Ipamorelin | Research Use Only

What it is

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue studied in research settings for its activity at the ghrelin or growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It is commonly described as a selective GHSR agonist designed to stimulate growth hormone release with relatively less activity on some other hormonal pathways compared with older compounds in the same class.

Origins and design rationale

Ipamorelin was developed as a newer growth hormone releasing peptide intended to preserve potent GH releasing activity while improving receptor selectivity. Early endocrine literature describes it as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue with a GH release profile that, in experimental settings, was more selective than older GHRPs.

Molecular profile

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide with the commonly referenced sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. PubChem lists a molecular formula of C38H49N9O5 and a molecular weight of about 711.9 g/mol for ipamorelin.

Scientific overview

In simplified terms, ipamorelin is used in research to study ghrelin receptor mediated signaling and growth hormone secretagogue pharmacology. In mechanistic discussions, it is characterized as a ligand for the GHS receptor that can be used to examine receptor activation, endocrine response patterns, and downstream signaling behavior in experimental systems.

What researchers study with Ipamorelin

Key research focus areas often include
• GHSR or ghrelin receptor signaling pathways
• Growth hormone secretagogue selectivity in vitro and in vivo
• Comparative studies versus older GHRPs and related secretagogues
• Experimental endocrine response profiling in receptor pharmacology models

Regulatory and compliance notice

Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. This description is provided for scientific context and must not be used to market ipamorelin for diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Citations and references

PubChem compound entry for Ipamorelin, includes pentapeptide sequence, molecular formula, and molecular weight.

Raun et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue, European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998, describing selective GH releasing activity and endocrine profile.

Ishida et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action and clinical development, 2020 review covering ghrelin receptor agonists and secretagogue pharmacology.

Johansen et al. 1999 study describing ipamorelin as a potent synthetic pentapeptide with distinct GH releasing properties.