Ipamorelin Research Overview: GHS-R1a Agonism, Selectivity, and Laboratory Applications

Research use only. For in vitro laboratory applications. Not for human consumption.

What Is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist — a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) developed to study the growth hormone axis with high receptor selectivity. Unlike earlier GH secretagogues, Ipamorelin is notable for its selectivity: it stimulates GH release without concurrently elevating cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH in cell and animal model studies, making it a clean tool compound for GH pathway research.

Molecular Profile

ParameterValue
SequenceAib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
Molecular FormulaC₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular Weight711.85 Da
CAS Number170851-70-4
Purity (Bastion)>99% (HPLC verified)
FormatLyophilized powder
Storage-20°C (lyophilized); 4°C post-reconstitution, use within 28 days

Mechanism of Action

Ipamorelin acts as a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Unlike GHRH analogues (CJC-1295, Sermorelin), which act on the GHRH receptor, Ipamorelin activates the ghrelin pathway — a complementary GH-stimulating mechanism. The two pathways are often studied in combination for additive effect in cell culture models.

  • GHS-R1a agonism: Binds ghrelin receptors in pituitary cell models to stimulate GH secretion.
  • High selectivity: Does not significantly activate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin pathways at research concentrations in most published models — a key advantage for studying isolated GH axis effects.
  • Synergy with GHRH analogues: Often co-studied with CJC-1295 or Sermorelin in combinatorial GH axis research designs.

Research Applications

  • Growth hormone pulsatility studies in pituitary cell cultures
  • GHS-R1a receptor binding and signaling cascade research
  • Combinatorial peptide studies (Ipamorelin + CJC-1295) on GH axis
  • Comparison studies against GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 for selectivity profiling
  • IGF-1 signaling pathway research in downstream models

Reconstitution

Standard reconstitution: add 5mL bacteriostatic water to 5mg vial for a 1mg/mL working solution. Swirl gently. Store at 4°C; use within 28 days. See our full reconstitution guide for detailed protocol.

Available in 1 Vial, 5 Vials, and 10 Vials: Ipamorelin 5mg

Disclaimer: All products are for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA-approved for therapeutic use.

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