Ipamorelin (Research Overview)
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and selective ghrelin receptor agonist. It has been studied for its ability to stimulate GH release with high selectivity and a favorable side-effect profile compared to earlier GHS compounds.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin acts as an agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), also known as the ghrelin receptor. Binding to this receptor on pituitary somatotrophs stimulates GH release through a mechanism distinct from GHRH receptor signaling, allowing the two pathways to be studied independently or in combination.
A key feature studied in research is Ipamorelin's selectivity: unlike earlier GHS compounds such as GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly stimulate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH release at GH-stimulating concentrations. This selectivity profile has made it a preferred tool for studying isolated GH axis effects in research models.
Research Areas
GH axis research has been the primary application, with studies examining Ipamorelin's dose-response characteristics, pulsatile GH release patterns, and IGF-1 elevation. Its selectivity has made it valuable for isolating GH-specific effects from the confounding hormonal changes seen with less selective secretagogues.
Body composition research has examined Ipamorelin in the context of GH-related changes in lean mass and fat distribution. Bone density research has investigated GH secretagogue effects on osteoblast activity and bone mineral density markers. Ipamorelin is frequently studied in combination with CJC-1295, as the two compounds act on different but complementary GH-stimulating pathways.
Sleep quality and recovery research has also examined GH secretagogue effects, given the established relationship between GH pulsatility and slow-wave sleep architecture. Ipamorelin's selectivity profile makes it a useful tool for isolating GH-specific contributions in these multi-variable research contexts. All research referenced here was conducted in controlled laboratory or clinical settings. Ipamorelin is supplied by Sealed Peptides strictly for research use only (RUO).
Specification summary
CJC-1295 w/ DAC
Frequently studied alongside Ipamorelin for complementary GH axis stimulation. Stated purity ≥99%. For laboratory research use only.
Related materials
References
- Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, Thøgersen H, Madsen K, Ankersen M, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-61. PMID 9849822 · DOI
- Howard AD, Feighner SD, Cully DF, Arena JP, Liberator PA, Rosenblum CI, et al. A receptor in pituitary and hypothalamus that functions in growth hormone release. Science. 1996;273(5277):974-7. PMID 8688086 · DOI
- Kojima M, Hosoda H, Date Y, Nakazato M, Matsuo H, Kangawa K. Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach. Nature. 1999;402(6762):656-60. PMID 10604470 · DOI
- Smith RG. Development of growth hormone secretagogues. Endocr Rev. 2005;26(3):346-60. PMID 15814848 · DOI
- Gobburu JV, Agersø H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharm Res. 1999;16(9):1412-6. PMID 10496658 · DOI
- Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, Flyvbjerg A, Andreassen TT, Wilken M, et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999;9(2):106-13. PMID 10373343 · DOI
Cited literature is provided for scientific context only and does not describe or endorse any use of these products.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.