LA LABResearch Reference Document
Compound Guide
Ipamorelin — Selective GH Secretagogue
Quick Start
What It Is
Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist, originally developed by Novo Nordisk. It stimulates pituitary GH secretion without meaningfully raising cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin — a key differentiator from earlier GH secretagogues like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
Research Dosing
100–300 mcg SubQ, 1–3× daily, in a fasted state (1–2 hours after last meal; wait 20–30 minutes before eating after injection). GH peak occurs approximately 30–40 minutes post-injection. Half-life ~2 hours. Most protocols use 200 mcg once or twice daily.
Cycle Structure
8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. Cycling is important to prevent GH receptor desensitisation. For maximum GH pulse amplitude, morning (fasted) or pre-sleep dosing is preferred. Evening dosing aligns with the natural nocturnal GH surge.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA-approved. FDA removed ipamorelin from Category 2 list in September 2024; PCAC reviewed October 2024 and recommended against inclusion in 503A/503B compounding. WADA banned (S2 — peptide hormones). For research purposes only.
Dosing Protocol
Dosing figures are not provided for compounds we do not stock.
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 No DAC Stack
Ipamorelin (GHS-R1a agonist) is frequently studied alongside CJC-1295 No DAC (GHRH receptor agonist). These act on different receptors — the combination produces a larger, more sustained GH pulse than either alone. Note: CJC-1295 with DAC (different compound, weekly dosing) is used differently. See CJC-1295 DAC guide for details.
Supplies & Reconstitution
Reconstitution & Dosing
LA LAB does not stock this as a standalone product, so vial-specific reconstitution and dosing figures are not provided here. This page is a research reference only. For compounds we carry, see our guides.
Vial Planning Guide
| Dose | Frequency | Injections per 10 mg Vial | Vials for 8 Weeks | Vials for 12 Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mcg | Once daily | 50 | 1–2 vials | 2 vials |
| 200 mcg | Twice daily | 25 days' worth | 3 vials | 4–5 vials |
| 300 mcg | Once daily | 33 | 2 vials | 3 vials |
Reconstitution Steps
01
Warm the vial
Remove from freezer 10–15 minutes before use. Let reach room temperature without heating.
02
Swab both stoppers
Use separate alcohol swabs on each vial top. Allow to air-dry.
03
Draw BAC water
Draw the required BAC water volume (e.g. 3.0 mL for 10 mg vial).
04
Inject along the wall
Insert needle at an angle and let BAC water run slowly down the inside wall. Do not jet onto the powder cake.
05
Swirl gently
Slow circular motion until fully dissolved. Solution should be clear. Do not shake or vortex.
06
Refrigerate
Store at 2–8°C, upright, up to 30 days. Do not freeze after reconstitution. Protect from light.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds and activates the GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotrophs. This triggers GH secretion without activating other pituitary hormone axes. Key selectivity profile:
GH Secretion — Stimulated
Dose-dependent GH release. GH peak occurs ~30–40 min post-injection. Plasma half-life ~2 hours. Downstream: IGF-1 elevation over hours to days with repeated dosing.
Cortisol / ACTH / Prolactin — Spared
Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin at research doses. This selectivity profile is why it is preferred in most GH secretagogue research.
Comparison: GH Secretagogues
| Compound | Receptor | GH Effect | Cortisol/ACTH | Prolactin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | GHS-R1a | Selective, dose-dependent | Not raised | Not raised |
| GHRP-2 | GHS-R1a | Strong | Raised | Raised |
| GHRP-6 | GHS-R1a | Strong | Raised | Raised |
| CJC-1295 No DAC | GHRH-R | Moderate; synergistic with Ipa | Not raised | Not raised |
| CJC-1295 + DAC | GHRH-R | Sustained (days) | Not raised | Not raised |
Research Status
| Study | Design | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Raun et al. 1998 (Novo Nordisk) | Rat pituitary; in vitro | Established GHS-R1a selectivity; no cortisol/ACTH elevation |
| Beck et al. 2014 (Phase II) | Postoperative ileus; human | Well tolerated; did not meet primary efficacy endpoint |
| Multiple Phase I | GH kinetics; healthy adults | GH pulse ~30 min post-injection; half-life ~2 hours confirmed |
Storage
| State | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised (powder) | −20°C (freezer) | Up to 24 months | Protect from light and moisture |
| Reconstituted (liquid) | 2–8°C (refrigerator) | Up to 30 days | Do not freeze after reconstitution |
| Short-term (travel) | <25°C | Up to 72 hours | Avoid heat and direct sunlight |
Disclaimer
This document is an educational research reference only. It is not medical advice, not a treatment plan, and not a recommendation to use Ipamorelin outside of a qualified research context. Ipamorelin is banned by WADA and not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. By purchasing from LA LAB you confirm you are 18+ and that products are for research purposes only.
