Ipamorelin: Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue Research Guide (2026)
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Introduction (research-only scope)
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor and was described in 1998 as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. It is one of the most studied compounds in the secretagogue class and a standard tool in endocrine receptor pharmacology. This guide covers the mechanism, the published evidence and how to verify research-grade material.
Research use only. The material described here is a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research by qualified professionals. It is not a medicine, supplement, cosmetic ingredient or veterinary product, is not for human or animal use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim of effect in any person.
What is Ipamorelin?
The sequence is Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (molecular mass 711.80, CAS 170851-70-4). It was developed at Novo Nordisk and characterised by Raun and colleagues in the European Journal of Endocrinology in 1998. Peptra Labs supplies it as a lyophilised research reagent, 5 mg per vial.
How the reported mechanism works
Ghrelin receptor agonism
Ipamorelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor GHS-R1a, the same receptor as endogenous ghrelin, and in the original characterisation released growth hormone in animal models with a potency comparable to GHRP-6.
What “selective” means here
The 1998 paper reported that, unlike earlier secretagogues, ipamorelin did not markedly elevate ACTH or cortisol at doses that released growth hormone in the models tested. That selectivity profile is the reason it became a reference tool, and it is a statement about the animal pharmacology, not a claim about people.
Different receptor from GHRH analogues
CJC-1295 and tesamorelin act on the GHRH receptor, a separate pathway; the two classes are often confused. The comparison is set out in Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295.
What the published evidence covers
The evidence base is preclinical and early clinical: the 1998 characterisation in rats and swine, and a 2009 rodent study of postoperative ileus in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Clinical development for that indication did not lead to an approved product, and no marketing authorisation for ipamorelin exists anywhere. For laboratory work it remains useful precisely because its receptor pharmacology is unusually well characterised.
How to verify a Ipamorelin research peptide is real and pure
Two tests answer two different questions: mass spectrometry confirms identity (expected molecular mass 711.80), HPLC quantifies purity. Our specification is at least 98%. The published report for batch QYA014 reported 99.7% purity and can be checked on the testing laboratory’s own platform: third-party verification. Match the batch number printed on your vial against the lab reports archive rather than relying on a certificate image; what a valid certificate must contain is explained in how to read a certificate of analysis.
Storage and reconstitution
Store the lyophilised material sealed, dry and protected from light at 2 to 8 °C for routine laboratory use, colder for long-term archiving. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and use within the window your protocol defines; repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade peptides. General handling for all our reagents is in the peptide storage protocol.
Regulatory status
Ipamorelin is not an authorised medicine in the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States. Unlike most compounds in this catalog it is named on the WADA Prohibited List (section S2, growth hormone secretagogues and ghrelin mimetics), prohibited at all times, so material must not be used in the context of sport in any form; the live list is the binding reference. Research-grade material supplied here is not a medicine and is for in-vitro laboratory use only. The wider framework, including anti-doping status, is described in the peptide risk profile.
Why labs choose our Ipamorelin
Batch-numbered vials, published reports where a batch has been tested, shipping from an EU warehouse with tracking (no customs inside the EU) and prices shown with VAT included. Product page: Ipamorelin 5 mg. Country-by-country sourcing questions are covered in the buyer guide Buy Ipamorelin in Europe.
References
- Raun K et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998. PubMed 9849822
- Venkova K et al. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009. PubMed 19289567