Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) classified as a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) and selective agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). Among all GHRPs — including GHRP-6, GHRP-2, hexarelin, and MK-677 — Ipamorelin has the highest selectivity for GH release. It stimulates growth hormone secretion without significantly elevating cortisol, prolactin, or appetite, making it the cleanest and most targeted GH secretagogue available to researchers.

Ipamorelin binds to the GHS-R1a receptor on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, activating phospholipase C and the IP3/calcium release pathway. This triggers GH vesicle exocytosis in a manner complementary to GHRH signaling — GHRH works through cAMP while Ipamorelin works through calcium/IP3, allowing the two pathways to amplify each other synergistically when used together. Ipamorelin also has mild antagonistic effects on somatostatin (the GH-inhibiting hormone), further enhancing GH release. Its selectivity stems from a lack of affinity for the cortisol-releasing CRH receptor and the prolactin-promoting pathways that other GHRPs activate — meaning researchers get GH release without the hormonal crosstalk that complicates other secretagogues.

The research literature positions Ipamorelin as the preferred GHRP for sustained research protocols due to its favorable side-effect profile. Studies demonstrate GH increases of 5-13 fold following acute administration, with no statistically significant changes in cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, or glucose levels. Over time, Ipamorelin does not lead to the desensitization and diminishing returns that plague less selective GHRPs like hexarelin. Its appetite-neutral profile is particularly valuable for researchers studying GH optimization in the context of body composition where appetite stimulation (as with GHRP-6) would be an unwanted confound.

Ipamorelin is the ideal compound for researchers entering the GH peptide space. It is the most commonly recommended starting GHRP for its safety margin and the most frequently paired compound with CJC-1295 No DAC in the classic "CJC/Ipa" stack. It suits researchers investigating anti-aging, recovery, sleep quality, body composition, and general GH optimization.

Reconstitute with 2.5ml bacteriostatic water (yielding 2mg/ml). Administer via subcutaneous injection, typically 100-300mcg per dose, 1-3 times daily. The most common protocol is 200mcg combined with 100mcg CJC-1295 No DAC, injected pre-sleep and optionally upon waking and/or post-workout. Ipamorelin has a half-life of approximately 2 hours. Inject on an empty stomach — fats and carbohydrates blunt the GH response. Store reconstituted solution at 2-8C and use within 28 days.