Ipamorelin
Also referred to as: NNC 26-0161
A lab-made peptide that nudges the body to release growth hormone through a different pathway than GHRH peptides. Noted for being fairly selective.
In plain terms: Ipamorelin is a lab-made peptide that prompts the body to release growth hormone, but through a different "door" than peptides like CJC-1295. Researchers note it seems fairly targeted — it tends to trigger growth-hormone release without setting off as many other signals. The research is mostly early-stage.
- Name
- Ipamorelin
- Aliases
- NNC 26-0161
- Classification
- Growth-hormone secretagogue (peptide)
- Areas studied
- Ghrelin receptor, GH secretagogue, Receptor selectivity
What it is
Ipamorelin is a small lab-made peptide in a group called growth-hormone secretagogues — compounds that nudge the body to release its own growth hormone. It works through the "ghrelin" pathway, a different route than the GHRH peptides use. Researchers often point to its reported selectivity, meaning it tends to do its main job without triggering as many unrelated signals.
Research on it is mostly early-stage lab work.
Mechanism
Ipamorelin plugs into the ghrelin docking point (also called the GHS receptor) — a different door than the GHRH peptides use. Switching on this receptor is studied for how it prompts growth-hormone release.
Its reported selectivity — limited activity on certain other hormone systems in lab models — is a frequent point of interest when researchers compare it to similar compounds.
Areas studied & investigated
The categories below summarize where Ipamorelin appears in the research literature. They describe what the compound is studied for and investigated in — not approved uses, and not guidance for any kind of use.
Ghrelin pathway
Studied for acting on the ghrelin (GHS) receptor to prompt growth-hormone release.
Selectivity
Noted in research for being relatively targeted compared with some similar compounds.
Secretagogue group
A reference example within the broader group of growth-hormone-releasing compounds.
Comparing similar peptides
Frequently compared with other growth-hormone-signal peptides in research.
Research history
Ipamorelin was described in research on growth-hormone secretagogues, where its targeted profile set it apart within the group. It is commonly referenced in that research.
State of the literature
The research is mostly early-stage and lab-based. It is not an approved drug.
What to keep in mind
The word "selective" sounds reassuring, but it only describes how the compound behaves in lab models — it is not a safety guarantee, and it does not mean it has been shown to work or be safe in people. As with the other growth-hormone-signal peptides, the human evidence is thin. Lean on the cited studies and treat selectivity as a lab observation, not a green light.
Research tools
Evaluating a Ipamorelin batch for laboratory research? These free, research-use-only calculators help you work the numbers and read the paperwork: the reconstitution calculator solves vial concentration and draw volume, and the COA reader walks a certificate line by line. For how much and how often Ipamorelin is commonly used, see the dosing guides.
Batch-tested with published COAs
See what a published COA looks like
Midwest Compounds does not currently list Ipamorelin. Every compound it does sell is tested by an independent lab, with a batch-linked certificate of analysis you can check before you buy.
Citations
The summary above is drawn from published, peer-reviewed sources. Links open the abstract on PubMed, or the free full text on PubMed Central (PMC) where marked.
- Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998. Abstract
- Gobburu JV, et al. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharmaceutical Research, 1999. Abstract