Ghrelin-receptor agonist · GHRP analog
Ipamorelin
Cited range No current US approval
What it is
Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue designed to be more selective than older GHRPs. It was explored clinically, then development stopped; it is not an approved GH therapy.
Benefits in plain language
What researchers and reference users usually mean when they talk about this compound. These are study themes and common claims — not a promise that it will do this in you.
- A “pulse” peptide: it asks the pituitary for a burst of growth hormone without as much hunger or cortisol as older GHRPs.
- People want the downstream GH effects — sleep, recovery, a little lean-mass and fat-shift support — in a cleaner package.
- Often paired with a GHRH analog (CJC or tesamorelin-class) so the pulse has something to ride on.
- It does not replace food, training, or sleep. It is a signal, not a meal.
If a branded, FDA-approved product exists, that label is the only dose that is actually authorized. Research-chemical vials are a different object.
Mechanism of action
It stimulates the ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, prompting a GH pulse. Relative to hexarelin or GHRP-6 it is described as having less ACTH/cortisol and prolactin spillover in early studies — still not “side-effect free.”
Possible side effects / caveats
Reported or expected: water retention, joint stiffness, tingling, increased appetite in some users of this class, and theoretical effects of repeated GH/IGF-1 elevation. Compounding and research vials vary widely in content.
Protocol ranges
| Source tier | Amount | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cited range | 100–300 mcg per pulse | 1–3× daily | Most repeated secondary figure |
| Cited stack pattern | 100–200 mcg + a GHRH analog | Same sitting | GHRH + GHRP synergy is pharmacological folklore plus some experimental basis |