Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin Acetate · NNC 26-0161
Popular for:Selective growth hormone release, body composition, sleep quality
2
Registered Trials
2
Trial Publications
46
PubMed References
Phase II
Evidence Level
Overview
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that selectively stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. The short version: people usually care about it for selective growth hormone release, body composition, sleep quality, but the strength of the evidence depends heavily on indication and study type.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that selectively stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Developed in the 1990s by Novo Nordisk, it is considered one of the mildest and most selective GHRPs available.
Unlike older GHRPs such as GHRP-6 and Hexarelin, Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. This selectivity makes it popular in research settings for studying growth hormone dynamics without confounding hormonal effects.
Research Snapshot
What the evidence says
Phase IIIpamorelin currently shows 2 registered trials from ClinicalTrials.gov, 2 PubMed trial publications (2 RCT-tagged), and 46 PubMed references matching the stored source query. Treat PubMed references as literature surface area, not a count of clinical trials.
Known vs uncertain
Known signals
- 2 registered trials are tracked from ClinicalTrials.gov intervention records.
- 2 PubMed clinical-trial publications are indexed.
- 2 PubMed randomized controlled trial publications are indexed.
- 46 PubMed references are tracked separately from trial counts and can include animal, in-vitro, review, mechanism, or clinical records.
Open questions
- Evidence strength may vary by indication, route, formulation, and population.
- Public anecdotes can highlight interest or concern but do not establish clinical efficacy.
- Regulatory status and compounding access can change independently from the research literature.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary, triggering growth hormone release in a pulsatile fashion that mimics natural secretion patterns.
Key Research Benefits
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
2
Registered Trials
2
Trial Publications
2
RCT Publications
46
PubMed References
Registered trials are ClinicalTrials.gov intervention records. Trial publications are PubMed records tagged as clinical trials or randomized controlled trials. PubMed references are broader source-query matches and can include animal studies, in-vitro work, reviews, mechanism papers, and trial publications.
2
Registered trials
2
Trial publications
2
RCT publications
46
PubMed references
5
Reviews
0
Meta-analyses
Registered trials source
Jun 1, 2026
Ipamorelin
Uses the exact compound name as a ClinicalTrials.gov intervention query.
View sourceNot FDA-approved. Widely used in research settings. Previously compounded by 503A/503B pharmacies; FDA Category 2 status under review with potential Category 1 reinstatement per RFK Jr. announcement (Feb 2026).
Key PubMed References
46 PubMed references · showing top 25 by relevance
View all on PubMedTherapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.
Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026
PMID: 41490200Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians.
Mayfield CK, Bolia IK, Feingold CL, et al. · The American journal of sports medicine · 2026
PMID: 41476424Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance.
Mendias CL, Awan TM · Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2026
PMID: 41966639Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging.
Mavrych V, Shypilova I, Bolgova O · Frontiers in aging · 2026
PMID: 42021992The influence of ghrelin agonist ipamorelin acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a cichlid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Gouda M, Ganesh CB · Animal reproduction science · 2024
PMID: 38996787Anecdotes & Sentiment
This section summarizes what people are talking about in public sources. It can be useful for spotting questions, hype cycles, and recurring concerns, but it is separate from the evidence sections above.
No curated public-discussion themes are live for Ipamorelin yet.
Side Effects & Safety
- Mild headache at initiation - Transient water retention - Tingling or numbness in extremities - Mild fatigue or drowsiness post-injection
Known Interactions
No curated interaction entry is live for Ipamorelin yet.
Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.
Comparison Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Disclaimer
This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Regulatory status can vary by compound, formulation, indication, and jurisdiction. Check official labeling, registry records, and qualified professional guidance before making any health-related decision. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.