Binds ghrelin receptor in pituitary somatotrophs → selective GH pulse trigger. Does NOT activate ACTH/cortisol or prolactin pathways — highest GH selectivity of any secretagogue
PULSATILE PATTERN
Produces GH release in pulses mimicking physiological pattern — preserves feedback regulation. Distinct from exogenous HGH (tonic, suppresses natural axis)
DOWNSTREAM IGF-1
GH pulses → hepatic IGF-1 production → IGF-1R/mTOR/S6K1 anabolic signalling. Allows axis-level research vs direct IGF-1R research
Research Questions Answered
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide (5 amino acid) GH secretagogue — the most selective GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist available. It triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary without the cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin elevations seen with earlier GH secretagogues like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. This selectivity for clean GH-only release makes Ipamorelin the benchmark GHS-R1a agonist in GH axis research.
How does Ipamorelin work?
Ipamorelin binds GHS-R1a (the ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotroph cells, triggering a pulse of GH release. Unlike GHRH analogues (Sermorelin, CJC-1295) which act on the GHRH receptor, Ipamorelin uses an independent ghrelin receptor pathway. Key selectivity: Ipamorelin activates GH release without activating corticotrophs (cortisol/ACTH) or lactotrophs (prolactin) — this selectivity is Ipamorelin’s defining pharmacological advantage over GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?
Different receptors: Ipamorelin → GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor). CJC-1295 No DAC → GHRH receptor (GHRHR). They activate GH release via independent pathways. Combined, they are synergistic: GHRH agonism (CJC-1295) increases GH pulse amplitude; GHS-R1a agonism (Ipamorelin) increases frequency. The combination is the most studied GH axis dual-stimulation research protocol.
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and GHRP-6?
Both are GHS-R1a agonists, but with different selectivity: Ipamorelin → selective GH release only (no cortisol, no prolactin, no ACTH). GHRP-6 → GH release + significant cortisol and ACTH elevation + appetite stimulation (ghrelin pathway). For clean GH axis research without cortisol confounds, Ipamorelin is the preferred tool. GHRP-6 may be chosen when appetite or cortisol pathway effects are part of the research question.
Where can I buy Ipamorelin for research?
Research-grade Ipamorelin is available from QSC (qscpeptide.com) at ≥99% HPLC purity with Janoshik COA. US Domestic Warehouse: 2–4 business day delivery. Available in 5mg vial configurations. All products sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research only.
What is MK-677 vs Ipamorelin?
Both are GHS-R1a agonists, but different formats: Ipamorelin is an injectable pentapeptide, producing clean pulsatile GH release. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral non-peptide GHS-R1a agonist — first orally active GH secretagogue, produces tonic (constant) GH elevation rather than pulsatile. Research choice: Ipamorelin for pulsatile GH research; MK-677 for oral route, sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation, or sleep GH studies (MK-677 notably increases GH during slow-wave sleep).
What is Ipamorelin used for in research?
Ipamorelin research applications: GH axis biology (GHS-R1a pharmacology, GH pulse characterisation), pituitary somatotroph function, GH/IGF-1 axis studies, body composition research (lean mass, lipolysis), bone density models, sleep architecture (GH relationship to slow-wave sleep), anti-ageing research (GH axis restoration), and comparison research vs GHRP-2, GHRP-6, MK-677.
What is the Ipamorelin half-life?
Ipamorelin has a short half-life of approximately 2 hours, producing discrete GH pulses. This reflects its mechanism — pulsatile GH stimulation rather than tonic. For research requiring sustained GH elevation, it is often combined with CJC-1295 (No DAC, ~30 min half-life) or the DAC form of CJC-1295 (extended half-life).
What is Ipamorelin storage?
Lyophilised Ipamorelin: store at −20°C. Reconstituted: store at 4°C, use within 28 days. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. As a pentapeptide, Ipamorelin is relatively stable. Standard reconstitution: 2ml BW per 5mg vial = 2.5mg/ml.
How does Ipamorelin compare to Sermorelin?
Ipamorelin: GHS-R1a agonist — independent ghrelin pathway. Sermorelin: GHRH analogue — pituitary GHRH receptor. Different receptor systems, complementary mechanisms. Combined (Sermorelin + Ipamorelin or CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin): synergistic GH axis stimulation. Sermorelin has longer human clinical history (FDA-approved as Geref); Ipamorelin has superior GH selectivity.
Where to Buy Research-Grade Ipamorelin
≥99% HPLC · Janoshik COA · US Domestic 2–4 Days · Research Use Only
