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Peptide Desk ReferencePDR
GH-axisGrey-marketEvidence: C

Ipamorelin

Also known as: NNC 26-0161, IPA

GH SecretagogueGhrelin MimeticGrowth Hormone DeficiencyLongevityBody Composition
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Grey-Market Compound. This compound is not approved by the FDA or any major regulatory authority. No established regimen exists. Products available outside of regulated channels lack standardized manufacturing, quality control, and potency verification. Consult a qualified clinician. Research-only risks apply.

Overview

Clinical Summary

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide GH secretagogue that acts as a selective ghrelin/GHS receptor agonist. It stimulates GH release from the anterior pituitary without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH levels, making it one of the more selective GH secretagogues. Clinical development was pursued for post-operative ileus but was not completed. It is widely used in the grey market, often combined with CJC-1295.

Plain Language Summary

Ipamorelin is a lab-made peptide that triggers your pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Unlike some other growth hormone stimulators, it does so without raising cortisol (the stress hormone) or prolactin. It was studied for helping the gut recover after surgery but was never approved. It is popular in the grey market for body composition, recovery, and anti-aging, often used together with CJC-1295.

Mechanism of Action

Ipamorelin acts as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the same receptor targeted by ghrelin. Upon binding, it stimulates GH release from pituitary somatotrophs via a phospholipase C / IP3 / calcium signaling pathway. Its selectivity is notable: unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, ipamorelin does not significantly stimulate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin release at GH-releasing doses. It also stimulates GI motility via vagal cholinergic pathways, which was the basis for clinical development in post-operative ileus.

Evidence Summary

Evidence Grade:Evidence: C

Pharmacodynamic studies in healthy volunteers demonstrated dose-dependent GH release with minimal effects on cortisol and prolactin. Phase 2 trials for post-operative ileus (Helsinn Healthcare) did not meet primary endpoints and development was discontinued. No published RCTs exist for body composition, anti-aging, or recovery endpoints. The evidence base consists of PK/PD studies and preclinical work.

Safety Profile

In clinical studies, ipamorelin was generally well tolerated. Adverse events included headache, transient flushing, and injection site reactions. The selectivity profile (minimal cortisol/prolactin stimulation) suggests a favorable safety profile compared to less selective GH secretagogues. However, long-term safety data are absent. Grey-market product quality is variable.

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy
  • Known hypersensitivity
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Adverse Events

  • Headache
  • Transient flushing
  • Injection site reactions
  • Nausea (rare)
  • Dizziness (rare)

Interactions

  • May potentiate effects of exogenous GH or other GH secretagogues
  • Glucocorticoids may attenuate GH response
  • No formal interaction studies

Regulatory Notes

Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA or any major regulatory authority. Clinical development by Helsinn Healthcare was discontinued. It is sold as a research chemical. No established regimen; consult clinician; research-only risks apply.

Monitoring Considerations

No established monitoring protocols. Consider IGF-1 levels, fasting glucose. Assess for signs of GH excess if used in combination with other GH-axis peptides.

These are general considerations for clinical awareness and do not constitute prescriptive monitoring recommendations for any individual patient.

Stability and Handling Notes

Lyophilized peptide. Store lyophilized at -20C to 4C. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated.

References

  1. 1
    RCT

    Ipamorelin, a New Growth-Hormone-Releasing Peptide, Induces GH Release in Humans with High Selectivity

    Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. (1998). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

    Key findings: Ipamorelin induced GH release in a dose-dependent manner without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin levels, demonstrating high selectivity.

    Limitations: PK/PD study. Small sample size.

  2. 2
    RCT

    Ipamorelin for Post-operative Ileus: Phase 2 Clinical Trial

    Helsinn Healthcare SA. (2008). Clinical Trial Registry

    Key findings: Phase 2 trial for post-operative ileus. Did not meet primary efficacy endpoints. Development discontinued.

    Limitations: Failed trial; efficacy not demonstrated for this indication.

Last reviewed: 2024-11-30 | Version: 1 | Status: Published

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