Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide composed of five amino acids. It functions as a growth hormone (GH) secretagogue and acts as an agonist, meaning it binds to specific cell receptors and triggers a cellular response.
In research settings, ipamorelin has been shown to:
Stimulate pituitary production of growth-related secretions
Inhibit somatostatin, a hormone that suppresses GH release
Increase production of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which plays a vital role in muscle and skeletal growth and repair
This compound is used exclusively in scientific and educational research and is not intended for human consumption.
$50 USD
Out of stock
Expiry date | 3/12/27 |
Date Produced | 3/12/25 |
CAS # | 170851-70-4 |
Formula | C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅ |
M.W. | 711.868 g/mol |
REF | 386264-39-7 |
Purity | 99% HPLC |
RUO | Research Use Only |
Not for human or veterinary use. Made in USA
This product is intended as a research chemical only. Not for human use. Peptides will arrive in a lyophilized (powder) form for maximum stability.
Ipamorelin is a short peptide sequence capable of binding to the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It is one of the most selective growth hormone (GH) secretagogues known and has been shown in laboratory studies to have no effect on ACTH, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, or cortisol release [¹].
Given its high level of specificity, ipamorelin has been of interest in research both as a therapeutic in its own right and as a model peptide for studying how receptor binding selectivity is achieved.
Peptide Sequence: Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys
Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular Weight: 711.868 g/mol
PubChem CID: 9831659
CAS Number: 170851-70-4
Glucocorticoids, commonly used to treat inflammation in conditions ranging from cancer to autoimmune diseases, are associated with serious side effects. These side effects often limit their long-term use. Ipamorelin has been shown in several studies to reduce or even reverse many of these glucocorticoid-induced side effects, potentially enabling higher dosing and longer treatment durations.
One major issue with long-term corticosteroid use is bone loss and increased fracture risk. While current treatments like bisphosphonates and hormone therapies are helpful, they have limitations such as side effects and high cost. Studies in rats indicate that ipamorelin can completely prevent bone loss from corticosteroids and even promote a four-fold increase in bone formation [²]. It also improves bone mineral density, strengthening both existing and newly formed bone [³]. Additionally, ipamorelin counters other steroid-related effects like muscle wasting and visceral fat accumulation.
Research suggests that growth hormone secretagogues like ipamorelin can counteract glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting. In steroid-treated rats, ipamorelin was shown to reduce nitrogen loss in the liver and improve nitrogen balance, key markers of muscle catabolism [⁴]. This makes ipamorelin a promising candidate for preserving muscle mass during steroid therapy.
Studies in diabetic rats reveal that ipamorelin may stimulate insulin release, likely by indirectly activating calcium channels in pancreatic islet cells [⁵]. This action on insulin-producing cells may contribute to new treatment approaches or even preventative strategies for type 2 diabetes.
POI is a common complication after abdominal surgery, leading to delayed GI recovery and extended hospital stays. Clinical trials have investigated ipamorelin’s potential to reduce POI. Results show that ipamorelin shortened the time to first meal by about 12 hours [⁶][⁷]. Although early findings were promising, trials were discontinued due to limited efficacy. However, ongoing research may find ways to enhance its effectiveness, especially in combination therapies.
Chart Insight:
Rats with POI showed improved gastric emptying after ipamorelin.
Radiolabeled food moved further through the GI tract, resembling non-POI controls.
Source: PubMed
Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. The ghrelin receptor is elevated in some cancers and in heart failure. Researchers are exploring ipamorelin as a diagnostic probe in PET imaging. Initial in vitro studies confirm it binds effectively to ghrelin receptors and is suitable for synthesis in labs [⁸]. The next step involves in vivo testing and establishing interpretation standards for PET scans using ipamorelin.
Though ipamorelin does not currently have orphan-drug status, it remains a neglected compound in research. Despite promising early studies, interest diminished after the decision not to develop it further as a treatment for post-operative ileus. However, ipamorelin offers notable potential—not only as a therapeutic candidate but also as a valuable tool for understanding various disease states and their physiological mechanisms. It may regain research attention once new data and modern insights reignite exploration into its unique properties.
Ipamorelin exhibits moderate side effects, low oral, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per-kilogram dosing in mice does not scale to humans.
Ipamorelin for sale at Ai-Peptides is intended strictly for educational and scientific research purposes only and is not for human consumption. Purchase is restricted to licensed researchers.
The above literature was researched, edited, and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D.
Dr. Logan holds a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in Molecular Biology.
David E. Beck, MD is a co-author of the study titled “Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients” and specializes in colon and rectal surgery.
Dr. Beck is referenced here as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of ipamorelin. This citation is for informational and academic recognition only—Dr. Beck does not endorse or advocate the purchase, sale, or use of this product in any capacity. There is no affiliation or relationship, implicit or explicit, between Dr. Beck and Peptide Sciences. His name is cited solely to acknowledge and credit his scientific contributions.
