Overview
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) belonging to the growth-hormone-secretagogue class. Its non-natural residues, including aminoisobutyric acid and D-amino acids, confer enzymatic stability and receptor selectivity that distinguish it from earlier secretagogues such as GHRP-6. It does not correspond to a natural human sequence and is produced synthetically as a reference secretagogue peptide. The literature frequently uses it as a selectivity benchmark in ghrelin-receptor pharmacology.
Mechanism as studied
The research literature characterizes ipamorelin as a selective agonist at the ghrelin/growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), a Gq-coupled G-protein-coupled receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. Receptor activation is associated with phospholipase-C signaling, intracellular calcium mobilization, and pulsatile growth-hormone release in cultured pituitary systems. Comparative studies emphasize its selectivity: unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, it produces minimal activation of adrenocorticotropic (ACTH/cortisol) and prolactin pathways. Its mechanism is documented at the receptor and cellular level.
Research context
Contexts in which this compound appears in the in-vitro and preclinical research literature:
- Pituitary somatotroph culture: GHS-R-mediated calcium signaling and growth-hormone secretion.
- Receptor-selectivity assays contrasting ACTH and prolactin output against GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
- Preclinical rodent studies of pulsatile growth-hormone dynamics.
- Combination studies with GHRH analogs examining convergent somatotroph signaling.
- Enzymatic-stability characterization of the aminoisobutyric-acid backbone.
Handling & storage
Supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory reconstitution. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water to the working concentration your assay requires (e.g. adding 2 mL to the 10 mg vial yields 5 mg/mL). Swirl gently to dissolve rather than shaking or vortexing, and prepare in a clean field. Aliquot after reconstitution to limit freeze–thaw exposure.
Store sealed lyophilized vials at −20 °C protected from light; refrigerate reconstituted material at 2–8 °C and minimize repeated freeze–thaw.
Certificates of analysis
Independent and in-house certificates published for this compound. Each reports identity and HPLC purity for the tested lot.
Order Ipamorelin
Lot-traceable, certificate-backed, and shipped cold-chain from the US.
For research use only
This guide is reference material for qualified researchers. The compound is an analytical-grade reference material supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development — not a drug, supplement, or medical device, and not for human or animal consumption or any therapeutic, clinical, or diagnostic use. No medical claims are made or implied.
