Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue developed to stimulate GH release without significantly affecting other pituitary hormones. It has gained promise in the research setting for its targeted action and relatively favorable side effect profile.
What is a Growth Hormone Secretagogue?
Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate the pituitary to release GH by mimicking ghrelin, a hormone involved in hunger and growth hormone signaling. Unlike earlier compounds, ipamorelin was designed to be highly selective.
One important distinction from the other GH secretagogues is that ipamorelin increases growth hormone indirectly by mimicking ghrelin. Sermorelin and tesamorelin instead mimic growth hormone releasing hormone, which increases growth hormone release.
How Does Ipamorelin Work?
Ipamorelin binds to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary gland (a gland found in the brain), triggering GH release while minimizing effects on cortisol and prolactin. This selectivity makes it attractive for research into metabolic health and recovery.
What is Ipamorelin Used for?
Potential research applications include:
Age-related GH decline
Muscle recovery
Fat metabolism
Sleep quality
Ipamorelin Side Effects
Ipamorelin is generally well tolerated in research studies, with fewer reports of water retention or appetite stimulation compared to older GH secretagogues. Long-term human data remains limited.
Ipamorelin Dosing Protocol (for Research)
Ipamorelin research dosing protocols recommend its injection under the skin (subcutaneous). One such research protocol is shown below
1Week 1: 100 µg daily
2Week 2: 100 µg twice daily (200 µg total every day)
3Week 3 and beyond: 150 µg twice daily (300 µg total every day)
Fuh VL, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: mechanism of action and use in aging. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1998 Feb;8:13-20. doi: 10.1016/s1096-6374(98)80317-1.