Peptide Encyclopedia / Ipamorelin
EncyclopediaIpamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue that activates the ghrelin receptor to prompt a short pulse of GH release. Novo Nordisk developed it but never carried it to approval, so it sells as an unapproved research chemical and stays prohibited in sport. Below you'll find reported dosing, reconstitution, safety, and legal status. Educational only, not medical advice.
| Also known as | NNC 26-0161 |
| Half-life | 2 hours (short-acting |
| Regulatory status | NOT FDA-approved for any indication. |
NOT FDA-approved for any indication. Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue originally developed by Novo Nordisk; clinical development was not pursued to approval. It is sold only as an unapproved research chemical / compounded substance and is prohibited in sport. WADA classifies growth hormone secretagogues (including ipamorelin) under Prohibited List section S2.
Ipamorelin (Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a, the ghrelin receptor) on somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. Receptor activation triggers an intracellular calcium cascade that promotes release of stored growth hormone. In preclinical and early clinical testing it released GH dose-dependently with minimal effect on ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin, distinguishing it from less selective secretagogues. Pharmacokinetics (half-life Approximately 2 hours (short-acting), as characterized in early pharmacology studies; no verified definitive human PK label exists.): Ipamorelin is a short-acting peptide producing a discrete pulse of GH release rather than sustained elevation. As an unapproved agent, there is no FDA-reviewed pharmacokinetic labeling; published parameters derive from the original preclinical and early-phase characterization.
Evidence is limited and largely preclinical. The foundational study characterized ipamorelin as a selective GH secretagogue in rats and in vitro pituitary models, with limited early human exposure. There are no large, completed, peer-reviewed Phase 3 efficacy trials supporting marketed clinical use; claims around anti-aging, body composition, or recovery are not supported by robust human trial data. Reported use: Reported (not approved) community and compounding-clinic use describes subcutaneous injection, often dosed in microgram-to-milligram amounts one or more times daily, sometimes combined with a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295. These regimens are not derived from FDA labeling or controlled clinical trials, vary widely between sources, and are not validated, standardized, or prescriptive. Reported only.
Comprehensive human safety data are lacking because ipamorelin was never approved. Theoretical and class-based concerns for GH secretagogues include water retention, arthralgias, paresthesias, transient increases in blood glucose / reduced insulin sensitivity, and stimulation of IGF-1, which is of concern in individuals with active malignancy. Product purity and identity are unverified when obtained as a research chemical..
Active or suspected malignancy (theoretical concern via GH/IGF-1 stimulation; no verified clinical source), Pregnancy and lactation (not studied).
May potentiate other growth hormone secretagogues or GHRH analogs (additive GH release), No verified source found for specific drug-drug interaction data
Log every dose and injection site, get the reconstitution and units math automatically, follow your cycle, and record how you feel, then export a provider report. Ipamorelin tracker, free to start.
PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. Ipamorelin may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.
