Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) classified as a growth-hormone secretagogue (GHS) that acts as a selective agonist at the ghrelin / growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). In preclinical research it is noted for a high selectivity profile (in animal models it stimulates growth-hormone release with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH), which makes it a useful tool compound for isolating GH-axis signaling from other pituitary hormones.
Ipamorelin is supplied as a lyophilized powder and is water-soluble on reconstitution. It contains non-standard residues (Aib = α-aminoisobutyric acid; D-2-Nal = D-2-naphthylalanine) and a C-terminal amide.
Verified dataVerified compound data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compound name | Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) |
| CAS number | 170851-70-4 |
| PubChem CID | 9831659 |
| Molecular formula | C38H49N9O5 |
| Molecular weight | 711.9 g/mol |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 |
| Length | 5 residues (pentapeptide), C-terminal amide |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
Data verified against PubChem (CID 9831659) and ChEMBL (CHEMBL58547).
MechanismResearch-context mechanism
In preclinical literature, ipamorelin is associated with agonism at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) at the pituitary level. Research suggests it stimulates growth-hormone pulses in a concentration-dependent manner in animal models while showing limited cross-activation of other pituitary outputs. Studies have examined downstream effects on the IGF-1 axis in animal research models. These mechanisms are described strictly in preclinical / animal research contexts and are not established human-use mechanisms.
Research summaryCurrent research summary
Ipamorelin appears in GH-secretagogue pharmacology literature, typically in:
- Ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonism and downstream signaling studies
- Growth-hormone pulse-amplitude and frequency studies (animal models)
- Comparative selectivity profiling against GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and hexarelin
- IGF-1-axis modulation in animal research models
Its selectivity makes it a frequent reference compound for studying GH secretion in isolation. Ipamorelin is not an FDA-approved drug; reported clinical development reached an early phase and the compound has no established human therapeutic use.
QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and a selective growth-hormone secretagogue that acts as a ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist in research models. It is a research compound, not for human use.
What is the molecular formula of ipamorelin?
The molecular formula of ipamorelin is C38H49N9O5, with a molecular weight of 711.9 g/mol (PubChem CID 9831659).
What is the CAS number for ipamorelin?
The CAS registry number for ipamorelin is 170851-70-4.
What is the amino acid sequence of ipamorelin?
The sequence is Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, a pentapeptide containing non-standard residues (Aib = α-aminoisobutyric acid; D-2-Nal = D-2-naphthylalanine) with a C-terminal amide.
What makes ipamorelin “selective” in research?
In animal models, ipamorelin stimulates growth-hormone release with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH, a selectivity profile that lets researchers isolate GH-axis signaling from other pituitary hormones.
Is ipamorelin approved for human use?
No. Ipamorelin is not an FDA-approved drug and is not intended for human consumption. It is offered strictly as a research compound for laboratory use.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not approved by the FDA. 21+
- HPLC + MS tested, every batch
- U.S. synthesized
- Batch COA on the product page
$55View compound