GH-Axis · Research Compound
Ipamorelin
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue (GHRP) studied for its targeted growth-hormone-release profile.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide classified as a growth-hormone secretagogue (a GHRP — growth-hormone-releasing peptide). It is of particular research interest because of its selectivity: in preclinical studies it stimulates growth-hormone release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin, distinguishing it from older, less selective GHRPs.
It is the most-studied GHRP partner to CJC-1295 in combination research. As with the rest of this category, the evidence base is preclinical and Ipamorelin is not an approved human drug.
Research areas
Selective GH Release
Stimulates growth hormone with minimal cortisol/prolactin co-stimulation in animal studies — its defining research characteristic.
Ghrelin-Receptor Mechanism
Acts on the ghrelin/GH-secretagogue receptor to trigger GH release.
Combination Research
The selective GHRP half of the classic CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination.
Metabolic Models
Studied in metabolic research alongside GHRH analogs.
Recent research findings
- 2024Continued research on GH-secretagogue selectivity and receptor pharmacology.
- 2023Reviews compared Ipamorelin's selectivity profile to earlier GHRPs such as GHRP-6.
- 2022Studies further characterized GH-pulse effects in combination research.
Published Research & Citations
The research summarized above is drawn from published, peer-reviewed studies. Explore the 5 sources below — links open the abstract or, where marked, the full free article on the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed / PMC).
- Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998. Foundational study characterizing ipamorelin as a selective GH secretagogue with minimal off-target hormone release.
- Gobburu JV, et al. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharmaceutical Research, 1999. Human PK/PD study describing a short half-life and a single pulsatile GH-release episode.
- Johansen PB, et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 1999. Rat study reporting increased longitudinal bone growth with ipamorelin administration.
- Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ipamorelin and other peptidyl growth hormone secretagogues with emphasis on nasal absorption. Xenobiotica, 1998. Compares pharmacokinetic profiles and routes of administration among GH secretagogues.
- Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2009. Preclinical study of ipamorelin's effects on gastrointestinal motility.