Overview
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide classified as a selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonist. Developed in the late 1990s, the compound has been studied extensively in preclinical research for its selective binding profile at the ghrelin receptor and its discriminated effect on growth hormone pathway activation without significant cross-activation of other pituitary hormones (Raun et al., 1998 — PMID: 9849822).
History
Ipamorelin was developed as part of a broader research effort to design selective GHSR agonists with reduced cross-reactivity compared to earlier growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs). Early preclinical work focused on characterizing its selectivity profile relative to compounds like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. Research interest has since expanded into musculoskeletal, metabolic, and body composition models (Gobburu et al., 1999).
Structure & Molecular Data
| CAS Number | 170851-70-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 711.86 g/mol |
| Amino Acid Count / Structure | 5-amino-acid synthetic pentapeptide |
| PubChem CID | 9831659 |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ |
| Appearance | Lyophilized white powder |
| Storage | Store at -20°C. Stable at refrigerated temperatures for short durations. |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water and bacteriostatic water for research preparation |
Compound Class & Mechanism
Ipamorelin binds selectively to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a) expressed on somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary, triggering intracellular calcium mobilization through phospholipase C signaling in preclinical models. This receptor activation has been associated with pulsatile growth hormone release patterns in experimental settings.
Unlike non-selective growth hormone secretagogues, Ipamorelin has been reported to demonstrate minimal cross-activation of corticotropin, aldosterone, or prolactin pathways in research models. This selectivity profile has made it a frequently referenced tool in studies investigating isolated GH axis dynamics (Raun et al., 1998).
Research Findings
Ipamorelin has been investigated in preclinical models spanning the GH/IGF-1 axis, body composition research, and comparative selectivity studies. Published research has documented findings in the following domains:
Key Research Areas
- Growth Hormone Axis: pulsatile GH release dynamics, somatotroph activation, IGF-1 pathway research
- Body Composition Models: lean mass and adipose tissue research in controlled preclinical settings
- Receptor Selectivity: comparative GHSR binding profiles versus GHRP-2 and GHRP-6
- Musculoskeletal Research: bone remodeling, muscle tissue dynamics in preclinical contexts
Collectively, these findings have positioned Ipamorelin as a widely used research reference compound for investigating selective GHSR activation and downstream growth hormone pathway dynamics in controlled laboratory environments (Sinha et al., 2014).
Research Context
Researchers study Ipamorelin to investigate isolated GHSR activation without the confounding cross-activation observed with earlier-generation growth hormone secretagogues. The compound has generated research interest across endocrinology, musculoskeletal biology, and metabolic research models. Its selectivity profile makes it a commonly referenced tool when researchers seek to probe GH axis dynamics in isolation from other pituitary hormone systems.
References
Raun K. et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology. PMID: 9849822
Johansen PB. et al. (1999). Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Hormone & IGF Research.
Gobburu JV. et al. (1999). Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharmaceutical Research.
Sinha DK. et al. (2014). Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition. Translational Andrology and Urology.
Andersen NB. et al. (2001). The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation. Growth Hormone & IGF Research.
Lall S. et al. (2005). Structure-activity studies of the peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin. Endocrinology.
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Intended Use. This product is sold exclusively as a research chemical for use in controlled laboratory settings by qualified scientific professionals. It is intended solely for in vitro research, analytical standards, and non-clinical preclinical experimentation. The product is not a drug, dietary supplement, cosmetic, food product, or consumer article of any kind. Prohibited Uses. This product is NOT for use in humans, NOT for veterinary use, NOT for in vivo use in any species, NOT for diagnostic use, NOT for therapeutic use, NOT for food or agricultural use, and NOT for compounding into any preparation intended for administration to humans or animals. Qualified Professionals Only. Purchasers represent that they are qualified scientific professionals, licensed researchers, or authorized personnel at a research institution, and that this product will be handled in accordance with all applicable institutional, federal, state, and local regulations governing research chemicals. Regulatory Notice. The statements made regarding this product have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product has not been approved by the FDA for any therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive use. Not a Compounding or Outsourcing Facility. Sirius Molecules is a research chemical supplier. Sirius Molecules is not a compounding pharmacy or outsourcing facility as defined under Sections 503A or 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Legal Compliance. Purchasers are solely responsible for ensuring that their acquisition, possession, handling, and use of this product complies with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. |
