§ 01 Overview
Overview
Selective ghrelin receptor agonist that releases GH without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin. The cleanest GHRP.
Strong preclinical pharmacology and small early human trials. Widely used in clinical research and compounding. No late-stage FDA trials.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GH-releasing peptide (GHRP) that selectively stimulates the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. Unlike GHRP-2/6, it has minimal effect on cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin release.
- 01Pulsatile GH release that mimics physiological patterns
- 02Improved sleep depth and recovery
- 03Body composition support when paired with CJC-1295
- 04Minimal side-effect profile
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg
- BAC Water
- 2 ml BAC water
- Dose Range
- 100 – 300 mcg per dose
- Starting Dose
- 200 mcg
- Route
- SubQ
- Timing
- Before bed on empty stomach, optional AM dose
- Frequency
- Daily (1–3x/day)
- Cycle
- 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Storage
Refrigerate reconstituted vial; stable ~30 days at 4°C.
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Strong preclinical pharmacology and small early human trials. Widely used in clinical research and compounding. No late-stage FDA trials.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved. Historically compounded; compounding restricted under 2023 FDA guidance on bulk peptides.
§ 05 Stacks
Common stacks
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Peptide Therapy: Uses, Types & What's FDA-Approved - Haute Living
Peptide Therapy: Uses, Types & What's FDA-Approved Haute Living
Best Peptides for Women Over 50 - racinecountyeye.com
Best Peptides for Women Over 50 racinecountyeye.com
South African cyclist S’annara Grove provisionally suspended for failed doping test - KING5.com
South African cyclist S’annara Grove provisionally suspended for failed doping test KING5.com
South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide - Cyclingnews
South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide Cyclingnews
Ipamorelin: Signaling Precision, Cellular Dialogue, and Emerging Research Pathways - dailynews.lk
Ipamorelin: Signaling Precision, Cellular Dialogue, and Emerging Research Pathways dailynews.lk
Exploring the Research Landscape of the Sermorelin and Ipamorelin Peptide Blend - suncoastpost.com
Exploring the Research Landscape of the Sermorelin and Ipamorelin Peptide Blend suncoastpost.com
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: A Coordinated Peptide System in Emerging Endocrine Signaling Research - Banglanews24
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: A Coordinated Peptide System in Emerging Endocrine Signaling Research Banglanews24
Sermorelin and Ipamorelin Synergy: Reframing the Growth Hormone Axis - Business Review
Sermorelin and Ipamorelin Synergy: Reframing the Growth Hormone Axis Business Review
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
503B pharmacies · 2
Belmar Pharma Solutions
Rx requiredWebster Equity portfolio. Triple-credentialed (PCAB + NABP + LegitScript), licensed in all 50 states. Among the most credentialed operators.
Hallandale Pharmacy (Pharmcore)
Rx required503A with historic warning letter (2020, closed out 2022). Major telehealth fulfillment partner.
Telehealth (Rx) · 3
Defy Medical
Rx requiredBroadest peptide formulary in legitimate US telehealth. 13-year history, concierge cash-pay, no known lawsuits.
Marek Health
Rx requiredPremium hormone optimization. All 50 states. 4.8 Trustpilot. Partners include Hallandale.
Blokes / Joi Women's Wellness
Rx requiredMen's + women's optimization platform. TRT in 34 states. 4.6–4.8 Trustpilot.
International · 3
Trident Peptides
1,299+ Trustpilot reviews (5-star). Strongest review base in UK research peptides. No visible ISO/GMP; COAs not posted.
Direct Peptides
Multi-region geo-routed mirrors. Multiple credible scam complaints. Documented customs seizures. Avoid absent stronger evidence.
Canlab
Health Canada public warning December 2023. Operates across mirror domains to evade takedowns. Avoid.
Research-use-only · 7
Swiss Chems
Established SARMs/peptide vendor. FDA warning letter Dec 2024 for GLP-1s. Weaker peptide QC than SARMs QC.
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Ascension Peptides
Among newer RUO vendors with cleaner credibility signals. SafeCert Labs (CLIA-certified) testing, 4.8 Trustpilot. US-only.
Modern Aminos
Multi-vial batch third-party testing. 5-star Trustpilot (1,400+ reviews). US- and EU-facing.
Peptide Warehouse
US-made, independent third-party testing including endotoxin and heavy-metal panels. Distinct from similar-sounding copycat domains.
BioTech Peptides
Claims >99% purity via HPLC + MS. Accepts cards and PayPal. 30-day money-back.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Transient flushing or tingling
- 02Mild water retention
- 03Hunger pangs (ghrelin activity)
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
Ipamorelin FAQ
- What is Ipamorelin?
- Selective ghrelin receptor agonist that releases GH without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin. The cleanest GHRP. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GH-releasing peptide (GHRP) that selectively stimulates the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. Unlike GHRP-2/6, it has minimal effect on cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin release.
- What is Ipamorelin used for?
- Reported uses include pulsatile gh release that mimics physiological patterns, improved sleep depth and recovery, body composition support when paired with cjc-1295, and minimal side-effect profile. Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is Ipamorelin dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 100 – 300 mcg per dose, typically daily (1–3x/day), administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- How do you reconstitute Ipamorelin?
- For Ipamorelin, vials commonly come in 5 mg and a common reconstitution is 2 ml BAC water. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert any vial size and water volume into exact insulin-syringe units.
- What are the side effects of Ipamorelin?
- Commonly reported side effects include transient flushing or tingling, mild water retention, and hunger pangs (ghrelin activity). This list is not exhaustive.
- Is Ipamorelin legal?
- Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. Historically compounded; compounding restricted under 2023 FDA guidance on bulk peptides..