K. Raun et al., “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue,” Eur. J. Endocrinol., vol. 139, no. 5, pp. 552–561, Nov. 1998.
PubMed
N. B. Andersen, K. Malmlöf, P. B. Johansen, T. T. Andreassen, G. Ørtoft, and H. Oxlund, “The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats,” Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 266–272, Oct. 2001.
PubMed
J. Svensson et al., “The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats,” J. Endocrinol., vol. 165, no. 3, pp. 569–577, Jun. 2000.
PubMed
N. K. Aagaard et al., “Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats,” Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 426–431, Oct. 2009.
PubMed
E. Adeghate and A. S. Ponery, “Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats,” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 403–406, Dec. 2004.
PubMed
D. E. Beck, W. B. Sweeney, M. D. McCarter, and Ipamorelin 201 Study Group, “Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients,” Int. J. Colorectal Dis., vol. 29, no. 12, pp. 1527–1534, Dec. 2014.
PubMed
B. Greenwood-Van Meerveld, K. Tyler, E. Mohammadi, and C. Pietra, “Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus,” J. Exp. Pharmacol., vol. 4, pp. 149–155, Oct. 2012.
PubMed
M. M. Fowkes, T. Lalonde, L. Yu, S. Dhanvantari, M. S. Kovacs, and L. G. Luyt, “Peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor,” Eur. J. Med. Chem., vol. 157, pp. 1500–1511, Sep. 2018.
Science Direct
All of our products are manufactured using the Lyophilization (Freeze Drying) process, which ensures that our products remain 100% stable for shipping for up to 3-4 months.
Once the peptides are reconstituted (mixed with bacteriostatic water), they must be stored in the fridge to maintain stability. After reconstitution, the peptides will remain stable for up to 30 days.
Lyophilization is a unique dehydration process, also known as cryodesiccation, where the peptides are frozen and then subjected to low pressure. This causes the water in the peptide vial to sublimate directly from solid to gas, leaving behind a stable, crystalline white structure known as lyophilized peptide. The puffy white powder can be stored at room temperature until you’re ready to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water.
Once peptides have been received, it is imperative that they are kept cold and away from light. If the peptides will be used immediately, or in the next several days, weeks or months, short-term refrigeration under 4C (39F) is generally acceptable. Lyophilized peptides are usually stable at room temperatures for several weeks or more, so if they will be utilized within weeks or months such storage is typically adequate.
However, for longer term storage (several months to years) it is more preferable to store peptides in a freezer at -80C (-112F). When storing peptides for months or even years, freezing is optimal in order to preserve the peptide’s stability.
For further information on proper storage techniques, click the link below:
Peptide Storage Information
This product is intended as a research chemical only. Not for human use. Peptides will arrive in a lyophilized (powder) form for maximum stability.
Ipamorelin is a short peptide sequence capable of binding to the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It is one of the most selective growth hormone (GH) secretagogues known and has been shown in laboratory studies to have no effect on ACTH, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, or cortisol release [¹].
Given its high level of specificity, ipamorelin has been of interest in research both as a therapeutic in its own right and as a model peptide for studying how receptor binding selectivity is achieved.
Peptide Sequence: Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys
Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular Weight: 711.868 g/mol
PubChem CID: 9831659
CAS Number: 170851-70-4
Glucocorticoids, commonly used to treat inflammation in conditions ranging from cancer to autoimmune diseases, are associated with serious side effects. These side effects often limit their long-term use. Ipamorelin has been shown in several studies to reduce or even reverse many of these glucocorticoid-induced side effects, potentially enabling higher dosing and longer treatment durations.
One major issue with long-term corticosteroid use is bone loss and increased fracture risk. While current treatments like bisphosphonates and hormone therapies are helpful, they have limitations such as side effects and high cost. Studies in rats indicate that ipamorelin can completely prevent bone loss from corticosteroids and even promote a four-fold increase in bone formation [²]. It also improves bone mineral density, strengthening both existing and newly formed bone [³]. Additionally, ipamorelin counters other steroid-related effects like muscle wasting and visceral fat accumulation.
Research suggests that growth hormone secretagogues like ipamorelin can counteract glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting. In steroid-treated rats, ipamorelin was shown to reduce nitrogen loss in the liver and improve nitrogen balance, key markers of muscle catabolism [⁴]. This makes ipamorelin a promising candidate for preserving muscle mass during steroid therapy.
Studies in diabetic rats reveal that ipamorelin may stimulate insulin release, likely by indirectly activating calcium channels in pancreatic islet cells [⁵]. This action on insulin-producing cells may contribute to new treatment approaches or even preventative strategies for type 2 diabetes.
