Overview
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (five amino acids) that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue. It was developed to stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland while minimizing effects on other hormones like cortisol and prolactin.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin works by mimicking ghrelin and binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the pituitary gland. This triggers the release of growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern similar to natural GH release.
Key characteristics:
- Selective GH release without significant effects on ACTH, prolactin, or cortisol
- Does not increase appetite significantly (unlike ghrelin)
- Works synergistically with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295
Research Applications
Ipamorelin has been studied in various research contexts:
- Growth hormone deficiency models
- Bone density and muscle mass research
- Metabolic function studies
- Post-surgical recovery investigations
Peptide Structure
Ipamorelin has the amino acid sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, where Aib is aminoisobutyric acid and 2-Nal is 2-naphthylalanine.
Half-Life and Administration
Ipamorelin has a relatively short half-life of approximately 2 hours. In research settings, it is typically administered via subcutaneous injection.
Research Status
Ipamorelin remains a research compound and is not FDA-approved for any medical indication. All use should be limited to legitimate scientific research under appropriate oversight.