Selective growth-hormone secretagogue

Ipamorelin

Also known as NNC 26-0161 · Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide studied as a selective agonist of the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), the ghrelin receptor expressed on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs.

Research referenceJump to specs ↓

ClassSelective growth-hormone secretagogue

Molecular weight711.86 g/mol

Molecular formulaC38H49N9O5

CAS number170851-70-4

The overview

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide studied as a selective agonist of the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), the ghrelin receptor expressed on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs. In receptor-signaling terms, agonist binding couples GHS-R1a to Gq/11, activating phospholipase C and raising inositol-trisphosphate and intracellular calcium, which in somatotroph models triggers exocytosis of stored growth-hormone vesicles. Its defining research feature is selectivity: across preclinical models ipamorelin releases growth hormone without the proportional rise in ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin seen with earlier secretagogues - a property attributed to the two non-coded residues (aminoisobutyric acid and D-2-naphthylalanine) that shape its receptor interaction. Reported activity is mechanistic and model-system based; no human dosing, therapeutic, or outcome claim is made.

In the research

Where Ipamorelin shows up

The areas researchers focus on with Ipamorelin - and why it has the science community paying attention.

GHS-R1a receptor-binding and selectivity assays
Somatotroph calcium-signaling and GH-secretion models
Comparative secretagogue pharmacology (cortisol/prolactin selectivity)

By the numbers

The facts that matter

Molecular weight711.86 g/mol

ReceptorGHS-R1a (ghrelin)

SelectivityGH release without ACTH/cortisol/prolactin rise

To the molecule

Molecular specifications

Molecular formulaC38H49N9O5

Molecular weight711.86 g/mol

CAS number170851-70-4

Amino-acid sequenceAib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

Sourced, not claimed

The science behind it

The peer-reviewed studies behind Ipamorelin, linked so you can read them yourself.

Raun, K., et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology.
“Ipamorelin is the first GHS that selectively stimulates GH release, with a potency and efficacy similar to GHRP-6, but without affecting ACTH or cortisol plasma levels.”
DOI ↗PubMed ↗

Straight answers

Questions, answered

Is Ipamorelin approved by the FDA?

No. Ipamorelin is not an FDA-approved drug. We supply it as a research-use-only reference compound, identity-verified for purity with a COA on every vial.

What class of compound is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is classified as: Selective growth-hormone secretagogue / ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor agonist (synthetic pentapeptide).

What is the molecular weight of Ipamorelin?

The molecular weight of Ipamorelin is 711.86 g/mol, with a molecular formula of C38H49N9O5.

What is the CAS number for Ipamorelin?

The CAS Registry Number for Ipamorelin is 170851-70-4.

What is the amino acid sequence of Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin has the sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2.

Go deeper

More on Ipamorelin

MechanismIpamorelin mechanism of action: receptor binding, signal transduction, aRead →ResearchIpamorelin research: peer-reviewed studies, in-vitro and preclinical modRead →ReconstitutionHow Ipamorelin is reconstituted for in-vitro laboratory research: bacterRead →Half-LifeIpamorelin pharmacokinetic, stability, degradation, and storage characteRead →SpecsIpamorelin molecular specifications: amino-acid sequence, molecular weigRead →FAQAnswers to common research questions about Ipamorelin: classification, sRead →

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For in-vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Bodily introduction into humans or animals is strictly prohibited by law. Ipamorelin is not a drug and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.