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What Is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂; CAS 170851-70-4) classified as a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). It is studied in laboratory models for its ability to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release, and published research suggests it does so selectively — without significantly elevating cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH in vitro.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ipamorelin |
| CAS Number | 170851-70-4 |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | ~711.85 g/mol |
| Classification | Growth hormone secretagogue (GHS); pentapeptide |
| Appearance | Lyophilized white powder in sterile vial |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light and moisture |
| Intended Use | For Research Use Only — in vitro / laboratory applications |
What Is the Structure and Mechanism of Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a short-chain synthetic pentapeptide composed of five amino-acid residues: α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), histidine, D-2-naphthylalanine (D-2-Nal), D-phenylalanine (D-Phe), and lysine, with a C-terminal amide. This compact structure gives the peptide a defined conformation that supports receptor interaction in experimental systems.
In laboratory research, ipamorelin acts as an agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) — the same receptor targeted by the endogenous peptide ghrelin. Activation of this receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells in vitro is associated with the release of growth hormone. Ipamorelin’s mechanism is distinct from that of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), as it operates through the GHS-R1a pathway rather than the GHRH receptor.
A defining feature reported in the literature is ipamorelin’s selectivity. In the foundational characterization work, the compound stimulated GH release without significantly affecting the release of cortisol, prolactin, or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) — a profile that set it apart from earlier growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) studied at the time.
What Is Ipamorelin’s Role in Growth Hormone Secretagogue Research?
Growth hormone secretagogues are a class of research compounds studied for their capacity to stimulate GH release from the anterior pituitary. Ipamorelin occupies a notable place in this field because it was described in 1998 as the first selective GHS — meaning it promoted GH release with comparatively minimal off-target endocrine activity in the experimental models tested.
Ipamorelin was first developed by researchers at Novo Nordisk in the 1990s. The original 1998 report characterized its pharmacology in both in vitro and in vivo research models, establishing its potency and its selectivity for GH over other pituitary hormones. Subsequent medicinal-chemistry work built on the ipamorelin scaffold to produce a series of potent analogues, expanding the toolkit available for GHS-receptor research.
Within the broader secretagogue landscape, ipamorelin is often studied alongside other GHS-class peptides and GHRH analogues to compare receptor selectivity, GH-releasing potency, and endocrine side-effect profiles. Its relatively clean selectivity profile has made it a reference compound in growth hormone axis research.
The studies above were conducted in in vitro systems and animal research models. They describe experimental findings and do not constitute therapeutic, diagnostic, or human-use guidance. All referenced research is provided for laboratory research context only.
How Is Ipamorelin Handled and Reconstituted in the Lab?
PepperCo Research supplies ipamorelin as a lyophilized powder in a sterile vial. Proper handling preserves the peptide’s integrity for in vitro experimental work:
- Storage (dry): Store the lyophilized vial at -20°C, protected from light and moisture, until ready for use.
- Reconstitution: For in vitro laboratory applications, reconstitute gently with a sterile, research-grade buffer (such as bacteriostatic water). Avoid vigorous agitation; allow the peptide to dissolve slowly.
- Aliquoting: Once reconstituted, divide the solution into single-use aliquots to minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade the peptide.
- Post-reconstitution storage: Keep reconstituted aliquots cold and use within the timeframe appropriate to the experimental protocol. Refer to the accompanying Certificate of Analysis (COA) for batch-specific guidance.
- Handling: Use standard laboratory PPE and aseptic technique. This reagent is intended for in vitro research and laboratory applications only.
For general guidance on the freeze-drying process that preserves peptide stability, see What Is Lyophilization?
How Is Ipamorelin Quality Verified?
PepperCo Research verifies every batch of ipamorelin through independent, third-party laboratory testing. Each vial ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting the results.
- Purity (HPLC): High-Performance Liquid Chromatography confirms ≥99% purity for each batch. Learn how HPLC testing works →
- Identity: Mass spectrometry verifies the molecular mass and confirms the identity of the peptide.
- Third-party verification: Testing is performed by independent laboratories to ensure impartial, batch-level quality assurance. Why third-party testing matters →
- COA documentation: Every order includes a COA detailing purity, identity, and batch-specific data. What a COA should contain →
Research-Grade Ipamorelin
Lyophilized reagent in a sterile vial — ≥99% purity, HPLC verified, with COA included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂; CAS 170851-70-4) classified as a growth hormone secretagogue. It is studied in laboratory settings for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release in research models while showing selectivity for GH over cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH in vitro.
Is ipamorelin selective compared to other growth hormone secretagogues?
How should ipamorelin reagent be stored and handled in the lab?
Ipamorelin is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder in a sterile vial and should be stored at -20°C in its dry form. For in vitro use, it is reconstituted with a sterile research-grade buffer such as bacteriostatic water, aliquoted to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and kept cold during experimental handling. Always follow the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Who first developed ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin was first developed by researchers at Novo Nordisk in the 1990s. It was described in 1998 as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue, with subsequent medicinal-chemistry work producing a series of potent analogues derived from the original pentapeptide.