Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone Secretagogue (selective)
The most selective GH secretagogue available. Stimulates strong growth hormone release with minimal cortisol or prolactin side effects. Considered the gold standard secretagogue.
Mechanism of action
Binds ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) selectively on pituitary and hypothalamus. Does not significantly elevate cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin — distinguishing it from older secretagogues like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 which cause significant cortisol elevation.
Effects in the body
Ipamorelin achieves strong GH pulse stimulation with surgical selectivity. Earlier GHRPs caused cortisol spikes and appetite increase. Ipamorelin achieves comparable GH release without those effects, making it the preferred clinical choice for GH axis optimization.
Pros & cons (from the literature)
- No significant cortisol or appetite elevation unlike older secretagogues
- Strong selective GH pulse stimulation
- Excellent preclinical safety profile
- Industry standard — most prescribed secretagogue in clinical settings
- Synergistic with CJC-1295 for additive GH effect
- Theoretical IGF-1-related cancer risk with long-term use
- Water retention possible at higher doses
- Must refrigerate — stability and handling considerations
- Potential receptor downregulation with continuous use
- No Phase III approval for healthy adults
Protocol summary (from published research)
Dosing ranges reproduced from published research literature. Not a prescription, not medical advice.
FDA & regulatory status
Evidence base
Raun et al. 1998 published human pharmacological data. Mechanism well-established. No large randomized controlled trials in healthy adults.
Primary research sources
Peer-reviewed literature referenced throughout this profile is drawn from PubMed, Cell Metabolism, and clinical trial registries cited in the evidence base above.
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