Is ipamorelin banned by WADA?

Yes. Ipamorelin is prohibited under WADA's S2 category (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics) because it stimulates endogenous growth hormone release. It is banned both in-competition and out-of-competition for athletes subject to anti-doping rules.

Is ipamorelin a prescription drug?

In the US, ipamorelin requires a prescription and must be obtained through a licensed compounding pharmacy or clinic. It is not FDA-approved as a standalone drug but can be prescribed off-label. It is not a controlled substance.

Content reviewed by clinical research staff

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

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system.

Ipamorelin

Growth hormone secretagogue5 amino acids

BHuman Studies

Excellent Credibility

3 cited studies | Evidence level B

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^[2]
Improved body composition in clinical studies^[1]
Enhanced bone mineral density^[3]
Favorable side effect profile among GH secretagogues^[1]

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^[1]
Flushing^[1]
Mild nausea^[1]
Injection site reactions^[1]
Water retention^[1]

Considering peptide research?

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

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Research & Evidence

RCTPMID: 9849822

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue

Eur J Endocrinol, 1998

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

ReviewPMID: 11322495

Do growth hormone-releasing peptides act as ghrelin secretagogues?

Endocrine, 2001

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

AnimalPMID: 10828840

The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats.

J Endocrinol, 2000

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

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.Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol, 1998. "Identified ipamorelin as the first GH secretagogue with selectivity comparable to GHRH itself" [PMID: 9849822]
2.Do growth hormone-releasing peptides act as ghrelin secretagogues?. Endocrine, 2001. "Confirmed dose-dependent GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin in human subjects" [PMID: 11322495]
3.The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats.. J Endocrinol, 2000. "Ipamorelin increased bone mineral content and periosteal bone formation in aged female rats" [PMID: 10828840]

Recommended Resources

The Peptide Protocols Handbook

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Ipamorelin FAQ

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.