Ipamorelin — selective GH secretagogue.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GH secretagogue (GHRP) that selectively stimulates GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin — making it among the cleaner GHRPs. Almost universally stacked with a GHRH analogue like CJC-1295 or Sermorelin.
- Selective growth-hormone secretagogue (a pentapeptide) acting on the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor.
- Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, it does not meaningfully raise cortisol or prolactin at research doses — the 'cleanest' GHRP.
- Robust animal and some human data for selective GH pulse stimulation.
- Often researched alongside CJC-1295 (no DAC) as a GHRH + GHRP combination.
- Not approved for any clinical use; developer discontinued it in the early 2000s. Research compound only.
What makes Ipamorelin different from other GHRPs?
Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol or prolactin at research doses. GHRP-6 notably causes significant appetite stimulation and cortisol release. Hexarelin causes receptor desensitisation with prolonged use. Ipamorelin's selectivity profile is why it became the most-researched GHRP in longevity and anti-aging contexts.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
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Frequently asked questions
What is ipamorelin? ▾
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue that triggers GH release from the pituitary via the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).
What makes ipamorelin different from other GHRPs? ▾
Its selectivity. Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol or prolactin at research doses, even at doses far above what is needed for GH release. This is why it is described as the 'cleanest' GHRP.
Is ipamorelin approved? ▾
No. It was investigated but never approved for any clinical use, and the developer discontinued it in the early 2000s. It is sold as a research chemical only.
What is the evidence for ipamorelin? ▾
Animal and some human data robustly support selective GH-pulse stimulation. Bone-density signals come from rodent studies; standalone human data on body composition is limited.
Why is ipamorelin combined with CJC-1295? ▾
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a GHRH analogue and ipamorelin is a GHRP — combining a GHRH with a GHRP produces a larger GH pulse than either alone. This is the most-researched such combination, described as a research observation, not a usage recommendation.
Does ipamorelin cause hunger like GHRP-6? ▾
In the research literature ipamorelin lacks the strong appetite stimulation seen with GHRP-6 and the cortisol/prolactin rise seen with other GHRPs — that selectivity is its defining feature.
How do I verify ipamorelin quality? ▾
Require a batch-matched COA showing ≥98% HPLC purity and mass-spec identity from a named lab.
Is ipamorelin banned in sport? ▾
Yes. Growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited under anti-doping rules.
References
- Landmark paper characterising ipamorelin as the first selective GH secretagogue, releasing GH without raising ACTH or cortisol even at high multiples of the effective dose. Raun K, et al. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552–561. DOI PubMed 9849822