Ipamorelin
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Research Use Only
These products are for laboratory research only and not intended for medical use. They are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. By purchasing, you certify they will be used solely for research and not for human or animal consumption.
Research Summary
21 PubMed CitationsResearch Overview Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂, developed by Novo Nordisk in the mid-1990s by systematic modification of GHRP-1. It acts as a highly selective agonist of the GHS-R1a receptor (ghrelin receptor), stimulating potent, pulsatile growth hormone release without affecting ACTH, cortisol, FSH, LH, TSH, or prolactin — even at 200× the effective dose.[1][2] Ipamorelin research spans 8+ indication categories including selective GH secretion, postoperative ileus, bone growth, body composition, insulin secretion, pain modulation, and cancer cachexia. A Phase II clinical trial for POI (n=114, NCT00672074) failed to reach statistical significance, and clinical development was discontinued.[6][4] Key distinguishing features include: (1) first selective GHS with GHRH-like specificity, (2) no somatotroph desensitization upon chronic administration, (3) linear pharmacokinetics in humans (T½ ~2h), and (4) GH-independent adipogenic effects.[1][9]
Ipamorelin — Research Data at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PubMed Citations Referenced | 21 |
| Contributing Researchers | 3 |
| Storage Conditions | Lyophilized: -18°C to -20°C (stable several years); Reconstituted: 4°C (2-3 weeks); protect from light. |
| Purity Standard | ≥99% (HPLC verified, 3rd-party COA) |
| Research Use Only | Not for human consumption. RUO only. |
Compare Ipamorelin with Other Peptides
Overview
Research Overview
Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂, developed by Novo Nordisk in the mid-1990s by systematic modification of GHRP-1. It acts as a highly selective agonist of the GHS-R1a receptor (ghrelin receptor), stimulating potent, pulsatile growth hormone release without affecting ACTH, cortisol, FSH, LH, TSH, or prolactin — even at 200× the effective dose.[1][2]
Ipamorelin research spans 8+ indication categories including selective GH secretion, postoperative ileus, bone growth, body composition, insulin secretion, pain modulation, and cancer cachexia. A Phase II clinical trial for POI (n=114, NCT00672074) failed to reach statistical significance, and clinical development was discontinued.[6][4]
Key distinguishing features include: (1) first selective GHS with GHRH-like specificity, (2) no somatotroph desensitization upon chronic administration, (3) linear pharmacokinetics in humans (T½ ~2h), and (4) GH-independent adipogenic effects.[1][9]
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin activates the GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotroph cells with an in vitro EC₅₀ of 1.3 ± 0.4 nmol/L and in vivo ED₅₀ of 2.3 nmol/kg (swine). Binding triggers phospholipase C (PLC) activation via Gα₁₁/q → IP3 → intracellular Ca²⁺ release → GH vesicle exocytosis — a pathway distinct from GHRH's cAMP signaling.[1][2]
Receptor & Signaling Profile
| Target | Action | Downstream Effect |
|---|---|---|
| GHS-R1a (Ghrelin Receptor) | Selective agonist | PLC → IP3 → Ca²⁺ → GH vesicle exocytosis |
| cAMP (Synergistic) | Enhances pre-stimulated adenylyl cyclase | Synergistic GH release when combined with GHRH |
| Enteric Cholinergic Neurons | Activates excitatory neurons (atropine/TTX-sensitive) | Accelerates gastric motility and emptying |
Ipamorelin's selectivity is exceptional: it does NOT stimulate ACTH, cortisol, FSH, LH, prolactin, or TSH — even at doses 200× the ED₅₀. Additionally, chronic administration does not desensitize somatotrophs, unlike GHRH which induces homologous down-regulation.[1][7]
In humans, Ipamorelin exhibits linear pharmacokinetics with a T½ of ~2 hours, SC₅₀ of 214 nmol/L, and triggers a single episodic GH burst peaking at 0.67 hours post-administration.[2]
vs. Related Compounds
| Feature | Ipamorelin | GHRP-6 / GHRP-2 | GHRH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selectivity | HIGH — GH only | LOW — GH + ACTH + cortisol + prolactin | Selective for GH |
| Desensitization | NO | Partial | YES (homologous) |
| Primary Signaling | PLC / Ca²⁺ | PLC / Ca²⁺ | cAMP |
