Ipamorelin

Overview

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH_2) and a highly selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). It acts as a potent agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), mimicking the role of ghrelin in stimulating the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone.

In the landscape of growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs), Ipamorelin is distinguished by its extreme functional selectivity. Unlike earlier compounds like GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, Ipamorelin is studied for its ability to stimulate GH secretion without causing a significant rise in cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone levels. This makes it an essential tool for researchers seeking to investigate the growth hormone axis without the interference of broader endocrine activation or the appetite-stimulating effects typically associated with ghrelin mimetics.

Key Research Applications

Ipamorelin is a primary subject of interest for studying pituitary somatotroph signaling and the GH/IGF-1 axis:

• GH Secretion Dynamics: Investigating the mechanisms of pulsatile growth hormone release and receptor-mediated signaling.
• Synergistic Protocols: Frequently studied in combination (stacked) with GHRH analogues like CJC-1295 to observe amplified GH release while maintaining natural physiological pulsatility.
• Metabolic and Body Composition Research: Modeling the effects of GH secretagogues on bone density, muscle preservation, and fat metabolism.
• Sleep Architecture: Researching the influence of the growth hormone axis on deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) patterns.
• Comparative Pharmacology: Serving as a selective reference compound in studies comparing various GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin).

Additional Details

• Synonyms: Ipamorelin Acetate, NNC 26-0161
• Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH_2

Handling & Reconstitution

To ensure the analytical reliability of this selective pentapeptide:

• Reconstitution: Use sterile water or an appropriate buffered aqueous solution.
• Technique: Gently swirl the vial until the lyophilized solid is completely dissolved. Avoid vigorous agitation or shaking, as this can lead to peptide degradation.
• Storage: Post-reconstitution, the solution should be kept refrigerated at 2–8°C. For extended periods, aliquot the solution and store at –20°C to minimize the impact of repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Important Safety Information

For Research Use Only. This product is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue intended strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research applications. It is not for human or veterinary consumption, nor is it intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications. All procedures must be conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate laboratory safety protocols and research-grade quality controls.

References

• Raun K., Hansen B.S., Johansen N.L., Thøgersen H., Madsen K., Ankersen M., Andersen P.H. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998; 139(5): 552–561. PMID: 9849822. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9849822/
• Sinha D.K., Balasubramanian A., Tatem A.J., 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. PMID: 32257855. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32257855/
• Johansen P.B., 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. PMID: 10373343. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10373343/