Side Effects & What People Report
Ipamorelin has been through early human pharmacokinetic work but no completed efficacy trial. Reports below come from that work and from users.
| Reported | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flushing or head rush | Common in the minutes after injection, and usually brief. |
| Water retention, tingling hands | A class effect of raising GH. Often the first sign the dose is too high. |
| Drowsiness | Why it is usually taken before bed. |
| Hunger | Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor, and ghrelin drives appetite. |
| Injection-site reactions | Redness or a small lump. |
Ipamorelin is described as more selective than older secretagogues like GHRP-6 — less effect on cortisol and prolactin. That selectivity is the reason it is preferred, and it comes from receptor studies rather than head-to-head human trials.
Who Should Avoid Ipamorelin
| Situation | Why |
|---|---|
| Active cancer, or a recent history | Avoid. Growth hormone and IGF-1 promote cell growth. This is the central safety concern for anything that raises them. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | Avoid. No safety data. |
| Under 18 | Avoid. The GH axis is still developing; interfering with it is not something to guess at. |
| Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance | Raising GH can worsen insulin resistance. Needs prescriber supervision and glucose monitoring. |
| Active diabetic retinopathy | A contraindication on licensed GH products. |
| Competing athletes | GH secretagogues are on the WADA prohibited list. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it taken at night?
The body’s own largest GH pulse happens in early sleep, and the idea is to work with it rather than against it. Timing has not been trialled head to head.
The body’s own largest GH pulse happens in early sleep, and the idea is to work with it rather than against it. Timing has not been trialled head to head.
Why fasted?
Food, particularly carbohydrate and fat, blunts the GH response. Most protocols leave a gap either side.
Food, particularly carbohydrate and fat, blunts the GH response. Most protocols leave a gap either side.
Ipamorelin or CJC-1295?
They work by different routes — ipamorelin on the ghrelin receptor, CJC-1295 as a GHRH analogue — which is exactly why they are so often combined.
They work by different routes — ipamorelin on the ghrelin receptor, CJC-1295 as a GHRH analogue — which is exactly why they are so often combined.
Will it show up on a drug test?
Yes. GH secretagogues are on the WADA prohibited list.
Yes. GH secretagogues are on the WADA prohibited list.
Is it the same as taking growth hormone?
No. It prompts your own pituitary to release GH in pulses, which keeps the feedback loop intact. Injected GH overrides it.
No. It prompts your own pituitary to release GH in pulses, which keeps the feedback loop intact. Injected GH overrides it.
How long before anything changes?
Sleep quality is what users report first, within days. Anything about body composition is months, if at all.
Sleep quality is what users report first, within days. Anything about body composition is months, if at all.
Sources & Research
Raun K et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol 1998;139:552–61.
Gobburu JV et al. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharm Res 1999;16:1412–6.
Regulatory status — not approved by SAHPRA or the FDA. On the WADA prohibited list. No completed efficacy trial.
Educational reference only
This document is a research reference, not medical advice and not a treatment plan. Ipamorelin has no completed efficacy trial and is not approved by SAHPRA. Dose decisions belong to you and your prescriber. Independent certificates of analysis for every LA LAB batch are published under Research → Lab Results, with the Janoshik task number and verification key so you can check them yourself.