| Half-Life (Human) | ~2 hours | Shorter (5× faster clearance) | Minutes |
Research Applications
Research Applications
Ipamorelin research spans 8+ indication categories across GH physiology, GI motility, musculoskeletal biology, and pain:
- Selective GH Secretion — Pulsatile GH release without ACTH/cortisol effects; potency comparable to GHRP-6 but with GHRH-like selectivity.[1]
- Postoperative Ileus (POI) — Accelerates gastric emptying via GHS-R1a on cholinergic neurons; reduces stomach retention to <25% (vs 78% vehicle). Phase II trial failed (p=0.15).[4][6]
- Bone Growth & Metabolism — Dose-dependent longitudinal bone growth (42→52 µm/day, p<0.0001); increased tibial/vertebral BMC in adult rats.[3][8]
- Glucocorticoid-Induced Catabolism — Counteracts GC-induced decreases: periosteal bone formation rate increased 4-fold; increased maximum tetanic muscle tension.[12]
- Body Composition & Adiposity — GH-independent adipogenic effects; increases food intake and serum leptin in both GH-deficient and GH-intact mice.[9]
- Insulin Secretion — Stimulates insulin release via calcium channels and adrenergic receptor pathways in normal and diabetic pancreatic tissue.[10]
- Pain Modulation / Nociception — Attenuates visceral and somatic nociception via peripheral ghrelin receptors; dose-dependent reduction in visceromotor response.[17]
- Cancer Cachexia / Emesis — Inhibits cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets; confirmed efficacy in non-rodent wasting model.[14]
Biochemical Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 711.85 Da |
| CAS Number | 170851-70-4 |
| PubChem CID | 9831659 |
| Sequence (1-Letter) | XHXFK (X = non-proteinogenic amino acids) |
| Sequence (3-Letter) | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ |
| Structure | Linear pentapeptide; contains Aib (α-methylalanine) and D-2-naphthylalanine; C-terminal amide |
| InChI Key | NEHWBYHLYZGBNO-BVEPWEIPSA-N |
| Origin | Synthetic — derived from GHRP-1 (Novo Nordisk) |
| Classification | Growth Hormone Secretagogue / Ghrelin Mimetic / Research Peptide |
| Plasma Half-Life | ~2 hours (human); ~30–60 min (rat) |
Identifiers
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Preclinical Research Summary
Preclinical Research Summary
Key Preclinical Studies
| Study | Model | Key Findings | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raun et al. (1998) | Rats/Swine — IV bolus | ED₅₀ = 80 nmol/kg (rats), 2.3 nmol/kg (swine); NO ACTH/cortisol even at >200× ED₅₀; first selective GHS | [1] |
| Johansen et al. (1999) | Adult female rats — 18–450 µg/day SC × 15d | Longitudinal bone growth 42→52 µm/day (p<0.0001); dose-dependent | [3] |
| Andersen et al. (2001) | Rats — GC-induced catabolism — 100 µg/kg SC TID × 3mo | Periosteal bone formation rate increased 4-fold; increased maximum tetanic muscle tension | [12] |
| Venkova et al. (2009) | Rats with POI — 0.014–1.0 mg/kg IV | Gastric retention reduced to <25% (vs 78% vehicle, p<0.05); accelerated colonic transit | [4] |
| Svensson et al. (2000) | Female rats — 0.5 mg/kg/day SC × 12 wk | Increased tibial and vertebral BMC; bone dimensions increased (not density) | [8] |
| Jiménez-Reina et al. (2002) | Female Wistar rats — 100 µg/kg SC × 21d | 67% increase in basal GH release; NO somatotroph desensitization; significant weight gain | [7] |
| Lall et al. (2001) | GH-deficient (lit/lit) mice — 250 µg/kg SC BID × 2–9 wk | Body weight +15–17%; increased adiposity via GH-independent mechanism | [9] |
| Adeghate & Ponery (2004) | Normal/diabetic rat tissue — 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁶ M in vitro | Significant insulin release (p<0.04); via calcium channels and adrenergic pathways | [10] |
| Mohammadi et al. (2020) | Rat visceral hypersensitivity — 0.01–1.0 mg/kg IV | Dose-dependent reduction in visceromotor response; blocked by ghrelin receptor antagonist | [17] |
| Lu et al. (2024) | Ferrets — cisplatin-induced wasting | Inhibited cisplatin-induced weight loss; confirmed non-rodent cachexia model | [14] |
Clinical Trials
| Trial | Population | Intervention | Key Results | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I PK/PD | n=48 healthy males | 5 dose levels (4.21–140.45 nmol/kg IV × 15 min) | Linear kinetics; T½ ~2h; SC₅₀ = 214 nmol/L; episodic GH burst peaking at 0.67h; no adverse events | [2] |
