Ipamorelin
Also known as: IPAM, NNC 26-0161
Popular For
Anti-aging, muscle building, sleep quality, recovery
Key Facts: Ipamorelin
- Category
- Growth Hormone
- FDA Status
- Not FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- Investigational - Phase II trials discontinued (failed to meet efficacy endpoints)
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection
- Typical Dose
- 200-300 mcg 2-3x daily
- Frequency
- 2-3x daily
- Evidence Level
- Human Trials
- Duration
- 8-12 weeks typical
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds to ghrelin receptors (GHSR) in the pituitary gland, triggering growth hormone release. Unlike other GHRPs, it does not stimulate significant ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone release, making it highly selective for GH.
Research Summary
Phase II trials for postoperative ileus showed good safety but failed to meet efficacy endpoints and were discontinued. Research demonstrates dose-dependent GH release with minimal side effects, improved bone density in postmenopausal women, and potential benefits for muscle mass and recovery.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
200-300 mcg 2-3x daily
100-500 mcg per dose
2-3x daily
Best taken on empty stomach. Common times: morning, post-workout, before bed. Often combined with CJC-1295 for synergy.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
Doses observed in research studies
Doses from Studies
100-300 mcg per injection
Clinical Trial Data - Investigational - Phase II trials completed ↗
200-300 mcg 2-3x daily
Clinical Trial Data - Investigational - Phase II trials completed ↗
Duration
8-12 weeks typical
Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Before bed or morning (fasted)
2-3 times daily, with main dose before bed
Food Recommendation
Take on empty stomach
Why This Timing?
GH secretagogues work best when taken fasted, as food (especially carbs/fats) blunts GH release. Evening dosing aligns with natural GH pulses during sleep.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Generally well-tolerated
- ●Injection site reactions
- ●Headache
- ●Nausea
- ●Increased appetite
- ●Water retention
- ●Joint stiffness (temporary)
- ●Does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin
- ●Contraindicated with active malignancy
References
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with Ipamorelin or used in similar applications.
CJC-1295
Clinical TrialsA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates GH release from the pituitary. Often combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.
Growth HormoneGHRP-6
Clinical TrialsOne of the first synthetic GH secretagogues developed. Strongly stimulates GH release and significantly increases appetite through ghrelin receptor activation.
Growth HormoneGHRP-2
Clinical TrialsA synthetic hexapeptide that potently stimulates GH release. More potent than GHRP-6 with less appetite stimulation, but still elevates cortisol and prolactin.
Growth HormoneMK-677
Clinical TrialsAn orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin. Although technically not a peptide, it is frequently discussed alongside GH peptides due to similar effects.
Growth HormoneTesamorelin
FDAAn FDA-approved GHRH analog used to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. New F8 formulation (Egrifta WR) approved March 2025 allows weekly reconstitution vs daily.
Growth HormoneSermorelin
PreclinicalA truncated analog of natural GHRH containing the first 29 amino acids. Previously FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency, now used off-label for adult hormone optimization.
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