Ipamorelin is the most selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) available, a synthetic pentapeptide (MW ~711.86 g/mol, formula C38H49N9O5) that stimulates pulsatile GH release from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. It is widely regarded as the mildest GHS, making it popular in anti-aging, body composition, and recovery contexts. However, research on ipamorelin is limited, and it is not FDA-approved for any indication.
54 vendors tracked by PeptideAtlas list Ipamorelin, priced from $19.54 to $160. The lowest price per milligram is $2.10/mg at PureRx Peptides (10mg). 3 independent Janoshik purity tests cover Ipamorelin across 3 vendors. Results range from 99.8% to 99.9%.
Category: Growth Hormone Secretagogue. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Research-only / Not approved for human use
Ipamorelin (sequence: Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) selectively binds to the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, increasing cAMP and activating protein kinase A to promote pulsatile GH secretion. Its structural specificity means it fits only the…
Research base: 1 registered clinical trial and 6 indexed publications reference Ipamorelin.
Safety considerations: Widely regarded as the mildest GHS available; minimal side effects in published animal and human studies; Common: injection site reactions (redness, swelling, bruising) in 15-30% of users, resolving within 24-48 hours; Common: mild temporary "head rush" or flushing immediately after injection due to sudden vasodilation.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~711.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 170851-70-4 |
| Half-life | ~2 hours |
| Bioavailability | High SC bioavailability |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | Prohibited in sport (WADA) |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Research chemical only. WADA-banned (S2 growth factor). |
| Vendor | Size | Price | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureRx Peptides | 10mg | $21.00 | $2.10/mg |
| Archer Peptides | 10MG | $28.00 | $2.80/mg |
| All Peptides USA | 10mg | $29.00 | $2.90/mg |
| Petratide Science | 10mg | $34.95 | $3.50/mg |
| Evolve BioPep | 10mg | $40.00 | $4.00/mg |
| Peak Peptides | 10mg | $40.00 | $4.00/mg |
| Great Lakes Peptides | 5mg | $21.00 | $4.20/mg |
| Ameano Peptides | 10mg | $44.00 | $4.40/mg |
| Peptide Labs | 10mg | $49.99 | $5.00/mg |
| Orbitrex Peptides | 10mg | $49.99 | $5.00/mg |
| PureGenix Peptides | 10mg | $50.00 | $5.00/mg |
| Kitsune Compounds | 5mg | $25.00 | $5.00/mg |
| Astra Peptides | 10MG | $54.99 | $5.50/mg |
| Optimun Compounds | 10mg | $55.00 | $5.50/mg |
| Particle Peptides | 5mg | $27.68 | $5.54/mg |
| Atomix Research | 5mg | $29.95 | $5.99/mg |
| Arcane Peptides | 5mg | $30.00 | $6.00/mg |
| Pepix Labs | 10MG | $65.00 | $6.50/mg |
| Lucky Link Peptides | 10MG | $65.00 | $6.50/mg |
| Alpha Grade Peptides | 10mg | $65.00 | $6.50/mg |
| Great Northern Peptides | 10mg | $65.00 | $6.50/mg |
| The Peptide Labs | 10MG | $65.00 | $6.50/mg |
| AminoVault | 10mg | $66.00 | $6.60/mg |
| Prime Lab Peptides | 10mg | $70.00 | $7.00/mg |
| Compound Purity | 10mg | $70.00 | $7.00/mg |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| HPR | 99.9% |
| Peptide Crafters | 99.9% |
| PACIFIC WAVE PEPTIDES | 99.8% |
Related peptides: CJC-1295, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin.
Compare: Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295.
Ipamorelin is the most selective GHS available. Its pentapeptide structure fits only the GH-releasing pocket of the ghrelin receptor, stimulating GH release without significantly increasing cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 hit the receptor more broadly, causing hunger, cortisol spikes, and prolactin elevation.
Ipamorelin is available as a research chemical but is not FDA-approved for human consumption. It is banned by WADA as an S2 growth factor, prohibited at all times in competitive sports.
The ghrelin receptor has different binding pockets. Ipamorelin fits only the GH-releasing pocket due to its precise molecular shape, not the appetite or ACTH/cortisol pockets. However, as a ghrelin mimetic, some users may experience mild appetite increase, which can be managed by adjusting dosing protocols.
Research subjects commonly receive 200-300 mcg per day (split into 2-3 SC doses) for 8-12 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout. Injections must be on an empty stomach (1.5+ hours after eating) to avoid blunting GH release. Common three-dose protocol: morning (fasted), post-workout, and 2 hours before bedtime.
Stacking ipamorelin with CJC-1295 No DAC is commonly discussed as they target complementary mechanisms (GHRH + GHS pathways), creating amplified GH pulses. This has not been studied in controlled human trials.
Vendors with independent lab tests for it: HPR.
Vendors stocking it: Direct Peptides UK, BioTech Peptides, SwissChems, LimitlessBioChem, Polar Peptides, Purity Peptides, Lux Synth Aminos, Panda Peptides, NUPEPS Peptides, Eternal Peptides, Amino Lair, Reta-Peptide, Zztai Peptide, Huatai Peptide, Evolve BioPep, Nexaph, Wolverine Peptides, Pepix Labs, Peptide Origin, All Peptides USA, Sigma Peptides, Biomax Research, NovaPeptide, Ultima Pharmaceuticals, Ameano Peptides, Mei Peptide, Fusion Peptides, Prime Lab Peptides, Flycn Peptide, Pacific Peptide, Onyx Research, Compound Sciences, Triantex, Wholesale Peptide, BleauGenics, Compound Purity, Purus Peptides, Peplogix Peptides, Petratide Science, Modern Peptides.
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