Ipamorelin
Premium Ipamorelin for research. Selective growth hormone secretagogue (pentapeptide). Minimal cortisol/prolactin effects. Often combined with CJC-1295. Third-party tested, 98% purity.
Key Research Properties:
| SKU: | VHL-IPA-001 |
|---|---|
| Purity: | 98% (HPLC Verified) |
| Form: | Lyophilized Powder |
| Storage: | Store at -20°C |
| Lot Number: | IPA-2410-55: 2mg, 5mg |
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes. Products are not intended for human use or consumption of any kind.
The statements presented on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist consisting of 5 amino acids. It is known for its high selectivity, stimulating GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels[1].
Ipamorelin Key Properties
- Pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue
- Selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist
- Minimal effect on cortisol and prolactin[2]
- Often combined with GHRH analogs for synergistic effect
- Half-life: approximately 2 hours
Molecular Information
| Molecular Formula | C38H49N9O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 711.86 g/mol |
| Physical Form | White lyophilized powder |
| Storage | -20°C (powder); 2-8°C (reconstituted) |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds to and activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating growth hormone release through a pathway distinct from GHRH[3].
Ghrelin Receptor Activation
Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, activating GHS-R1a via phospholipase C pathway, increasing intracellular calcium and stimulating GH release[4]
Selective Profile
Unlike many GHS, ipamorelin shows high selectivity for GH release without stimulating ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin secretion[2]
Synergy with GHRH Analogs
Ipamorelin is frequently studied in combination with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295, tesamorelin) due to complementary mechanisms:
- Dual Pathway Activation: GHRH (cAMP) + GHS (PLC/calcium) = amplified GH pulse
- Somatostatin Suppression: GHS can partially override somatostatin's inhibitory effects
- Synergistic Effect: Combined administration produces 3-5x greater GH release than either alone[5]
Research Applications
Ipamorelin has been studied primarily in preclinical models and early-phase human research for GH stimulation, body composition, and recovery[6].
Primary Research Areas
Growth Hormone Dynamics
Studies investigate GH pulsatility, amplitude, and IGF-1 response in various populations and dosing regimens.
Body Composition
Research on lean mass preservation, fat loss, and metabolic effects in aging and catabolic states.
Preclinical Findings
- GH Selectivity: Animal studies confirm selective GH stimulation without cortisol/prolactin elevation
- Bone Health: Improvements in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers[7]
- Gastric Motility: Less gastric emptying stimulation compared to GHRP-6 (reduced hunger effects)
- Safety Profile: Well-tolerated in preclinical toxicology studies
Dosing Information
For Research Use Only
Not intended for human consumption. Research compound only.
Research Protocols
Typical Research Ranges: 200-300 μg per administration
Frequency: 1-3 times daily (often dosed before meals and/or bedtime)
Route: Subcutaneous injection
Combination: Often paired with CJC-1295 (1-2 mg weekly) for synergistic effect
Reconstitution
| Product Amount | Bacteriostatic Water | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | 2 mL | 1 mg/mL (1000 μg/mL) |
| 5 mg | 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL (2500 μg/mL) |
Storage & Stability
- Lyophilized: -20°C, stable 24+ months
- Reconstituted: 2-8°C, stable up to 14 days with bacteriostatic water
- Handling: Sterile technique; protect from light
Safety & Side Effects
Ipamorelin has been studied in preclinical and limited human research with generally favorable tolerability[8].
Reported Effects in Research
- Injection site reactions (mild, transient)
- Increased appetite (less than GHRP-6, but possible)
- Headache (occasional)
- Flushing or warmth (transient)
- Water retention (mild, GH-mediated)
Advantages Over Other GHS
Selective Profile: Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, ipamorelin does not significantly stimulate:
- Cortisol (no ACTH stimulation)
- Prolactin elevation
- Excessive appetite/gastric motility
Theoretical Concerns
- GH/IGF-1 related effects (similar to other GH secretagogues)
- Unknown long-term safety profile (limited human data)
- Potential for glucose metabolism effects (monitor in diabetes research)
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical Trials & Research Studies
Ipamorelin has undergone preclinical evaluation and early-phase human trials, though it has not progressed to large-scale Phase 3 studies or regulatory approval.
Animal Models: Studies in rats demonstrated:
- Selective GH release without cortisol or prolactin elevation
- Dose-dependent GH stimulation
- Improvements in bone mineral density and trabecular architecture[7]
- Favorable safety profile in toxicology studies
Early human research investigated:
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Dose-response relationships for GH stimulation
- Confirmation of selective GH release profile
- Safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers
Note: Ipamorelin remains an investigational compound without FDA approval for clinical use.
References & Citations
- Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
- Gobburu JV, et al. "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers." Pharm Res. 1999;16(9):1412-1416.
- Ankersen M, et al. "Growth hormone secretagogues: recent advances and new frontiers." Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2001;1(6):587-594.
- Smith RG, et al. "Peptidomimetic regulation of growth hormone secretion." Endocr Rev. 1997;18(5):621-645.
- Bowers CY, et al. "Synergistic activity of growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide and GH-releasing hormone in vivo and in vitro." Metabolism. 1992;41(9 Suppl 2):5-8.
- Svensson J, et al. "Effects of growth hormone secretagogues on body composition." Growth Horm IGF Res. 2003;13(Suppl A):S10-15.
- Lall S, et al. "Growth hormone (GH)-independent stimulation of whole-body bone formation by ipamorelin, a selective GH secretagogue." J Endocrinol. 2002;175(3):729-737.
- Johansen PB, et al. "Ipamorelin, a new growth hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats." Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999;9(2):106-113.
3rd Party Testing & Quality Assurance
Quality Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥98.0% | RP-HPLC-UV |
| Identity | MW 711.86 Da | Mass Spectrometry |
| Peptide Content | ≥95% | AAA |
| Water Content | ≤8% | Karl Fischer |
| Endotoxins | ≤5.0 EU/mg | LAL assay |
Certificates of Analysis available upon request with batch number.