What Is Ipamorelin?
Research Use Only: Ipamorelin is intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption, medical treatment, or veterinary use. Read our full disclaimer.
What Is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R / ghrelin receptor) agonist. In laboratory research, Ipamorelin is studied for its role in GH pulse stimulation, ghrelin receptor signalling and GH/IGF-1 axis research in experimental models. It is notable for its high selectivity for GHS-R with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin secretion in research models, making it a precise tool for studying GH secretagogue pathways.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds selectively to the GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating GH release through a mechanism distinct from GHRH receptor activation. Unlike some GH secretagogues, Ipamorelin does not significantly stimulate ACTH, cortisol or prolactin secretion in laboratory models, providing a selective tool for studying GHS-R-mediated GH release in isolation.
GHS-R Selectivity
Ipamorelin’s high selectivity for GHS-R1a relative to other secretagogue receptors makes it particularly valuable in laboratory research for dissecting GH secretagogue pathways. Researchers use Ipamorelin to study GHS-R signalling, receptor internalisation and downstream cAMP/PKA and IP3/PKC cascades in cellular models.
Synergy with GHRH Analogues
Ipamorelin is frequently combined with GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295 No DAC in laboratory research. The two peptides act on distinct receptors — GHS-R and GHRHR respectively — producing synergistic GH release that exceeds either compound alone. This combination is used to study receptor crosstalk and cooperative somatotroph stimulation in vitro. Read the CJC-1295 overview →
Research Applications
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Research
Ipamorelin is used as a reference GHS-R agonist in laboratory models to study ghrelin receptor pharmacology, GH pulse dynamics and somatotroph cell biology. Its selectivity profile makes it a preferred tool compound for isolating GHS-R-specific effects from broader secretagogue responses.
GH/IGF-1 Axis Research
Laboratory investigations employ Ipamorelin to study GH-stimulated IGF-1 production, downstream anabolic signalling and tissue-specific IGF-1 receptor activation. It is used to characterise the complete GH/IGF-1 axis in cellular and tissue models.
Ghrelin Receptor Biology
Ipamorelin is used in vitro to study GHS-R1a receptor expression, binding kinetics, internalisation and desensitisation. It is a standard tool compound for characterising ghrelin receptor pharmacology and downstream signalling in laboratory settings.
Metabolic Research
Laboratory investigations use Ipamorelin to study GH-mediated metabolic effects including lipolysis, glucose metabolism and protein synthesis signalling in cellular models. It is relevant to research into metabolic regulation downstream of GHS-R activation.
Structural Characteristics
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ (MW ≈ 711 Da). The incorporation of non-natural amino acids — including α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) and D-2-naphthylalanine (D-2-Nal) — confers metabolic stability and GHS-R selectivity. It is water-soluble and suitable for reconstitution in standard aqueous laboratory buffers.
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilised Ipamorelin at -20°C or -80°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water prior to use. Use the Concentration Calculator to determine the correct volume for your target concentration. Follow institutional laboratory protocols for handling and disposal.
Quality & Documentation
Solatide Biosciences CJC-1295 No DAC + Ipamorelin is independently third-party tested to ≥99% purity, verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry. A Certificate of Analysis is available on the product page.
Related Compounds
Research Use Only: All compounds are manufactured for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human consumption, medical use, or veterinary applications. Full disclaimer.