Ipamorelin
Also known as: NNC 26-0161
Quick summary
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GH secretagogue developed by Novo Nordisk. Research focus: selective GH secretagogue pharmacology, ghrelin receptor agonism and ACTH/cortisol specificity. This page leads with SRP's low-and-slow starting dose.
Amino acid sequence (one-letter code): AHFFK
Overview
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GH secretagogue developed by Novo Nordisk. Its notable feature is selectivity. In the original swine work it released GH without the ACTH and cortisol rise seen with GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
Looking for research material? Simple Research Peptides lists Ipamorelin Research Vials | 20 mg & 10 mg for laboratory research use.
Mechanism
A selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). In animal studies it releases growth hormone with little rise in ACTH or cortisol, which sets it apart from older GHRPs.
Research areas
- selective GH secretagogue pharmacology
- ghrelin receptor agonism
- ACTH/cortisol specificity
Storage & reconstitution
Supplied as a lyophilized powder; keep sealed, dry and away from light, ideally frozen or refrigerated for long-term holding. Laboratories typically reconstitute with bacteriostatic or sterile water, swirling gently rather than shaking, then hold the solution refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use it within the window set by their own stability protocol.
Recommended starting dose (low and slow)
| Starting dose | Example opens at 100 mcg once daily for week 1; range also starts at 100 mcg; start at 200 mcg. |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Reported: 100-300 mcg subcutaneous, 1-3 times daily (200-300 mcg at night is described as most common), taken fasted, in cycles of 8-12 weeks followed by about 4 weeks off. |
| Reconstitution | Example: 5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water = 2 mg/mL (200 mcg = 0.1 mL = 10 units). Refrigerate 2-8 °C away from light, up to ~28 days. |
100-300 mcg SC, 1-3 times daily on an empty stomach (200-300 mcg nightly most common); half-life ~2 h; 8-12 week cycles with ~4 weeks off.
Studied higher doses
Studies have used doses up to the amounts below. Higher doses can be dangerous. Whether a person can reach them safely depends on height, weight, activity level, training and pre-existing conditions. We recommend following the lower starting dose above, and contacting SRP with any questions.
| Highest amount reported in studies | 300 mcg per administration (agree; reference up to 250 mcg). Frequency up to 2-3 times daily. |
|---|---|
| Step-up schedules reported | Example: 100 mcg daily in week 1, 200 mcg daily in weeks 2-3, then 200-300 mcg daily (once, or split into two) for weeks 4-12, with an optional 4-week break. |
Route and timing
Route: Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols.
Timing: Pending - to be added by SRP
Cycle length and repeat
Pending - to be added by SRP
Half-life
Approximate, for Bobby's review: About 2 hours.
Side effects
Pending - to be added by SRP
Suggested bloodwork and monitoring
Draft, for Bobby's review: CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function, electrolytes) before starting and again after a few weeks; IGF-1, fasting glucose and HbA1c.
Cautions
Pending - to be added by SRP
Reconstitution calculator
Math aid only. It converts the numbers you enter; it is not dosing advice. For research use only. Prefilled with this page's vial size, reconstitution and low-and-slow starting dose where known; change any value.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ipamorelin studied for?
In research it is studied for selective GH secretagogue pharmacology, ghrelin receptor agonism and ACTH/cortisol specificity. A selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).
How is Ipamorelin given in research?
Subcutaneous injection after reconstitution is the route most often described in research protocols. See the dosing frequency block on this page for how often.
What amount should a researcher start with?
This page lists SRP's low-and-slow starting dose in the Recommended starting dose section. Higher amounts that appear in studies are listed separately with their safety context. Start with the lower dose and contact SRP with any questions.
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Last updated: October 19, 2026