Ipamorelin
What it is
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (five amino acids, Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as an agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), the same receptor targeted by the hormone ghrelin. It belongs to the growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) family and is often described as one of the more selective compounds in that class.
Research context and categorization
Ipamorelin is generally grouped under the growth hormone secretagogue category, alongside compounds such as GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and hexarelin. In the research literature it is discussed in the context of stimulating pituitary release of growth hormone through the ghrelin receptor pathway. A point commonly raised in relation to Ipamorelin is its reported selectivity, meaning it is studied and discussed as a secretagogue that triggers growth hormone release with comparatively little effect on cortisol or prolactin relative to some older peptides in the class.
Because it is not an FDA-approved drug, any uses described for Ipamorelin are investigational and have not been confirmed or approved. The clinical evidence base is limited, drawn largely from small or short-term studies, and the original developer discontinued its therapeutic development. Longer-term questions around chronic receptor activation, glucose metabolism, and safety remain open and unresolved in the published literature.
Status
- Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved for any indication. It is handled as a research-only compound in the United States and is not authorized as a therapeutic drug.
- Sport status: Prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List at all times, in and out of competition, under class S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics). Growth hormone secretagogues are named explicitly within this class.
Reconstitution notes (general)
Concentration equals the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields a solution of 2.5 mg/mL. Use the reconstitution calculator at /pages/tools to convert a target volume into a concentration.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
Ipamorelin ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. It is a small, water-soluble peptide and generally dissolves readily into a clear, colorless solution within a minute or so. It does not typically gel, cloud, or leave a lasting precipitate the way some larger or less soluble peptides can. Cloudiness or persistent particulates after mixing are a sign to discard rather than a normal state to work through.
Typical water-per-vial choices for a 5 mg vial range from about 2 mL to 5 mL, and a 2 mg vial is often reconstituted with smaller volumes such as 0.5 mL to 1 mL. As an illustration, 5 mg in 2 mL gives 2.5 mg/mL, while 2 mg in 0.5 mL gives 4 mg/mL. The peptide itself dissolves fine across that range, so the amount of water is a measurement convenience (making small volumes easier to read) rather than a solubility requirement.
Handling quirks worth noting: - Add the water slowly and aim the stream against the glass wall of the vial rather than directly onto the powder. This limits mechanical stress and foaming. - Do not shake or vortex. Swirl or roll the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Vigorous agitation can foam the solution and promote peptide aggregation. - Ipamorelin is sensitive to light and heat once in solution. Shielding the vial from light, for example with an amber vial or by storing it away from direct light, helps limit degradation.
Handling and storage
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and keep it out of light. Wipe the rubber stopper with alcohol before each puncture. Label the vial with the mix date and observe the general four week (roughly 28 day) refrigerated window for reconstituted material. Discard any vial whose contents have turned cloudy or discolored, or that shows floaters or particulates.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.