Ipamorelin
Selective Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (5 amino acids) that acts as a highly selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a). It directly stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern that mimics the body's natural GH rhythm.
The key clinical advantage of ipamorelin over older GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6) is its selectivity: it does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at therapeutic doses. It is almost always stacked with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 or sermorelin) to achieve synergistic GH pulse amplification.
Research Evidence
Multiple preclinical and early human studies confirm ipamorelin produces dose-dependent GH release without cortisol/prolactin elevation. GH pulses return to baseline between doses, preserving natural GH rhythm.
Ipamorelin completed Phase II clinical trials for postoperative ileus, providing direct human clinical data for GH secretagogue activity.
Animal models show improved lean mass and reduced fat mass when combined with GHRH analogs. Human body composition data is largely observational.
Dosing Protocols
Reconstitution
| Vial | BAC Water | Concentration | 200 mcg draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | 2 ml | 1,000 mcg/ml | 20 units |
| 5 mg | 5 ml | 1,000 mcg/ml | 20 units |
| 5 mg | 2.5 ml | 2,000 mcg/ml | 10 units |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ipamorelin?
A selective pentapeptide GHRP that stimulates GH release without raising cortisol or prolactin. The cleanest GHRP available — preferred in clinical anti-aging and performance medicine.
What is the best ipamorelin stack?
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (no-DAC). Ipamorelin is the GHRP (triggers the pulse); CJC-1295 is the GHRH (amplifies the pituitary response). Together they produce synergistically larger GH pulses.
Is ipamorelin legal?
Category 1 — legally available through 503A compounding pharmacies with a valid prescription.
How does ipamorelin compare to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6?
Ipamorelin is more selective: no meaningful cortisol, prolactin, or hunger stimulation. GHRP-2 produces more GH per dose but with cortisol/prolactin elevation. GHRP-6 causes significant hunger. For clean GH optimization, ipamorelin is preferred.
This profile was prepared using AI-assisted research synthesis. Citations are provided where applicable — verify with primary sources before clinical application.