What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a small synthetic peptide (a pentapeptide) that acts as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) — the same receptor used by the hunger hormone ghrelin.
It stimulates a pulse of growth hormone release, and is valued in research for doing so selectively, without the cortisol, prolactin, and appetite effects of earlier secretagogues like GHRP-6.1
Benefits & what it’s studied for
Triggers a clean GH pulse via the ghrelin receptor.
Minimal effect on cortisol/prolactin, a frequently cited reason it’s preferred over older GHRPs.
Studied in the context of lean mass and recovery, commonly alongside a GHRH analog. Long-term human outcome data remains limited.
How does Ipamorelin work?
Ipamorelin binds the GHSR (ghrelin) receptor on the pituitary, amplifying the amount of GH released per pulse. Because it’s highly selective, it does this without meaningfully activating the stress-hormone and appetite pathways that less selective secretagogues trigger. Since it acts on a different receptor than GHRH analogs, it’s often studied paired with one (e.g., CJC-1295) for a combined effect.6
Dosing & administration
Research describes subcutaneous injection.7
This is educational, not medical advice. We don’t publish dosing. Specific dosing should be determined by a licensed provider after evaluation.
Risks, side effects & safety
reported effects include injection-site reactions, headache, dizziness, and possible water retention. Long-term safety data in healthy adults is limited; GH-axis peptides are inappropriate for people with active cancer or certain endocrine conditions without specialist guidance.8
Legality & status
Ipamorelin was among the peptides removed from Category 2 in April 2026. Per the distinction our site draws: off Category 2 ≠ 503A-compoundable ≠ FDA-approved — three separate things, and this area is actively moving. Confirm current status with a licensed provider.4 See the full picture in our legality explainer.
Regulatory status as of June 2026 — reconfirm against the live FDA 503A list before go-live.
Thinking about Ipamorelin?
Talk to a licensed provider who can tell you if it fits your goals — and build a safe protocol.
Research & references
- 1Svensson J, et al. Ipamorelin, a selective GH secretagogue. JCEM; link to be finalized. link pending
- 2GHSR (ghrelin receptor) GH-release studies. Link to be finalized. link pending
- 3Ipamorelin pharmacokinetics (half-life ~2 h). Link to be finalized. link pending
- 4FDA — April 2026 Category 2 removal; docket FDA-2025-N-6895. Confirm at publish. link pending
- 5Comparative selectivity vs older GHRPs (cortisol/prolactin). Link to be finalized. link pending
- 6Mechanism + GHRH-analog synergy literature. Link to be finalized. link pending
- 7Clinical dosing literature (subcutaneous, timing). Link to be finalized. link pending
- 8Ipamorelin safety / tolerability literature. Link to be finalized. link pending
Reference links are illustrative placeholders — replace with verified PubMed/journal URLs before publishing.
Frequently asked questions
What is ipamorelin used for?+
It’s studied for stimulating growth hormone release for body composition and recovery, valued for doing so selectively.
Why is ipamorelin considered 'selective'?+
It releases GH with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin, unlike older secretagogues such as GHRP-6.
Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 — what's the difference?+
Ipamorelin works via the ghrelin receptor; CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog. They act on different pathways and are often studied together. See our comparison.
Is ipamorelin legal?+
It came off Category 2 in April 2026, but that’s not the same as FDA approval or confirmed compoundability. Status is evolving — confirm with a provider.
Does ipamorelin increase appetite?+
Unlike some ghrelin-pathway peptides, ipamorelin is noted for minimal appetite stimulation due to its selectivity.