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Content reviewed by clinical research staff

Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system

Ipamorelin

BHuman Studies

Growth hormone secretagogue · 5 amino acids

Not FDA ApprovedPrescription RequiredWADA Banned

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary, triggering pulsatile GH release. Highly selective — does not stimulate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin release.

Benefits

  • Selective GH release without cortisol elevation
  • Improved body composition in clinical studies
  • Enhanced bone mineral density
  • Favorable side effect profile among GH secretagogues
Not Medical Advice — Research-Reported Information Only

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Ipamorelin — Dosing in Published Research

Reported Routes: Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous
Clinical studies used 0.01-0.03 mg/kg IV or SC. Often paired with CJC-1295 in research protocols.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

  • Transient headache
  • Flushing
  • Mild nausea
  • Injection site reactions
  • Water retention

Considering Peptide Research?

Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering any peptide.

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Research & Evidence

RCTEuropean Journal of Endocrinology, 1998

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue

Identified ipamorelin as the first GH secretagogue with selectivity comparable to GHRH itself

PMID: 9849822
RCTGrowth Hormone & IGF Research, 2001

Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide

Confirmed dose-dependent GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin in human subjects

PMID: 11452249
AnimalBone, 1999

Impact of ipamorelin on body composition and bone

Ipamorelin increased bone mineral content and periosteal bone formation in aged female rats

PMID: 10372576

Compare Ipamorelin With

Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295
Ipamorelin vs GHRP-2
Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6
Ipamorelin vs Hexarelin
Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin
Ipamorelin vs Semaglutide
Ipamorelin vs Tesamorelin
Ipamorelin vs AOD-9604

References

  1. 1. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998. “Identified ipamorelin as the first GH secretagogue with selectivity comparable to GHRH itself” [PMID: 9849822]
  2. 2. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 2001. “Confirmed dose-dependent GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin in human subjects” [PMID: 11452249]
  3. 3. Impact of ipamorelin on body composition and bone. Bone, 1999. “Ipamorelin increased bone mineral content and periosteal bone formation in aged female rats” [PMID: 10372576]

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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