Ipamorelin

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 that acts as a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a). It was developed from the GHRP family as a compound that stimulates GH release without the cortisol, prolactin or ACTH response seen with earlier secretagogues in animal models.

Ipamorelin is one of the most widely used secretagogues in research because of this selectivity. It has published preclinical literature covering pituitary GH release, bone and gastrointestinal models, and it has been evaluated in clinical studies of the compound class.

GenoPept supplies ipamorelin in the UK as a lyophilised research peptide in 2mg, 5mg and 10mg vials, with every batch verified by independent HPLC and LC-MS testing and supplied strictly for laboratory research.

Ipamorelin research applications

Selective GHSR agonism

Ipamorelin is used in receptor binding and functional assays as a selective GHSR-1a agonist, allowing GH-related signalling to be studied without confounding cortisol or prolactin effects.

GH pulsatility models

Animal and pituitary cell studies use ipamorelin to investigate the amplitude and timing of GH pulses, alone and combined with GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295.

Bone and skeletal research

Published preclinical research has investigated ipamorelin in rodent models of bone formation and mineral density in relation to GH signalling.

Gastrointestinal motility

Ipamorelin has been studied in models of post-operative ileus and gastric emptying, reflecting the role of ghrelin receptors in gut motility.

Comparative secretagogue pharmacology

Researchers use ipamorelin as the selective benchmark when comparing GHRP-2, GHRP-6 and hexarelin.

Mechanism of action (preclinical)

Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor GHSR-1a on pituitary somatotrophs and in the hypothalamus. Receptor activation signals through Gq, phospholipase C and intracellular calcium to trigger GH release, and hypothalamic action increases GHRH release while suppressing somatostatin.

What sets ipamorelin apart in preclinical models is its selectivity: it produces a GH pulse comparable to GHRP-6 at equivalent doses in animal studies but without a meaningful rise in ACTH, cortisol or prolactin. Combining ipamorelin with a GHRH analogue such as CJC-1295 produces a synergistic GH response because the two compounds act on different receptors.

Ipamorelin product specifications

Available sizes

• 2mg vial
• 5mg vial
• 10mg vial

Laboratories running larger studies can order bulk boxes of 10 vials, which save 20-50% against single-vial pricing; see the bulk and wholesale page. Orders over £200 ship free by tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK.

Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)

Ipamorelin is supplied as a lyophilised powder that is stable for long-term storage at -20 °C. Unopened vials may be kept at 2-8 °C for short periods, protected from light. Allow a vial to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation on the powder.

For reconstitution, add bacteriostatic water or a sterile diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Never shake a peptide vial, because mechanical stress can damage the molecule and reduce measured purity.

After reconstitution, keep the solution at 2-8 °C and use it within the period stated in your laboratory protocol. Full guidance is available in our articles on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.

Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis

Every batch of Ipamorelin sold by GenoPept is tested by an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory (Puralytix). HPLC confirms purity of 99% or higher and LC-MS confirms molecular identity, so the compound in the vial matches the label.

Each product page carries a “View Certificate of Analysis” button, and the complete library is published at genopept.co.uk/coa-certificates. Vials are batch-identified with lot number and expiry date, and our guide to what a Certificate of Analysis shows explains how to read the report.

Related research compounds

• CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend: a pre-combined GHRH analogue and GHSR agonist for synergy studies.
• CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF 1-29): the GHRH analogue most often paired with ipamorelin in research.
• GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin): a less selective, higher-potency secretagogue for comparative work.
• Sermorelin (GRF 1-29): an unmodified GHRH fragment for studying combined receptor activation.

Ipamorelin frequently asked questions

What is ipamorelin used for in research?

Ipamorelin is used as a selective ghrelin receptor agonist in laboratory research. It is applied in GHSR-1a receptor assays, pituitary and animal models of GH pulsatility, rodent bone and gastrointestinal motility studies, and as a benchmark when comparing the selectivity of other secretagogues. Its lack of cortisol and prolactin stimulation in models makes it a clean experimental tool. Supplied for in-vitro research only.

How is ipamorelin supplied and what purity does GenoPept guarantee?

GenoPept ipamorelin is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed, sterile glass vials of 2mg, 5mg or 10mg. Every batch is analysed by an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory using HPLC for purity, which must reach 99% or higher, and LC-MS for identity. The batch Certificate of Analysis can be viewed from the product page or the COA library.

How should ipamorelin be stored?

Store unopened lyophilised ipamorelin at -20 °C for long-term stability, or at 2-8 °C for short periods, protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated at 2-8 °C and use it within the period stated in your laboratory protocol. Add diluent slowly down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.

Is ipamorelin for human use?

No. Ipamorelin from GenoPept is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not a medicine, is not for human or veterinary use, and is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. GenoPept does not provide dosing, cycle or administration information, and purchasers must confirm they are buying for legitimate research in the UK.

What is the difference between ipamorelin and GHRP-6?

Both are ghrelin receptor agonists that stimulate GH release in preclinical models, but ipamorelin is a pentapeptide selected for selectivity while GHRP-6 is a hexapeptide with broader activity. In animal studies GHRP-6 also raises cortisol, prolactin and appetite signalling, whereas ipamorelin has little effect on these. Ipamorelin is therefore preferred where a clean GH-only response is needed.

Research use only. This product is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not for human or veterinary use, not a medicine, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. See our research use only policy and UK legal guide.