Ipamorelin

Growth Hormone Secretagogue | Selective GHRP

Weight: 711.85 Da
Half-life: ~2 hours
Chain: 5 amino acids
5 studies
2014 latest
1 recent
Well Studied
Dose 200-300 mcg per injection
Frequency 1-3 times daily depending on goals (1x for longevity, 2-3x for performance)
Cycle 3-6 months
Storage Lyophilized: Room temperature. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 28 days

Community Research

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Selective GHRP that stimulates natural GH production from the pituitary with minimal cortisol and prolactin disruption. Known for its excellent safety profile and ability to produce consistent GH pulses without significant side effects common to other growth hormone releasing peptides.

Mechanism of Action

Binds selectively to ghrelin receptors in pituitary gland, stimulating natural GH release with direct systemic delivery via injection, consistent GH pulse stimulation, no significant cortisol or prolactin elevation, and minimal hunger response.

01 Optimal GH stimulation with superior bioavailability
02 Body composition improvements (lean mass, fat loss)
03 Enhanced recovery and anti-aging effects
04 Minimal side effects compared to other GHRPs
05 No significant cortisol or prolactin elevation
06 Improved sleep quality

Molecular Data

Molecular Weight
711.85 Da
Chain Length
5 amino acids
Type
Growth hormone secretagogue
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: UH????FK?
H₂N
U 1
O C
N
H 2
O C
N
H
? 3
O C
N
H
? 4
O C
N
H
? 5
O C
N
H
? 6
O C
N
F 7
O C
N
K 8
O C
N
H
? 9
COOH
Aib
1

Aminoisobutyric Acid

Position 1

His
2

Histidine

Position 2

D
3

D

Position 3

2
4

2

Position 4

Nal
5

Nal

Position 5

D
6

D

Position 6

Phe
7

Phenylalanine

Position 7

Lys
8

Lysine

Position 8

NH2
9

NH2

Position 9

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified
Peak 0.0 mcg
Trough 0.0 mcg
SS Peak 0.0 mcg
SS Trough 0.0 mcg

Research Indications

Growth Hormone
Natural GH Stimulation most effective

Consistent GH elevation 30-60 minutes post-injection, maintaining natural pulsatile patterns.

IGF-1 Enhancement effective

Increases insulin-like growth factor-1 through natural GH pathways.

Anti-Aging Benefits effective

Supports cellular regeneration, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair.

Body Composition
Lean Mass Development effective

Promotes muscle growth and maintenance through GH-mediated pathways.

Fat Loss Support effective

Enhances lipolysis and metabolic rate through natural GH elevation.

Recovery
Sleep Quality effective

Improved sleep latency and increased slow-wave sleep duration.

Exercise Recovery moderate

Enhanced recovery markers and reduced soreness after training.

Dosing Protocols

Most effective delivery method. Best taken on empty stomach with bedtime injection optimal for sleep benefits.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
General Health & Longevity200mcg1x daily before bedSubQ
Body Composition250-300mcg2x daily (morning, pre-workout)SubQ
Athletic Performance200-250mcg2-3x dailySubQ
Sleep & Recovery200mcg1x daily 30min before bedSubQ
Anti-Aging Protocol200-250mcg1-2x dailySubQ

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
  • Insulin syringes (0.5-1mL, 29-31 gauge)
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Sterile work surface
  1. 1 Clean work area and hands thoroughly
  2. 2 Allow refrigerated peptide to reach room temperature
  3. 3 Calculate required BAC water volume
  4. 4 Draw calculated BAC water into syringe
  5. 5 Inject BAC slowly down vial side (never directly onto powder)
  6. 6 Gently swirl until completely dissolved (never shake)
  7. 7 Store in refrigerator; use within 28 days

Interactions

++
CJC-1295
Extends GH release for optimal hormone cycles. Popular combination.
synergistic
++
BPC-157
Enhances GH receptor upregulation and effectiveness.
synergistic
+
TB-500
Complementary for recovery and tissue repair.
compatible
~
Sermorelin
Both stimulate GH; choose one to avoid receptor oversaturation.
monitor
!
GHRP-2
Redundant GH pathways may cause receptor desensitization.
avoid
!
GHRP-6
Similar mechanism with higher hunger effects; redundant.
avoid

What to Expect

Week 1-2
Improved sleep quality and morning energy
Week 2-4
Enhanced exercise recovery and reduced soreness
Week 4-8
Body composition improvements with increased lean mass
Week 8-12
Continued muscle tone, skin quality, and energy improvements

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

  • Mild hunger increase 20-30 minutes post-injection
  • Slight drowsiness when taken before bed
  • Water retention (mild)

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Signs of receptor desensitization (reduced response after 3-4 months)
  • Unusual joint pain or swelling
  • Persistent numbness or tingling

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active cancer or history of cancer
  • Severe kidney or liver disease

Quality Checklist

Good Signs

  • White, fine crystalline powder with no clumping
  • Clear solution after BAC water reconstitution
  • Mild hunger response 20-30 minutes post-injection
  • Slight drowsiness at bedtime doses

Warning Signs

  • Minimal or no physiological response after 2 weeks (check source)

Bad Signs

  • Yellow or discolored powder (suggests degradation)
  • Cloudy solution after reconstitution
  • No response after extended use

References

  • Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
    Raun, K., et al.
    European Journal of Endocrinology (1998)

    Identified ipamorelin as the first GHRP-receptor agonist with selectivity for GH release similar to GHRH. Did not release ACTH or cortisol at doses over 200-fold higher than the ED50 for GH release, distinguishing it from other secretagogues.

  • Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers
    Zdravkovic, M., et al.
    British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (1999)

    Dose-escalation study in 40 healthy males established terminal half-life of 2 hours, clearance of 0.078 L/h/kg. Ipamorelin induced single-episode GH release peaking at 0.67 hours with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics.

  • Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats
    Johansen, P.B., et al.
    Growth Hormone & IGF Research (1999)

    Ipamorelin dose-dependently increased longitudinal bone growth rate from 42 to 52 mcm/day and produced pronounced dose-dependent body weight gain in adult female rats over 15 days.

  • The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats
    Svensson, J., et al.
    Calcified Tissue International (2001)

    In 8-month-old female rats treated for 3 months, ipamorelin combined with glucocorticoid increased maximum tetanic tension and periosteal bone formation rate 4-fold compared to glucocorticoid alone.

  • Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients
    Greenwood-Van Meerveld, B., et al.
    International Journal of Colorectal Disease (2014)

    Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 117 bowel resection patients. Ipamorelin 0.03 mg/kg IV twice daily for up to 7 days was well tolerated but did not significantly improve postoperative ileus outcomes versus placebo.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.