Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth-hormone-secretagogue-receptor agonist studied for stimulating GH secretion; research protocols typically use 100-300 mcg per dose subcutaneously, once or more daily.
Best for
It has been studied for selective stimulation of growth hormone secretion and is researched in the contexts of muscle, body-composition, and recovery-related endpoints.
What to expect
Research in animal models has reported GH levels peaking roughly within an hour of administration, reflecting a relatively rapid, pulsatile secretory response.
Pairs with
In research stacks it is commonly combined with a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog such as CJC-1295 (or sermorelin/tesamorelin) to study complementary GH-releasing pathways.
In research settings it is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, often once or more daily, with reported exploratory ranges around 100-300 mcg per dose.
- How often
- Daily · 2×/day
- When
- Bedtime · Post-workout
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Vial & water
- 10 mg vial in 3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL · 100 mcg = 3 units on a U-100 syringe
- Cycle
- Daily (7×/wk) or 5-on/2-off — the 5/2 mostly stretches cost. GH-class: take a periodic break (e.g. ~8 wks on) to keep receptor sensitivity.
The same numbers the goodtides app and the Dose Calc use — a research reference, not a prescription. Responses are individual; research protocols start at the low end.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) derived from the growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) family and first described by Raun and colleagues at Novo Nordisk in 1998.
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved; it was investigated in Phase II trials for postoperative ileus (discontinued for lack of efficacy) and is otherwise handled as an unapproved research compound.
It acts as a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the same G-protein-coupled receptor targeted by the endogenous hormone ghrelin; receptor binding has been characterized as triggering phospholipase C signaling, intracellular calcium release, and pulsatile growth hormone (GH) release from pituitary somatotrophs. Research has highlighted its selectivity: in animal and early human studies it stimulated GH release without significantly elevating ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, FSH, LH, or TSH, even at doses far above those needed for GH release, distinguishing it from less selective secretagogues such as GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
- Half-life
- ~2 hours
- Peak
- ~15-30 min post-SC
- Absorption
- SC; very selective GHRP
- Bioavailability
- SC ~50-60%
References2
Log every dose, count every vial, and verify your batches — free in the goodtides app.
This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.