# Ipamorelin

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- Published: 2026-08-28
- Author: Best Health IQ
- Summary: The most selective GHRP available, stimulating GH release with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation.
- Shopper link: https://www.besthealthiq.com/__fluid_affiliate_username__/posts/ipamorelin

\*\*Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161)\*\* · Hormone & GH · Moderate Evidence · Research Only The most selective GHRP available, stimulating GH release with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation. ### Competition Status Prohibited in competition. This compound is on the WADA Prohibited List (class \[S0 / S2.3 / S2\]), banned at all times, both in and out of competition. Athletes subject to WADA or USADA testing should not use it. ### Description Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide and one of the most selective growth hormone secretagogues ever developed. Discovered by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s, it was designed to maximize GH-releasing potency while minimizing off-target hormonal effects. Unlike earlier GHRPs such as GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at standard doses, making it the preferred GHRP for long-term use. It is almost universally combined with CJC-1295 No DAC (a GHRH analog) to produce synergistic GH pulses through complementary receptor systems. Ipamorelin has completed Phase II clinical trials for post-operative ileus and has an excellent safety profile in human studies. ### Key Characteristics - \*\*Molecular Formula:\*\* C38H49N9O5 - \*\*Molecular Weight:\*\* 711.85 Da - \*\*Half-Life:\*\* ~2 hours - \*\*Administration Routes:\*\* Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection - \*\*Typical Dose:\*\* 200–300 mcg - \*\*Frequency:\*\* 2–3x daily (or once before bed) - \*\*Cycle Length:\*\* 8–16 weeks, with 4-week breaks ### Investigated Benefits - Increased GH secretion - Improved body composition - Enhanced recovery and sleep quality - Improved skin elasticity - Minimal cortisol/prolactin elevation \\\* Benefits based on preclinical/animal research unless otherwise noted. ### Mechanism of Action Ipamorelin acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) — a Gq/11 protein-coupled receptor expressed on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. GHS-R1a activation triggers phospholipase C (PLC) signaling, generating IP3 and DAG, which increases intracellular calcium and stimulates GH exocytosis. Ipamorelin’s selectivity for GH release over cortisol and prolactin is due to its specific binding conformation at GHS-R1a, which activates GH-releasing pathways without triggering adrenocorticotropic or lactotropic signaling cascades. When combined with CJC-1295 No DAC (which acts on GHRHR via the cAMP/PKA pathway), the two peptides act on distinct intracellular signaling cascades that converge on GH secretion, producing a synergistic pulse 2–10 times greater than either agent alone. ### Dosing Protocol - \*\*Typical Dose:\*\* 200–300 mcg - \*\*Frequency:\*\* 2–3x daily (or once before bed) - \*\*Cycle Length:\*\* 8–16 weeks, with 4-week breaks - \*\*Administration:\*\* Subcutaneous injection \*\*Protocol Notes:\*\* Best administered on an empty stomach. Bedtime administration aligns with natural GH pulse. Commonly combined with CJC-1295 No DAC for synergistic GH release. ### Reconstitution Guide Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 2 mg vial → 1000 mcg/mL For 300 mcg dose: draw 0.3 mL (30 units on U-100 syringe) ### Storage Information Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 30 days. ### Quality & Sourcing Standards When sourcing Ipamorelin for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use. - \*\*Purity:\*\* \>98% (verified by HPLC) - \*\*Certificate of Analysis (COA):\*\* Must be provided by supplier - \*\*Endotoxin Testing:\*\* \<0.1 EU/mg (prevents bacterial contamination) - \*\*GMP Compliance:\*\* Manufactured in cGMP-certified facility - \*\*Third-Party Testing:\*\* Independent lab verification preferred ### Research Highlights 1. Demonstrated selective GH release without cortisol elevation 2. Shown to increase bone mineral density in animal models 3. Phase II clinical trials completed for post-operative ileus ### Evidence Level \*\*Moderate Evidence\*\* — Multiple animal studies and/or early human trials. Reasonable confidence in mechanism, but human data is limited. ### FDA Disclaimer The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.