Ipamorelin
Also known as: IPA · Ipam
Contents
MW
711.85 Da
Amino Acids
5 AA
Half-Life
2 hours
Route
SubQ
CAS
170851-70-4
Formula
C38H49N9O5
Amino Acid Sequence
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and the most selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) discovered. It is a ghrelin mimetic that activates the same receptor as ghrelin but with greatly improved selectivity for GH release only.
PRIMARY MECHANISM — GHS-R1a ACTIVATION: Binds GHS-R1a on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. GHS-R1a is Gq-coupled → phospholipase C → IP3/DAG → intracellular calcium release → calcium-dependent exocytosis of GH granules. This is a completely different second-messenger pathway than GHRH/CJC-1295 (cAMP/PKA) — the two pathways converge on GH secretion from different angles.
SOMATOSTATIN SUPPRESSION ("REMOVING THE BRAKE"): Ipamorelin simultaneously suppresses somatostatin release from the hypothalamus. While CJC-1295 activates the GH "accelerator," ipamorelin removes the "brake." This dual action explains the 2–4x synergy.
CRITICAL SELECTIVITY: Raun et al. 1998 (PMID 9349622) showed ipamorelin produces robust GH release with NO significant elevation of cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH — unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. The selectivity comes from ipamorelin's unique binding conformation at GHS-R1a.
HUNGER: Unlike GHRP-6, ipamorelin produces only mild transient hunger that resolves within 30 minutes.
DOWNSTREAM: GH pulse → liver IGF-1 (1.5–3x elevation) → satellite cell activation, lipolysis, collagen synthesis, slow-wave sleep enhancement.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
Once nightly pre-sleep.
Half-Life
2 hours
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
WADA PROHIBITED.
IGF-1 monitoring every 8 weeks.
Cancer absolute contraindication.
Fasting required — carbs within 2hr blunt response.
Carpal tunnel = dose too high.
Receptor desensitization after 3–4 months — cycle off.
Do not confuse with GHRP-2/GHRP-6 (different side effect profiles).
Contraindications
Absolute
Active cancer
Pregnancy
Active pituitary tumor
Relative Cautions
Diabetes
History of cancer
Obesity
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Mild hunger increase
- ●Water retention
- ●Injection site reaction
Moderate
- ●Headache
- ●Lightheadedness
- ●Tingling extremities
Severe (Rare)
- ●Potential tumor growth acceleration
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
CJC-1295
GHRP-2
Research Status
MODERATE. Raun 1998 (PMID 9349622): cleanest GHRP, no cortisol/prolactin vs GHRP-2/6. Gobburu 1999 (PMID 10545477): human PK/PD, 2-hour half-life, dose-response characterized. Post-bowel surgery tolerability confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ipamorelin work?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and the most selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) discovered. It is a ghrelin mimetic that activates the same receptor as ghrelin but with greatly improved selectivity for GH release only. PRIMARY MECHANISM — GHS-R1a ACTIVATION: Binds GHS-R1a on anterior pituitary somatotrophs. GHS-R1a is Gq-coupled → phospholipase C → IP3/DAG → intracellular calcium release → calcium-dependent exocytosis of GH granules. This is a completely different second-m
What is the standard dose of Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Once nightly pre-sleep.
What is the half-life of Ipamorelin?
The half-life of Ipamorelin is 2 hours. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is absolutely contraindicated in: Active cancer; Pregnancy; Active pituitary tumor. Use with caution in: Diabetes; History of cancer; Obesity.
What are the side effects of Ipamorelin?
Common mild side effects include: Mild hunger increase, Water retention, Injection site reaction. Moderate effects: Headache, Lightheadedness, Tingling extremities.
What peptides stack well with Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is commonly stacked with: CJC-1295, GHRP-2, Tesamorelin, Sermorelin.
How do you reconstitute Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
2 PubMed studies · 2 clinical trials
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.
Lu Zengbing, Ngan Man P, Liu Julia Y H, Yang Lingqing et al.. Physiology & behavior. 2024
This study investigated whether ghrelin mimetics, namely anamorelin and ipamorelin, can alleviate weight loss and inhibition of feeding observed during acute and delayed phases of cisplatin-induced em
Peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor.
Fowkes Milan M, Lalonde Tyler, Yu Lihai, Dhanvantari Savita et al.. European journal of medicinal chemistry. 2018
The ghrelin receptor is a seven-transmembrane (7-TM) receptor known to have an increased level of expression in human carcinoma and heart failure. Recent work has focused on the synthesis of positron
Registered Clinical Trials
Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin for Management of Post-Operative Ileus
Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin Compared to Placebo for the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function
Symptom Indications
Full Clinical Access
Complete Ipamorelin Protocol
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.