What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂, designed as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). It belongs to the GHRP (growth hormone-releasing peptide) class of compounds but stands apart from earlier peptides in this class due to its substantially higher receptor selectivity and cleaner hormonal specificity profile.
The key research distinction of ipamorelin, relative to earlier GHRPs such as GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, is its selectivity for GH release without concurrent significant elevation of cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH in preclinical models. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 produce notable adrenocortical activation as a side effect of their broader receptor binding, which can complicate interpretation of experimental results in studies focused purely on the GH axis.
ClaraScience supplies Ipamorelin in 10mg lyophilised vials independently HPLC-tested to ≥99.0% purity (99.14% verified this batch). For laboratory research use only.
Selectivity. High GHS-R selectivity — minimal cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or appetite effects in preclinical models vs earlier GHRPs.
Mechanism. Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist — stimulates GH release from pituitary somatotropes independently of the GHRH pathway.
Research pairing. Most commonly studied with CJC-1295 No DAC for combined GHRH + GHS-R axis GH release research.
Research Background
Ipamorelin was developed by Novo Nordisk and first described in the peer-reviewed literature by Raun et al. in the European Journal of Endocrinology (1998;139:552–561). The paper characterised ipamorelin's selectivity profile across GH, cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH measurements in rat and swine models, demonstrating that the peptide produced robust GH release with a substantially cleaner hormonal specificity than any GHRP that had been characterised at that point.
Subsequent research has investigated ipamorelin's effects across a range of preclinical contexts including body composition modelling, bone density studies, and age-related GH decline research in rodent models. It is also studied in the context of GH axis pharmacology as a reference compound for understanding GHS-R receptor biology and selectivity characteristics in the ghrelin/GH secretagogue system.
In combination research, ipamorelin is most frequently studied with CJC-1295 No DAC. The complementary pathways — GHRH receptor agonism (CJC-1295) and GHS-R agonism (ipamorelin) — produce synergistic GH pulse amplitudes in rodent pituitary cell preparations and in-vivo models, making the combination a frequently referenced research design for studying maximal GH axis stimulation.
Key citation Raun K et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139:552–561.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
Ipamorelin |
| Sequence |
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ (pentapeptide) |
| Molecular Weight |
711.85 g/mol |
| Receptor Target |
GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.0% (99.14% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
10mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Raun K et al., Eur J Endocrinol 1998;139:552–561 |
Storage & Handling
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for storage beyond 3 months.
- Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 28 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles after reconstitution.
- Reconstitution: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator.
Full protocols in our Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$89.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$79.95 AUD |
Save 11% |
| 10+ vials |
$69.95 AUD |
Save 22% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective GHS-R agonist (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂). It is studied in preclinical models for selective GH release with minimal off-target hormonal effects. For laboratory research use only.
Is Ipamorelin more selective than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6?
Yes. Ipamorelin was specifically characterised for its superior selectivity profile in the Raun et al. (1998) paper. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 produce notable concurrent cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH elevations in preclinical models, which are largely absent with ipamorelin at research concentrations.
Should Ipamorelin be combined with CJC-1295 No DAC?
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 No DAC are the most commonly co-studied research peptide combination in the GH secretagogue field. CJC-1295 acts through GHRH receptors; ipamorelin acts through GHS-R (ghrelin receptors). Their complementary mechanisms produce synergistic GH pulse amplitudes in preclinical models.
Is Ipamorelin available in Australia?
ClaraScience stocks Ipamorelin in our Australian warehouse. Orders dispatch within 24 hours. For research use only.
How much does Ipamorelin cost in Australia?
$89.95 AUD per 10mg vial. Bulk pricing: 5+ vials from $79.95 each, 10+ from $69.95 each. Free priority shipping on orders over $250 AUD.