Ipamorelin
Also called Selective growth hormone secretagogue
A five-amino-acid peptide that triggers growth hormone release. That is its clearest human finding; it has not been shown to build muscle, improve sleep, reduce fat or slow aging.
Overview
What it is
A synthetic pentapeptide that works through the ghrelin receptor, a different pathway from GHRH analogues like CJC-1295 or sermorelin. It is not growth hormone itself.
How it works
It prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone. In 1998 rat and pig studies, it did so with relatively little effect on ACTH or cortisol, which is the basis of "selective" claims, though not a guarantee in people.
What the research shows
A 1999 study in healthy men found a brief growth hormone rise after a 15-minute IV infusion, with a half-life of about two hours. In a trial of 114 patients after bowel surgery, time to eating solid food was 25.3 versus 32.6 hours, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Studied for
- Growth hormone releasehuman pharmacology
- Post-surgical bowel recoveryphase 2, not significant
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
No long-term safety data for wellness use. FDA's 2024 review noted two deaths in the ipamorelin group of the surgery trial after cancer-related bowel surgery complications, with unclear relationship to the drug. FDA also flags immune and impurity concerns.
Regulatory status
Not a component of any FDA-approved drug. On FDA's list of compounding substances with potential safety risks. Prohibited in sport.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Ipamorelin (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg Ipamorelin
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 1.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 16.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Typical range
- 100–250 mcg once daily (gradual titration recommended).
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mcg | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 200 mcg | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 250 mcg | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is ipamorelin the same as HGH?
No. It signals the body to release its own growth hormone.
Does pairing with CJC-1295 work better?
No trial has tested the combination.
How long before results appear?
No timeline for sleep, fat loss or muscle has been established.
Found in these blends
Related in Performance and Recovery
Sources and further reading (5)
- Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective GH secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol, 1998.
- Gobburu JV, et al. PK/PD modeling of ipamorelin in volunteers, 1999.
- Beck DE, et al. Ipamorelin in postoperative ileus, 2014.
- FDA. Evaluation of ipamorelin substances, 2024.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: Ipamorelin Research Use Only