POI is a common complication after abdominal surgery, leading to delayed GI recovery and extended hospital stays. Clinical trials have investigated ipamorelin’s potential to reduce POI. Results show that ipamorelin shortened the time to first meal by about 12 hours [⁶][⁷]. Although early findings were promising, trials were discontinued due to limited efficacy. However, ongoing research may find ways to enhance its effectiveness, especially in combination therapies.
Chart Insight:
Rats with POI showed improved gastric emptying after ipamorelin.
Radiolabeled food moved further through the GI tract, resembling non-POI controls.
Source: PubMed
Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. The ghrelin receptor is elevated in some cancers and in heart failure. Researchers are exploring ipamorelin as a diagnostic probe in PET imaging. Initial in vitro studies confirm it binds effectively to ghrelin receptors and is suitable for synthesis in labs [⁸]. The next step involves in vivo testing and establishing interpretation standards for PET scans using ipamorelin.
Though ipamorelin does not currently have orphan-drug status, it remains a neglected compound in research. Despite promising early studies, interest diminished after the decision not to develop it further as a treatment for post-operative ileus. However, ipamorelin offers notable potential—not only as a therapeutic candidate but also as a valuable tool for understanding various disease states and their physiological mechanisms. It may regain research attention once new data and modern insights reignite exploration into its unique properties.
Ipamorelin exhibits moderate side effects, low oral, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per-kilogram dosing in mice does not scale to humans.
Ipamorelin for sale at Ai-Peptides is intended strictly for educational and scientific research purposes only and is not for human consumption. Purchase is restricted to licensed researchers.
The above literature was researched, edited, and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D.
Dr. Logan holds a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in Molecular Biology.
David E. Beck, MD is a co-author of the study titled “Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients” and specializes in colon and rectal surgery.
Dr. Beck is referenced here as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of ipamorelin. This citation is for informational and academic recognition only—Dr. Beck does not endorse or advocate the purchase, sale, or use of this product in any capacity. There is no affiliation or relationship, implicit or explicit, between Dr. Beck and Peptide Sciences. His name is cited solely to acknowledge and credit his scientific contributions.
K. Raun et al., “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue,” Eur. J. Endocrinol., vol. 139, no. 5, pp. 552–561, Nov. 1998.
PubMed
N. B. Andersen, K. Malmlöf, P. B. Johansen, T. T. Andreassen, G. Ørtoft, and H. Oxlund, “The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats,” Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 266–272, Oct. 2001.
PubMed
J. Svensson et al., “The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats,” J. Endocrinol., vol. 165, no. 3, pp. 569–577, Jun. 2000.
PubMed
N. K. Aagaard et al., “Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats,” Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 426–431, Oct. 2009.
PubMed
E. Adeghate and A. S. Ponery, “Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats,” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 403–406, Dec. 2004.
PubMed
D. E. Beck, W. B. Sweeney, M. D. McCarter, and Ipamorelin 201 Study Group, “Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients,” Int. J. Colorectal Dis., vol. 29, no. 12, pp. 1527–1534, Dec. 2014.
PubMed
B. Greenwood-Van Meerveld, K. Tyler, E. Mohammadi, and C. Pietra, “Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus,” J. Exp. Pharmacol., vol. 4, pp. 149–155, Oct. 2012.
PubMed
M. M. Fowkes, T. Lalonde, L. Yu, S. Dhanvantari, M. S. Kovacs, and L. G. Luyt, “Peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor,” Eur. J. Med. Chem., vol. 157, pp. 1500–1511, Sep. 2018.
Science Direct
All of our products are manufactured using the Lyophilization (Freeze Drying) process, which ensures that our products remain 100% stable for shipping for up to 3-4 months.
Once the peptides are reconstituted (mixed with bacteriostatic water), they must be stored in the fridge to maintain stability. After reconstitution, the peptides will remain stable for up to 30 days.
Lyophilization is a unique dehydration process, also known as cryodesiccation, where the peptides are frozen and then subjected to low pressure. This causes the water in the peptide vial to sublimate directly from solid to gas, leaving behind a stable, crystalline white structure known as lyophilized peptide. The puffy white powder can be stored at room temperature until you’re ready to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water.
Once peptides have been received, it is imperative that they are kept cold and away from light. If the peptides will be used immediately, or in the next several days, weeks or months, short-term refrigeration under 4C (39F) is generally acceptable. Lyophilized peptides are usually stable at room temperatures for several weeks or more, so if they will be utilized within weeks or months such storage is typically adequate.
However, for longer term storage (several months to years) it is more preferable to store peptides in a freezer at -80C (-112F). When storing peptides for months or even years, freezing is optimal in order to preserve the peptide’s stability.
For further information on proper storage techniques, click the link below:
Peptide Storage Information
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