Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the receptor for the endogenous peptide ghrelin. Its sequence, Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, incorporates non-natural residues (aminoisobutyric acid and D-configured amino acids) that confer stability and receptor selectivity. In laboratory models it is studied as a growth-hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release through a pathway distinct from, and complementary to, GHRH-receptor signaling.
A defining feature of Ipamorelin in the research literature is its selectivity: unlike earlier growth hormone releasing peptides, it stimulates GH release with minimal effect on the release of ACTH, cortisol or prolactin in model systems. This clean pharmacological profile has made it a widely used tool compound for isolating ghrelin-receptor-mediated GH secretion. Supplied as a lyophilized powder for research use only.
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Research use only — not for human or animal consumption. Per-batch documentation is provided with the material.
Preclinical characterization identified Ipamorelin as one of the first GHS-R agonists to combine potent GH-releasing activity with a high degree of selectivity, releasing GH without the concomitant increases in ACTH and cortisol observed with earlier growth hormone releasing peptides. This selectivity has been reproduced across in vitro pituitary and in vivo rodent model systems.
Later research explored Ipamorelin in models of gastrointestinal motility and postoperative ileus; a clinical development program was ultimately discontinued for lack of efficacy in that indication, but the compound remains a standard selective GHS-R tool in secretagogue research.
Ipamorelin was developed in the late 1990s at Novo Nordisk as part of a program to design selective growth hormone secretagogues, and was first described by Raun and colleagues in 1998. It was later investigated clinically by Helsinn Therapeutics for postoperative ileus. Though not approved as a therapeutic, it has become one of the most widely referenced selective ghrelin-receptor agonists in GH-axis research.
View compound profile on NIH PubChem →
Cited literature refers to laboratory and preclinical research. Ipamorelin is supplied strictly for research use only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
