growth hormone secretagogue · Evidence-based safety and harm-reduction overview.
| Also known as | growth hormone secretagogue |
| Category | Peptide |
| Class | Selective growth-hormone secretagogue (pentapeptide) |
| Route in research | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | Approximately 2-3 hours in humans (based on limited data) |
| US legal status | Not FDA-approved for human use. Sold as a research chemical. WADA-prohibited. |
Ipamorelin is a selective growth-hormone secretagogue, a pentapeptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone (GH). It has relatively selective action compared with older secretagogues and minimal effects on cortisol or prolactin release. It is sold as a research chemical only.
Ipamorelin binds to growth-hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSR, also called the ghrelin receptor) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. This stimulates the release of endogenous growth hormone from the pituitary into the bloodstream. Its selectivity for GHSR with minimal cortisol or prolactin release distinguishes it from earlier, less selective secretagogues. The downstream effects are mediated by circulating GH and secondary IGF-1 production in the liver and other tissues.
Ipamorelin was developed in the 1990s as an improved growth-hormone secretagogue with a more favorable receptor selectivity profile than earlier compounds. Early clinical studies in humans demonstrated GH-releasing activity and a relatively clean safety profile over short durations. It did not advance to FDA approval, likely due to limited commercial interest and the complexity of long-term safety assessment. It remains a popular research compound in biohacking and sports communities.
Early human pharmacology studies confirmed it raises GH and IGF-1 levels. It was investigated for potential therapeutic use in growth disorders and aging but was not brought to market as a drug. Long-term outcome data in humans are lacking. Animal studies show recovery and metabolic effects, but human efficacy trials are absent.
In early human studies, ipamorelin has been administered by subcutaneous injection at doses in the range of 0.5-1.0 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, typically once or twice daily. Animal studies use similar mass-normalized doses. No approved human dosing regimen exists.
This is general research/context information, not medical advice or a recommended protocol.
In anecdotal reports, ipamorelin is often combined with CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) or TB-500 in hopes of synergistic recovery effects. There is no clinical evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of such combinations.
If you are going to research a compound, verifying identity and purity is the single most protective step. Independent analytical testing and sterile-handling supplies reduce risk.
Compare testing optionsNo. It stimulates the body's own growth-hormone release; it is not an anabolic steroid.
No. It was studied but is not an approved drug.
In theory, elevated GH and IGF-1 can promote muscle anabolism, but there are no controlled human trials proving this. Anecdotal reports are not reliable.
Elevated GH can cause insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Long-term risk in humans is unknown, but glucose monitoring would be prudent.
Medical & legal disclaimer. This site is for informational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. The compounds discussed are largely not approved by the FDA for human use and many are sold strictly as research chemicals 'not for human consumption.' Nothing here is an endorsement to purchase, possess, or use any substance. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified physician and follow the law where you live.
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