Ipamorelin

Research use only. Ipamorelin as sold on this page is a laboratory research chemical, not a drug, dietary supplement, or cosmetic. It is not FDA-approved and is not intended for human or animal use, consumption, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or condition.

Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist studied for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release without the broader hormonal side effects seen with older growth hormone releasing peptides. Nexa Peptide Labs sells Ipamorelin for sale to laboratories, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical research facilities that need a verified, batch-tested compound for endocrine and growth hormone pathway studies.

Ipamorelin was the first growth hormone releasing peptide shown to selectively stimulate GH release without materially raising cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, FSH, or LH, a distinction that separated it from earlier compounds in the same peptide family. This page covers what Ipamorelin actually is, how its selectivity profile compares to older growth hormone releasing peptides, what purity standards apply, and what to verify before you buy from any supplier.

What Is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as a selective agonist at the ghrelin receptor, also known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a). The foundational research on Ipamorelin, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology in 1998, described it as displaying high growth hormone releasing potency and efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models, including primary rat pituitary cell cultures, anesthetized rats, and conscious swine.

The defining finding of that research was selectivity. Ipamorelin did not release ACTH or cortisol at levels significantly different from those observed following GHRH stimulation alone, even at doses roughly 200 times higher than the amount needed to trigger growth hormone release. This contrasted directly with GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, two earlier growth hormone releasing peptides tested in the same research program, both of which increased cortisol and ACTH levels at comparable doses. The study’s authors described Ipamorelin as the first growth hormone releasing peptide receptor agonist with a selectivity profile comparable to natural growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).

Ipamorelin Versus Non-Selective Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides

Not every compound described as a “growth hormone releasing peptide” behaves the same way once it reaches the pituitary. Earlier compounds in this class, including GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, act on the same ghrelin receptor but also produce measurable increases in cortisol, ACTH, and prolactin, effects that complicate interpretation of growth hormone axis research. Hexarelin belongs to this same older, less selective category. Ipamorelin’s receptor selectivity is what made it a distinct research tool rather than simply another entry in the same peptide family, and it remains the reference point researchers use when describing selective versus non-selective ghrelin receptor activity.

Ipamorelin Specifications and Comparison

The table below compares Ipamorelin against two other compounds commonly referenced in growth hormone axis research: a GHRH receptor agonist and a non-selective ghrelin receptor agonist.

Researchers studying combined GHRH receptor and ghrelin receptor activation commonly reference the CJC-1295 Ipamorelin blend alongside standalone Ipamorelin, since the two peptides act on different receptors in the same growth hormone release pathway.

Purity, Certificate of Analysis, and Batch Testing

Ipamorelin intended for laboratory research use should be manufactured under controlled synthesis conditions and verified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, with a Certificate of Analysis specific to the production batch. A Certificate of Analysis is available on request for every batch Nexa Peptide Labs ships. Institutional buyers, CROs, and pharmaceutical R&D facilities purchasing for a funded study or documented protocol should request the COA before ordering, not after. See the Certificate of Analysis and lab testing page for sample reports and testing methodology.

Sourcing Ipamorelin: What to Verify Before You Buy

Ipamorelin acetate has been on FDA’s Category 2 list of bulk drug substances since September 29, 2023, meaning FDA has determined it presents significant safety risk for use in compounded drug products and it cannot lawfully be compounded under the 503A or 503B pathways. That designation applies to the licensed pharmacy compounding pathway, not to laboratory research peptides sold under research use only labeling, but buyers should be aware of it when evaluating any listing’s claims. Before buying Ipamorelin from any supplier, it is worth confirming three things. First, does the Certificate of Analysis correspond to the specific batch being shipped, covering HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity confirmation, rather than a generic template reused across listings. Second, is the stated purity percentage independently verifiable rather than simply asserted on the listing page. Third, does the supplier disclose known regulatory context, such as the Category 2 designation, rather than omitting it entirely.

