research-grade material at Peppu Studio · ≥99% purity · per-batch Certificate of Analysis. For laboratory research use only. No human dose is recommended by this wiki.
▶ LAST UPDATED · 2026-05-25