Ipamorelin · DOSSIER

Ipamorelin

NNC 26-0161 · IPAM · Peptide · 5 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · EARLY CLINICAL STUDIES3 STUDIESWADA · S2
SUMMARY

Prompts the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone.

FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ · ~711.9 Da
EVIDENCE LEVELSPROVEN IN HUMANSANIMAL MODELS ONLYMECHANISM ONLYUNPROVEN IN HUMANS
01

What it does in the body

Findings, each with its evidence level — animal data kept visibly apart from what's unproven in humans.

Triggers GH release

Prompts the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone.

MECHANISM ONLY
Less cortisol than older GHRPs

In animal studies it raises the stress hormone cortisol less than older agents — unconfirmed in humans.

ANIMAL MODELS ONLY
No approved use

Development was halted — there's no approval or large human trials for any use.

UNPROVEN IN HUMANS
02

Mechanism of action

What Ipamorelin does in the body — step by step.

01

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).

02

By binding to this receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus, it stimulates the pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH).

03

Compared with other GHRP compounds (e.g. GHRP-6), ipamorelin shows lower stimulation of ACTH and cortisol in preclinical studies, which has been regarded as a potential selectivity advantage — clinical confirmation is pending.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
Ipamorelin has been investigated in preclinical studies for its GH-secretagogue properties and in early clinical studies for tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters.
Ipamorelin has been investigated in preclinical studies for its GH-secretagogue properties and in early clinical studies for tolerability and pharmacokinetic parameters.
Novo Nordisk developed ipamorelin into the clinical phase but discontinued the programme.
Subsequent academic and commercial studies remained at an early stage.
No Phase III data or market approval exist for any indication.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
GH overstimulation with sustained use (insulin resistance, increased IGF-1)
02
Headache and flushing reactions (described in early clinical studies)
03
Unknown long-term safety — no completed clinical programme
04
Theoretical cancer risk from chronically elevated IGF-1 levels
05
Legal risk: possession may be punishable under ADBG/DmMV
06
Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

1998
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
PubMed 9849822 →
1999
Growth hormone-releasing effects of ipamorelin in man
PubMed 10373349 →
1999
Selectivity of ipamorelin for growth hormone secretion without stimulating prolactin or ACTH
PubMed 9849822 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is Ipamorelin?+

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).

What type of peptide is Ipamorelin?+

Ipamorelin belongs to the GHRP class.

What is Ipamorelin used for?+

In research, Ipamorelin has primarily been investigated in the context of: Muscle growth, Anti-aging. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is Ipamorelin legal in Germany?+

Ipamorelin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic. It is additionally relevant under the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV).

Is Ipamorelin FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is Ipamorelin legal in Canada?+

No. Ipamorelin is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy Ipamorelin?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Ipamorelin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of Ipamorelin?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for Ipamorelin; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is Ipamorelin banned in sport (WADA)?+

Yes. Ipamorelin is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of Ipamorelin?+

Documented risks include: GH overstimulation with sustained use (insulin resistance, increased IGF-1); Headache and flushing reactions (described in early clinical studies). This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Ipamorelin?+

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Ipamorelin?+

Ipamorelin has a molar mass of about 711.9 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~2 hours.

Which peptides are related to Ipamorelin?+

Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Tesamorelin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

As a GHRP, ipamorelin is on the WADA Prohibited List (S2) and falls under the German Anti-Doping Act (ADBG). It is covered as a relevant substance class in the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV). Possession of more than a minor quantity may be punishable under § 4 ADBG. No EU approval. Classified as not to be obtained.

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂NAib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NHCOOH
5
AMINO ACIDS
~711.9
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
~2 hours
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
08

Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01