| Phase II POI (NCT00672074) | n=114 bowel resection patients | 0.03 mg/kg IV BID × 7 days | Median meal tolerance: 25.3h vs 32.6h placebo — NOT significant (p=0.15); hypokalemia 12.5%, hyperglycemia 14.3%; 2 fatal SAEs in treatment group; TRIAL FAILED | [6] |
Safety Summary
| Parameter | Finding |
|---|---|
| Selectivity | No ACTH, cortisol, FSH, LH, PRL, or TSH stimulation — even at 200× ED₅₀ |
| Phase I (n=48) | No adverse events in healthy volunteers |
| Phase II (n=114) | Hypokalemia 12.5% vs 3.4% placebo; insomnia 10.7% vs 5.2%; hyperglycemia 14.3% vs 8.6%; 2 fatal SAEs |
| Reproductive | Class-wide concern: ghrelin receptor agonists may negatively impact fertilization/embryofetal development (mouse models) |
| Drug Interactions | Reverses morphine-induced GI slowing; blocked by GHS receptor antagonists; not affected by GHRH antagonists |
| Pharmacokinetics | Intranasal ~20% bioavailability; oral <1%; 60–80% excreted unchanged in urine |
The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
For Laboratory Research Only. Not for human use, medical use, diagnostic use, or veterinary use.
ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
Authors & Attribution
✍️ Article Author
Kirsten Raun
Kirsten Raun is a researcher at Novo Nordisk (Health Care Discovery, Department of GH Biology). Raun was the lead researcher in the original characterization of Ipamorelin, identifying it as the first growth hormone secretagogue with high selectivity for GH release without significantly stimulating ACTH or cortisol — distinguishing it from all earlier GHS compounds including GHRP-6 and GHRP-2. Her foundational 1998 paper 'Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue' in the European Journal of Endocrinology established the compound's pharmacological uniqueness. She also co-authored 'Highly Potent Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Hybrids of NN703 and Ipamorelin' (2001). Kirsten Raun is referenced as a leading scientist in Ipamorelin research. In no way is this scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Pure US Peptide and this scientist.
View Full Researcher Profile →🎓 Scientific Journal Author
Dr. Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld, Ph.D.
Dr. Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld is a Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience; Department of Physiology) and VA Medical Center. She conducted extensive research on the gastrointestinal applications of Ipamorelin, focusing on its efficacy as a ghrelin mimetic to treat gastric dysmotility and postoperative ileus (POI). Her work demonstrated that Ipamorelin accelerates gastric emptying via a mechanism involving cholinergic excitatory neurons (atropine- and TTX-sensitive). Key publications include 'Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus' (JPET, 2009) and 'Efficacy of ipamorelin on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus' (J Exp Pharmacol, 2012). Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld is referenced as a leading scientist in Ipamorelin research. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Pure US Peptide and this doctor.
View Full Researcher Profile →Dr. Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld, Ph.D. is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Ipamorelin. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Pure US Peptide and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide.
🔬 Contributing Researcher
Peter B. Johansen
Peter B. Johansen is a researcher at Novo Nordisk (Department of Pharmacological Research). Johansen's research focused on the pharmacokinetics of Ipamorelin, specifically evaluating its bioavailability through different administration routes — intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal (~20% bioavailability), and oral (<1%). He demonstrated that Ipamorelin induces dose-dependent longitudinal bone growth in adult rats (42→52 µm/day, p<0.0001 over 15 days of treatment). Key publications include 'Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ipamorelin and other peptidyl growth hormone secretagogues with emphasis on nasal absorption' (Xenobiotica, 1998) and 'Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats' (Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 1999). Peter B. Johansen is referenced as a leading scientist in Ipamorelin research. In no way is this scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Pure US Peptide and this scientist.
