Ipamorelin Peptide: the selective secretagogue
Ipamorelin peptide is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts on the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a to stimulate growth hormone release. In the study that characterised it, ipamorelin was described as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue because it released GH without markedly raising ACTH or cortisol in animal models (Raun et al., 1998). Researchers looking to buy ipamorelin for laboratory work can find ≥98% purity, HPLC-tested vials here — research use only.
Specifications
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (5 amino acids) |
|---|---|
| Class | Growth hormone secretagogue (ghrelin mimetic) |
| CAS number | 170851-70-4 |
| Receptor target | GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin belongs to the growth hormone secretagogue class — small peptides that mimic ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering the body's own GH release rather than supplying GH directly.
Its distinguishing feature in the literature is selectivity: in the characterising animal studies it raised GH without the ACTH and cortisol increases seen with earlier secretagogues such as GHRP-6 (Raun et al., 1998).
Why ipamorelin is paired with CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog acting on the GHRH receptor; ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor. Because they stimulate GH release through two different receptors, researchers study them in combination, and the CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin blend is one of the most-researched pairings in this class. See the CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin comparison for details.
Handling in the lab
Store lyophilised vials cold, dry and away from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using sterile technique and keep reconstituted solutions refrigerated. See the reconstitution and storage guides for details.
Frequently asked questions
What is ipamorelin peptide?
A synthetic five-amino-acid growth hormone secretagogue that acts on the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a. It was characterised as the first selective GH secretagogue because it released GH without markedly raising ACTH or cortisol in animal studies.
How is ipamorelin different from tesamorelin?
Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor; tesamorelin is a GHRH analog acting on the GHRH receptor. They reach GH release through two different pathways.
Why is ipamorelin sold in a blend with CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin stimulate GH release through two different receptors, so researchers study them together. The blend is sold for laboratory research only.
Where can I buy ipamorelin peptide for research?
PeptidesDirect sells ipamorelin in 5mg and 10mg vials, plus CJC-1295/ipamorelin and tesamorelin/ipamorelin blends, for laboratory research only. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Central on business days ship the same day. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
How should ipamorelin be stored?
Keep lyophilised ipamorelin cold, dry and away from light; refrigerate reconstituted solutions. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
Is this product for human use?
No. PeptidesDirect sells this compound for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food or cosmetic and is not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published research and is not dosing or medical guidance.
References
- Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998. PubMed 9849822
Research compounds
Related guides
- CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin
- Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin
- GH peptide comparison
- Research peptides guide
- Reconstitution guide
- Storage guide
Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not dosing or medical guidance.
