Physician PracticeResearch Use OnlyWADA Prohibited
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) studied for GH axis stimulation. Paired with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 or Tessa for synergistic GH pulse amplification.
EVIDENCE STATUSInvestigational / physician practice
WADA STATUSProhibited — GH releasing peptides
Overview
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) to stimulate pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary. It is one of the most studied peptide-based GH secretagogues in physician practice contexts.
Unlike earlier secretagogues such as GHRP-6, Ipamorelin is highly selective — it stimulates GH release without meaningfully elevating cortisol or prolactin, making it favorable in research contexts where those side effects are a concern. This selectivity is a primary reason for its widespread use in physician-supervised protocols.
Ipamorelin is always used alongside a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 no-DAC or Tessa) in physician practice. Used alone, its GH-releasing effect is modest. The GHRH + GHS combination produces a synergistic pulse amplification — this dual-mechanism approach is the standard GH axis research stack.
HumanLimited clinical studies showing GH pulse amplification in adults. No approved indication. Physician practice data predominates for body composition applications.
In VitroReceptor binding confirms selective GHSR agonist activity with minimal cortisol and prolactin effect — key differentiator from earlier secretagogues like GHRP-6.
UncertainLong-term body composition effects and optimal dosing in healthy populations not established in controlled RCTs.
Documented Research Benefits6 documented
GH secretion stimulation
human / preclinical
IGF-1 elevation
human
Body composition support
physician practice
Sleep quality effects
preclinical
Selective — minimal cortisol
in vitro / human
Recovery support
physician practice
Research Pairings3 common
CJC-1295 (no-DAC)
Standard pairing. CJC-1295 provides GHRH stimulation while Ipamorelin adds GHSR activation — synergistic GH pulse amplification.
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Safety & Regulatory Status
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any indication and is prohibited under WADA regulations. Research use only.
Generally selective with a favorable profile vs earlier GH secretagogues. Water retention and mild joint discomfort reported. Long-term human safety data not established. All information for educational reference only.