View Full Researcher Profile →Peter B. Johansen is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Ipamorelin. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Pure US Peptide and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide.
Referenced Citations
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology. 1998;139(5):552-561.
DOIGobburu JVS, Agersø H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharmaceutical Research. 1999;16(9):1412-1416.
PubMedJohansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 1999;9(2):106-113.
DOIVenkova K, Mann W, Nelson R, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. JPET. 2009;329(3):1110-1116.
DOIGreenwood-Van Meerveld B, Tyler K, Mohammadi E, Pietra C. Efficacy of ipamorelin on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. Journal of Experimental Pharmacology. 2012;4:149-155.
DOIBeck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014;29(12):1527-1534.
DOIJiménez-Reina L, Cañete R, de la Torre MJ, Bernal G. Chronic in vivo Ipamorelin treatment stimulates body weight gain and growth hormone release in vitro in young female rats. European Journal of Anatomy. 2002;6(1):37-45.
PubMedSvensson J, Lall S, Dickson SL, Jansson JO. The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats. Journal of Endocrinology. 2000;165:569-577.
PubMedLall S, Tung LY, Ohlsson C, Jansson JO, Dickson SL. Growth hormone (GH)-independent stimulation of adiposity by GH secretagogues. BBRC. 2001;280(1):132-138.
DOIAdeghate E, Ponery AS. Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats. Neuro Endocrinology Letters. 2004;25(6):403-406.
PubMedJohansen PB, Hansen KT, Andersen JV, Johansen NL. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ipamorelin with emphasis on nasal absorption. Xenobiotica. 1998;28(11):1083-1092.
DOIAndersen NB, Malmlöf K, Johansen PB, Oxlund H. The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 2001;11(5):266-272.
PubMedHansen TK, Ankersen M, Raun K, Hansen BS. Highly Potent Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Hybrids of NN703 and Ipamorelin. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 2001;11(14):1915-1918.
PubMedLu Z, Ngan MP, Liu JYH, Rudd JA. The GHS-R1a agonists anamorelin and ipamorelin inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets. Physiology & Behavior. 2024.
PubMedSinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, et al. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Translational Andrology and Urology. 2020;9(Suppl 2):S149-S159.
DOIThøgersen H, Johansen NL, Lau J, et al. A New Series of Highly Potent Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides Derived from Ipamorelin. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 1998;41.
PubMedMohammadi E, Bhatt V, Bhatt AB, Pietra C, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Ipamorelin attenuates visceral and somatic nociception through peripheral ghrelin receptor mechanisms. 2020.
PubMedU.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Evaluation of Ipamorelin-Related Bulk Drug Substances. FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. 2024.
FDA.govWorld Anti-Doping Agency. WADA Prohibited List — S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics. 2024.
WADAPolvino WJ. Methods of treatment using a ghrelin receptor agonist. US Patent 8,039,456 B2.
SourceThøger Nielsen K, et al. Validated screening method for GH-releasing peptides using UHPLC-HRMS on dried blood spots. Drug Testing and Analysis. 2021.
PubMedRUO Disclaimer
For Research Use Only (RUO). This product is intended solely for in-vitro research and laboratory experimentation. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or medical device and has not been approved by the FDA for any human or veterinary use. It must not be used for therapeutic, diagnostic, or any other non-research purpose. Pure US Peptide does not condone or encourage the use of this product for anything other than strictly defined research applications. Users assume full responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Every batch is strictly tested by accredited third-party laboratories (ISO 17025) to ensure 99%+ purity.
Latest Lab Report
Storage & Handling
Summary
Lyophilized: -18°C to -20°C (stable several years); Reconstituted: 4°C (2-3 weeks); protect from light.
Lyophilized Powder
Store desiccated at -18°C to -20°C, stable for several years. Stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Protect from light and moisture.
Reconstituted Solution
Store at 4°C; stable for approximately 2-3 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Solubility
Free base: 0.0032 mg/mL (water) — use acetate salt for aqueous preparations (5 mg/mL water). Low oral bioavailability (<1%); intranasal ~20%.
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