Ipamorelin is a synthetic growth-hormone secretagogue that acts primarily as an agonist of the ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor. It was developed to stimulate endogenous growth-hormone release and has been investigated in areas including growth-hormone physiology and gastrointestinal motility. Unlike recombinant growth hormone, ipamorelin does not directly supply growth hormone; instead, it promotes its release from the pituitary.
Key Points
Drug class: Growth-hormone secretagogue
Primary target: Ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor
Main action: Stimulates endogenous growth-hormone secretion.
Research areas: Growth-hormone regulation, gastrointestinal motility, postoperative ileus, and metabolic research.
Selectivity: Early research suggested relatively selective stimulation of GH compared with some older growth-hormone secretagogues.
Clinical status: Investigational; ipamorelin is not an FDA-approved therapeutic drug.
Administration studied: Research has included intravenous and other experimental routes.
Potential adverse effects: Because it stimulates the GH/IGF-1 axis, effects may include headache, fluid retention, changes in glucose metabolism, and other hormone-related effects.
Evidence: Much of the evidence comes from experimental and early clinical research; claims regarding muscle growth, fat loss, anti-aging, or athletic recovery are not established medical indications.
Regulatory consideration: Unapproved compounded peptide products may have additional concerns regarding purity, potency, sterility, and immunogenicity.
Specifications
Generic name: Ipamorelin
Development code:NNC-26-0161
Peptide length:5 amino acids
Sequence:Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
Molecular formula:C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular weight: Approximately 711.85 g/mol (free base).
CAS number:170851-70-4
PubChem CID:9831659
Chemical type: Synthetic pentapeptide
Common salt form: Ipamorelin acetate; PubChem lists the acetate form at approximately 771.9 g/mol.
Pharmacological target: GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor
Approved indication: None
Approved therapeutic dose: None established
Important: Ipamorelin remains an investigational peptide, and there is insufficient evidence to establish it as a safe or effective treatment for bodybuilding, weight loss, anti-aging, or general wellness.
