Ipamorelin

Overview

Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide that activates the ghrelin receptor (also called the growth hormone secretagogue receptor), the same receptor that the body's own “hunger hormone,” ghrelin, acts on. It was developed as part of a research effort to find a GH secretagogue with a narrower, more selective effect profile than earlier compounds in this class.

Proposed Mechanism

Selectively activates the ghrelin receptor to stimulate GH pulses, while largely avoiding the cortisol, prolactin, and appetite effects associated with older, less selective GH secretagogues.

Research Context

Earlier ghrelin-receptor agonists (like GHRP-6) reliably triggered GH release but also produced substantial increases in cortisol, prolactin, and appetite as side effects of non-selective receptor activation. The specific research question around ipamorelin has been whether it can trigger GH release while leaving those other hormone pathways largely undisturbed.

Evidence Status — Well-documented

Well-documented selectivity profile relative to earlier-generation secretagogues.

Selectivity studies comparing ipamorelin to older secretagogues are well represented in the pharmacology literature, and this comparative selectivity is its best-documented property. As with other GH-axis peptides, human outcome data beyond hormone-level changes is comparatively limited.

Research Use Only

This page is a scientific reference summarizing publicly available research literature. It contains no dosing, administration, or protocol guidance, and nothing here constitutes medical advice. BactoCore does not sell this or any peptide referenced in this index — the only product sold directly is bacteriostatic water. See the Safety section for who should not handle research compounds, and the Research Use Disclaimer for full terms.