Ipamorelin

PEPTIDES+ MEMBERS ONLY

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) used for stimulating growth hormone (GH) release. It is commonly employed in anti-aging protocols, athletic performance enhancement, muscle recovery, and treatment of GH deficiencies. Its high specificity makes it a preferred option for patients requiring targeted GH elevation without significant effects on other hormones.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

  • Subcutaneous injection

FORMULATIONS AND PRICING

FormulationPrice
10mg vial (2mg/mL x 5mL)$135

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

  • Administer 200–300 mcg subcutaneously 1–3 times daily. The dosing schedule may vary based on clinical goals, such as optimizing GH pulsatility for muscle repair, fat metabolism, or anti-aging benefits.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that selectively binds to ghrelin receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. By mimicking ghrelin, it triggers GH release while avoiding stimulation of prolactin or cortisol secretion, providing a clean and targeted effect. Ipamorelin’s mechanism enhances lipolysis, supports lean muscle growth, and promotes cellular repair without significant risk of overstimulation of the endocrine system.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

  • Injection Site: Local redness, swelling, or irritation.

  • Endocrine: Mild water retention, particularly during the initial phase of use.

  • Gastrointestinal: Rarely, users may experience increased hunger due to its interaction with ghrelin receptors.

  • Neurological: Fatigue or mild headaches, particularly when used at higher doses.

  • Severe Effects: Rarely, ipamorelin may lead to transient increases in blood pressure or insulin sensitivity changes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Absolute: Hypersensitivity to ipamorelin or excipients.

  • Relative: Caution in patients with active malignancies, as growth hormone stimulation could potentially accelerate tumor growth. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes should use ipamorelin with caution due to possible effects on glucose metabolism. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER HGH SUPPORT MEDICATIONS

  • Ipamorelin vs. CJC-1295: Ipamorelin provides highly specific GH stimulation with minimal effects on cortisol and prolactin levels, making it a gentler option for sensitive individuals. In contrast, CJC-1295 offers prolonged GH release due to its extended half-life, which requires less frequent dosing but carries a higher risk of side effects such as water retention.

  • Ipamorelin vs. Sermorelin: Sermorelin mimics natural GHRH and induces a more comprehensive pituitary response, which may result in a broader hormonal profile, including secondary increases in other hormones. Ipamorelin is more selective, focusing solely on GH without affecting other endocrine pathways.

  • Ipamorelin vs. Tesamorelin: Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral fat reduction, making it more effective for body composition changes related to fat loss. Ipamorelin, while capable of lipolysis, is better suited for muscle repair and general GH support.

  • Ipamorelin vs. Ibutamoren: Ibutamoren is an oral GH secretagogue, which avoids injections but stimulates appetite significantly due to ghrelin receptor activation. Ipamorelin, though injectable, provides a more controlled GH response and minimal hunger stimulation, making it better for individuals focused on maintaining body weight.

MORE INFORMATION

  • FDA Safety Data Sheet not available (experimental peptide therapy)

  • Sigalos J. The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018 [PubMed Link] 

  • Sinha DK. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Transl Androl Urol. 2020 [PubMed Link]

  • Smith RG. Development of growth hormone secretagogues. Endocr Rev. 2005 [PubMed Link]

  • Svensson J. Growth hormone secretagogues as therapeutic agents. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999 [PubMed Link]

  • Sigalos JT. Growth Hormone Secretagogue Treatment in Hypogonadal Men Raises Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels. Am J Mens Health. 2017 [PubMed Link]

  • Lu Z. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism. Physiol Behav. 2024 [PubMed Link]

  • Ferro P. Structure-activity relationship for peptídic growth hormone secretagogues. Drug Test Anal. 2017 [PubMed Link]

  • Thomas A. Metabolism of growth hormone releasing peptides. Anal Chem. 2012 [PubMed Link]

  • Peschke B. The influence of conformational restriction in the C-terminus of growth hormone secretagogues on their potency. Eur J Med Chem. 2002 [PubMed Link] 

  • Matsumoto M. Structural similarity of ghrelin derivatives to peptidyl growth hormone secretagogues. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2001 [PubMed Link]

  • Ahnfelt-Rønne I. Do growth hormone-releasing peptides act as ghrelin secretagogues?. Endocrine. 2001 [PubMed Link]

  • Lall S. Growth hormone (GH)-independent stimulation of adiposity by GH secretagogues. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2001 [PubMed Link] 

  • Gobburu JV. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharm Res. 1999 [PubMed Link]

  • Johansen PB. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ipamorelin and other peptidyl growth hormone secretagogues with emphasis on nasal absorption. Xenobiotica. 1998 [PubMed Link]

  • Raun K. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998 [PubMed Link]