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Peptide Pharmacology

Ipamorelin

Contents

What is Ipamorelin?

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:

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

Recommended Ipamorelin Source (for Research)

References

Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998 Nov;139:552-61. doi: 10.1530/eje.0.1390552.

Smith RG. Development of growth hormone secretagogues. Endocr Rev. 2005 May;26:346-60. doi: 10.1210/er.2004-0019.

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.