Cat 1 — 2026GH axisMetabolicRecovery

Ipamorelin

Growth Hormone Secretagogue (selective) / GHS

The most selective growth hormone secretagogue available. Stimulates strong GH release with minimal cortisol or prolactin side effects. Gold standard for GH axis optimization.

Evidence

Human data exists

Routes

injectable

Available since

Developed late 1990s. Widespread clinical use from approximately 2010.

Mechanism of action

Binds ghrelin receptors GHS-R1a selectively on pituitary and hypothalamus. Unlike older GHRPs it does not significantly elevate cortisol ACTH or prolactin. Results in a clean selective GH pulse without the off-target hormonal effects of earlier secretagogues.

Effects in the body

Ipamorelin achieves strong GH stimulation with surgical selectivity. This made it the preferred replacement for GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 in clinical settings. Almost universally combined with CJC-1295 for synergistic dual-receptor GH elevation.

Pros & cons (from the literature)

Pros

No significant cortisol or appetite elevation
Strong selective GH pulse
Excellent preclinical safety profile
Most prescribed secretagogue in US longevity medicine
Synergistic with CJC-1295

Cautions

Theoretical IGF-1 related cancer risk long term
Water retention at higher doses
Requires refrigeration
Potential receptor downregulation with continuous use
No Phase III approval for healthy adults

Protocol summary (from published research)

200-300 mcg subcutaneous injection at bedtime 1-3 times daily. Standard combination: CJC-1295 100mcg plus Ipamorelin 300mcg per injection. Cycles typically 3 months on 1 month off.

Dosing ranges reproduced from published research literature. Not a prescription, not medical advice.

FDA & regulatory status

Category 1 as of February 2026. Compoundable with physician prescription. Almost always prescribed as a combination with CJC-1295 rather than as a standalone.

Evidence base

Raun et al. 1998 published human pharmacological data. Mechanism well established. No large RCTs 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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Important. ThePeptide.expert summarizes published research. We are not a pharmacy, do not prescribe, and make no therapeutic claims. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction.