Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective ghrelin receptor agonist and growth hormone secretagogue. It is designed to stimulate pulsatile growth hormone release with greater selectivity than older growth hormone–releasing peptides. Human research exists, but evidence is limited, and it is not an FDA-approved treatment for anti-aging, body composition, or wellness use.
Overview
Ipamorelin belongs to the growth hormone secretagogue class. PubChem identifies it as a pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic, and early human studies described it as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue with GH-release selectivity similar to GHRH. FDA’s recent compounding review found the evidence base for effectiveness limited for proposed compounded uses such as growth hormone deficiency and postoperative ileus.
What it is
Ipamorelin is a 5-amino-acid peptide that mimics ghrelin signaling. It is commonly discussed in peptide and wellness settings, but its legitimate clinical evidence base is much narrower than marketing claims suggest. FDA notes that it contains unnatural amino acids, which adds complexity to characterization and compounding quality.
Mechanism (high level)
Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor / growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and stimulates release of growth hormone from the pituitary. PubChem says it mimics ghrelin and binds GHSR in the brain, selectively stimulating GH release; ghrelin-receptor references also note this pathway is involved in GH secretion, appetite regulation, and energy balance.
Quick facts
- Dosage
- There is no universally accepted evidence-based wellness dose for ipamorelin. Published human studies cited by FDA include intravenous infusion protocols and a postoperative ileus trial using 0.03 mg/kg twice daily for up to 7 days; older PK/PD work used short IV infusions across escalating dose levels rather than common wellness-style subcutaneous protocols.
- Route
- Intravenous infusion has the clearest published human study support. FDA specifically notes that it did not identify safety data for the proposed subcutaneous route in the nomination it reviewed.
- Cycle
- No standardized cycle has been established. In the published postoperative ileus trial, ipamorelin was given twice daily for up to 7 days.
- Storage
- Follow manufacturer or compounding-pharmacy instructions exactly Protect from heat and light Do not use beyond labeled storage limits FDA’s review notes ipamorelin free base is expected to be stable under reported storage conditions below -18°C, but that statement relates to the reviewed substance characterization context rather than a universal consumer storage instruction.
Research indications
- Growth hormone secretagogue research
- Growth hormone deficiency research
- Postoperative ileus research
- Gastric motility research
- Body composition research
- Metabolic and endocrine signaling research
Research protocols (education)
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IV infusion
IV infusion dose-escalation PK/PD study in healthy volunteers 0.03 mg/kg IV twice daily for up to 7 days in postoperative ileus trial Published human data are limited and do not establish a standard outpatient wellness protocol
Interactions
Often avoided with
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Unsupervised use of compounded injectable product
- Use in competitive athletes subject to anti-doping rules
- Use with caution in diabetes or prediabetes
- Use with caution in people with prior reaction to peptide injections
Often combined with
- Clinician-supervised investigational use
- Use with verified sterile sourcing and oversight
- Short-term research protocols with monitoring
- Use only where risks, uncertainty, and non-approval status are clearly understood
Requires prescribing context where regulated.
Side effects & safety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal distention
- Insomnia
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypokalemia
- Possible glucose intolerance concern
- Potential immunogenicity risk with injectable compounded products
Regulatory notes
- Not an FDA-approved drug
- Not a component of any FDA-approved drug
- FDA says compounded ipamorelin products may pose safety concerns
- FDA has not identified sufficient safety data for some proposed injectable routes
- WADA prohibits ipamorelin in sport as a growth hormone secretagogue / mimetic
FAQ
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a ghrelin-receptor agonist and stimulates growth hormone release.
Is Ipamorelin FDA approved?
No. FDA says ipamorelin and ipamorelin acetate are not components of any FDA-approved drug.
What is Ipamorelin used for?
It has been studied in areas such as growth hormone deficiency and postoperative ileus, but the evidence base is limited and those are not approved wellness indications.
Is Ipamorelin safe?
Safety is not fully established, especially for compounded injectable use. FDA has flagged risks including immunogenicity, peptide impurities, and adverse events reported in clinical study settings.
Is Ipamorelin banned in sports?
Yes. WADA lists ipamorelin among prohibited growth hormone secretagogues and mimetics.
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Educational content only. This material is not medical advice. Verify legality, sourcing, and dosing with a qualified professional.