Storage and Handling

Store lyophilized Ipamorelin at minus 20 degrees Celsius, protected from light and moisture, until it is prepared for laboratory use following your institution’s standard protocol. Once reconstituted according to a validated laboratory procedure, peptide solutions are generally stored refrigerated and used within the timeframe established by your protocol, since peptide stability in solution is time and temperature dependent. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided where possible, as they can degrade peptide integrity over time. Handling should follow your institution’s standard laboratory procedures and biosafety guidelines.

Buying Ipamorelin From Nexa Peptide Labs

Ipamorelin is for sale in individual vials and bulk wholesale quantities to biotechnology laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D facilities, academic research institutions, contract research organizations, and international distributors. Every order ships with batch documentation, and volume pricing is available for CROs and institutional buyers purchasing on a recurring basis. Researchers studying combined growth hormone secretagogue and GHRH receptor pathways may also be interested in the CJC-1295 Ipamorelin blend. See the research use policy page and the shipping and fulfillment FAQ for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ipamorelin used for in research?

Ipamorelin is used in laboratory studies of growth hormone release mechanisms, ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) activity, and selective versus non-selective growth hormone secretagogue pharmacology. It is sold strictly for research use, not for human or animal consumption.

What makes Ipamorelin different from other growth hormone releasing peptides?

Foundational research published in 1998 found that Ipamorelin selectively stimulated growth hormone release without significantly raising cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, FSH, or LH, even at high doses. Earlier compounds in the same peptide family, including GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, produced measurable increases in cortisol and ACTH at comparable doses.

Is Ipamorelin the same as CJC-1295?

No. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist, while CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that acts on a different receptor. The two are studied together because they act on separate pathways that both influence growth hormone release, which is why they are frequently sold as a combined research blend.

Is Ipamorelin FDA approved?

No. Ipamorelin has no FDA-approved drug application. It is also listed on FDA’s Category 2 bulk drug substances list, meaning it cannot lawfully be used in compounded drug products prepared by 503A or 503B pharmacies for human use.

Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis for Ipamorelin?

Yes. Each production batch includes a Certificate of Analysis covering HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity confirmation, available on request before purchase.

Can I buy Ipamorelin in bulk or wholesale quantities?

Yes. Ipamorelin is available in single vials and bulk wholesale quantities, with volume-based pricing for CROs, academic labs, pharmaceutical R&D facilities, and institutional buyers.

How should Ipamorelin be stored?

Store lyophilized Ipamorelin at minus 20 degrees Celsius, protected from light and moisture, until preparation for laboratory use. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated and used within the timeframe established by your protocol, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.

What purity level should I expect when I buy Ipamorelin online?

Reputable suppliers verify purity through HPLC and mass spectrometry testing and provide a batch-specific COA. Buyers comparing vendors should request the COA before purchase rather than relying on the listing description alone.

Was Ipamorelin tested in animal models?

Yes. The original 1998 characterization study evaluated Ipamorelin in primary rat pituitary cell cultures, anesthetized rats, and conscious swine, comparing its selectivity to earlier growth hormone releasing peptides.

Why is Ipamorelin often studied alongside CJC-1295?

Ipamorelin activates the ghrelin receptor while CJC-1295 activates the GHRH receptor, so researchers studying combined receptor activation in the growth hormone release pathway often reference both compounds together, either as separate purchases or as a combined blend.

Do you ship Ipamorelin internationally?

Nexa Peptide Labs fulfills United States orders directly through its distribution network and supports international distributors; buyers outside the United States should confirm current import requirements in their own country before ordering.

Reviewed by , Nexa Peptide Labs Science and Quality Assurance Team.
Last updated: September 5, 2026.

Sources: Raun et al., “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue,” European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998, PubMed. Bulk Drug Substances Used in Compounding, FDA.gov.

Research background

• The full growth hormone research catalog
• Three decades of growth hormone secretagogue data
• Batch documentation for this compound

Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.