Ipamorelin: The Selective Ghrelin-Receptor Agonist in GH Research
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue that selectively activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). It is studied for stimulating growth-hormone release with notably high selectivity compared with older secretagogues.
Everything below is provided for research context only. This is a laboratory research compound — not a medicine, and nothing here is medical or dosing advice.
What Is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin belongs to the growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) family but is prized in research for its selectivity: it stimulates GH with minimal effect on cortisol and prolactin in models, unlike some earlier GHRPs. CAS 170851-70-4.
How It Works in Research
- Ghrelin/GHS receptor: binds GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotrophs to trigger growth-hormone release.
- Selectivity: studied for releasing GH with little accompanying cortisol or prolactin response.
- Complementary pathway: acts on a different receptor than the GHRH analogs, which is why the two classes are often combined.
Where It Sits in Research
Ipamorelin (a ghrelin-receptor agonist) is classically paired with a GHRH analog like CJC-1295 — the two receptors work together on GH release. See CJC-1295 vs. Ipamorelin for the full comparison.
Handling in the Lab
- Ships as a lyophilized powder; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using aseptic technique.
- Store the sealed powder cold and dark (long-term at -4°F); once reconstituted keep refrigerated at 36–46°F and use within a short window.
- Minimize freeze-thaw cycles and vial punctures.
- Judge quality by the lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity, mass-spec identity), not the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue that selectively activates the ghrelin (GHS) receptor, studied for GH release. It is supplied for laboratory research use only.
How does ipamorelin work?
It binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary cells to trigger growth-hormone release, with high selectivity and minimal cortisol/prolactin effect in models. These are research findings, not medical claims.
Why is ipamorelin considered 'selective'?
Unlike some older growth-hormone-releasing peptides, ipamorelin stimulates GH with little accompanying rise in cortisol or prolactin in research models.
Why study ipamorelin with CJC-1295?
They act on different receptors — ipamorelin on the ghrelin/GHS receptor, CJC-1295 on the GHRH receptor — so they are studied as complementary GH-release pathways.
Is ipamorelin approved for human use?
No. It is a research compound for laboratory use only — not for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is medical advice.
References
Peer-reviewed research and recognized sources supporting the statements above, provided for research context only — not medical advice.
- Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. View source →
- Growth hormone secretagogues and the ghrelin receptor. PubMed. View source →
Research-grade Ipamorelin — third-party tested, certificate of analysis per lot, same-day US shipping.
Shop research-grade Ipamorelin →FOR LABORATORY AND RESEARCH USE ONLY. Golden State Bio supplies research-use-only chemicals for qualified researchers. Not for human or veterinary use; not evaluated by the FDA. Nothing here is medical advice.