Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonist that has been widely used in research settings to study growth hormone (GH) release, ghrelin-mimetic activity, and downstream metabolic pathways.

Chemical Information

• CAS Number: 170851-70-4
• Chemical Name: Ipamorelin
• Synonyms: NNC 26-0161; Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2; Ipamorelin acetate
• Molecular Formula: C38H49N9O5
• Molecular Weight: 711.85 g/mol (approx.)
• Amino Acid Sequence: Aib–His–D-2-Nal–D-Phe–Lys–NH2
• Peptide Type: Pentapeptide, ghrelin mimetic, growth hormone secretagogue

Research Background

Ipamorelin has been characterized as a highly selective ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary while demonstrating minimal impact on other pituitary hormones such as cortisol and prolactin in preclinical and clinical research.

The peptide is frequently utilized to investigate pulsatile GH secretion, IGF-1 axis modulation, and potential roles in body composition, recovery, and metabolic regulation within controlled experimental models.

Physicochemical Properties

• Appearance: White to off-white powder (lyophilized)
• Solubility: Soluble in aqueous buffers and typical peptide solvents; specific solubility may vary by salt form and excipients.
• Storage Conditions: Commonly stored at ≤ -20 °C in a dry, light-protected environment; reconstituted solutions are typically kept refrigerated and used within a limited timeframe according to laboratory practice.
• Half-life (reported in literature): Approximately 2 hours (plasma elimination, species and protocol dependent).

Mechanism of Action (For Research Context Only)

Ipamorelin acts primarily via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), mimicking endogenous ghrelin and promoting calcium influx and intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in growth hormone release from pituitary somatotrophs.

Unlike some earlier GH secretagogues, it has been reported to show high selectivity for GH release with reduced off-target stimulation of other hormonal axes in experimental systems.

Intended Use

This material is intended for qualified laboratory personnel for in vitro or in vivo research applications only, including biochemical, receptor-binding, and pharmacological studies.

Ipamorelin is not a drug, food, or cosmetic, and is not intended for human or veterinary use, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic applications, or household purposes.