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growth · hormone

Ipamorelin

Also known as: NNC 26-0161, IPA
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Prohibited

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide (GHRP) — a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics ghrelin to stimulate growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary. What makes it exceptional among GHRPs is its selectivity: it stimulates robust GH release without significantly increasing cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone, unlike older secretagogues like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2. This clean pharmacological profile makes it the preferred GHRP for most practitioners. Developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s, ipamorelin was initially investigated for postoperative ileus (paralyzed bowel after surgery). While it did not achieve FDA approval for that indication, it became one of the most widely

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 711.85 Da
Half-life ~2 hours
CAS number —
Route Subcutaneous · Intravenous subcutaneous preferred
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Mechanism

Selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — stimulates pituitary GH release without significant cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone increase

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 200–300 mcg
FREQUENCY 1-3x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 8-12 weeks

Best dosed before bed for synergy with natural GH pulse during sleep. Inject on empty stomach.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets Animal study (ferret) 2024 Ipamorelin (1-3 mg/kg IP) inhibited cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets
Therapeutic peptides in orthopaedic injuries — CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin for IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair Narrative review 2026 CJC-1295 + ipamorelin activate IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair
A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review Critical review 2026 Ipamorelin identified as one of the most popular growth hormone secretagogues in sport
The GH secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats animal study 2001 Ipamorelin reversed glucocorticoid-induced bone loss in rats
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single doses of ipamorelin in healthy volunteers clinical trial 2004 Ipamorelin produced dose-dependent GH release in healthy humans
Ipamorelin for postoperative ileus: a phase 3 study RCT 2012 Ipamorelin accelerated GI recovery after abdominal surgery
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue animal study 1998 Ipamorelin selectively releases GH without affecting cortisol or prolactin
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Stacking & interactions

GHRH + GHRP synergy for amplified GH pulse

GH-enhanced systemic healing

GH elevation + targeted tissue repair

Stacks containing Ipamorelin

Anabolic Growth

CJC-1295 (w/ DAC) + Ipamorelin + IGF-1 LR3

Athletic Recovery

BPC-157 + TB-500 + CJC/Ipamorelin

Bone Density Builder

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin + GHK-Cu

GH-Boost Metabolic

CJC-1295 (w/ DAC) + Ipamorelin + AOD-9604

HPTA Reboot

Kisspeptin-10 + Gonadotropin + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Spartan

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin + IGF-1 LR3 + BPC-157

T-Boost & GH Sync

Kisspeptin-10 + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin + IGF-1 LR3 (low dose)

28-day resets featuring Ipamorelin

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Sourcing

Current prices

Updated today

5mg

10mg

Size unspecified

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
  • CMP
  • CBC
DURING CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
POST-CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. Category 2 (under evaluation for 503A compounding)
WADA STATUS Prohibited (S2 — peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances)

Regulatory status for Ipamorelin may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

References

  1. Lu Z, Ngan MP, Liu JYH, Yang L, Tu L, Chan SW, Giuliano C, Lovati E, Pietra C, Rudd JA. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets. Physiology & Behavior (2024). PMID: 39043357
  2. Various. Therapeutic peptides in orthopaedic injuries — CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin for IGF-1 signaling and satellite cell repair. Orthopaedic Review (2026). PMID: 41490200
  3. Coutinho LFD, DE Oliveira Neves LF, Camilo RP. A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (2026). PMID: 41880199
  4. Andersen, N.B., Johansen, P.B., Abrahamsen, N.. The GH secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats. Growth Hormone & IGF Research (2001). PMID: 11735244
  5. Gobburu, J.V., Agerso, H., Gjedde, S.B. et al.. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single doses of ipamorelin in healthy volunteers. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2004). PMID: 15521891
  6. Greenwood-Van Meerveld, B., Tyler, K., Mohammadi, E. et al.. Ipamorelin for postoperative ileus: a phase 3 study. Neurogastroenterology and Motility (2012). PMID: 22188419
  7. Raun, K., Hansen, B.S., Johansen, N.L. et al.. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology (1998). PMID: 9725779