What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective ghrelin receptor agonist (GH secretagogue) that stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. It is considered the "cleanest" GH secretagogue available because it selectively triggers GH pulses without raising cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or aldosterone — side effects that limit other GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. Its selectivity and predictable GH pulse pattern have made it one of the most studied peptides in the GH secretagogue class.
Research Benefits
- Selectively stimulates GH release without raising cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH
- Produces clean, discrete GH pulses ideal for body recomposition and recovery research
- Enhances fat metabolism via GH-mediated lipolytic signaling
- Improves muscle protein synthesis and lean mass accretion
- Supports bone mineral density through GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation
- Excellent safety and tolerability profile — minimal side effects at research doses
Dosage & Protocol
Research protocols typically use 200–300 mcg per injection, administered 2–3 times daily subcutaneously. Administration before sleep, upon waking, and pre-workout are the most studied timing windows. The ~2-hour half-life supports multiple daily injections. Ipamorelin is almost always co-administered with CJC-1295 (no-DAC) for synergistic GH pulse amplification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not elevate cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or cause significant hunger or water retention at research doses. It produces selective, clean GH pulses, making it ideal for protocols where hormonal side effects must be minimized.
Ipamorelin can be used as a standalone compound, though it produces significantly larger GH pulses when combined with a GHRH analogue like CJC-1295 (no-DAC). The combined CJC + Ipamorelin blend addresses both GH pulse pathways simultaneously.
The three most studied timing windows are: (1) before sleep to amplify the nocturnal GH pulse, (2) upon waking in a fasted state, and (3) 30–45 minutes before training. Administering in a fasted state or when insulin is low maximizes GH response.