--- title: "Ipamorelin | PepTracker Pro" description: "A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Ipamorelin", "description": "A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/ipamorelin", "lastReviewed": "2026-05-27", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ipamorelin", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/ipamorelin" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those comparing growth hormone secretagogues?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ipamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "People researching selective GH-releasing peptides?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ipamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Individuals interested in recovery and body composition?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ipamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ Ipamorelin **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # Ipamorelin Medium Evidence A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides. Aliases IPA +1 more Evidence Medium Evidence Last Updated 2026-05-27 Reading Time 2 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Regulatory Status](#regulatory-status) 3. [Why Researchers Study It](#why-researchers-study) 4. [Proposed Mechanisms](#proposed-mechanisms) 5. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 6. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 7. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 8. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 9. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 10. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that selectively stimulates growth hormone (GH) release from the anterior pituitary via the ghrelin/GHSR receptor pathway. It is distinguished from other GH secretagogues like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 by its high selectivity — it stimulates GH release without significantly elevating cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, or aldosterone levels, giving it a cleaner hormonal profile. In clinical studies, ipamorelin demonstrated dose-dependent GH release with a favorable safety profile. A Phase II trial in post-surgical patients showed accelerated recovery of bowel function. When combined with CJC-1295 (no DAC), the two peptides are commonly studied together for their synergistic effect on restoring natural GH pulse patterns, with downstream effects on body composition, sleep quality, and recovery. Ipamorelin was placed on the FDA's Category 2 bulk drug substances list in October 2023, effectively prohibiting compounding pharmacies from preparing it. As of April 22, 2026, its regulatory status is nuanced: the Category 2 nomination was withdrawn for 503A compounding pharmacies, but it remains on the active Category 2 list for 503B outsourcing facilities. It is expected to be reviewed by the PCAC in the second session (before February 2027) for potential full reclassification. Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any indication and remains an investigational compound. Also known as: IPA, NNC 26-0161 ## Regulatory Status Mixed — Category 2 nomination withdrawn (503A); still Category 2 (503B) Category 2 nomination withdrawn for 503A compounding pharmacies as of April 22, 2026, but remains on active Category 2 list for 503B outsourcing facilities. Expected PCAC review before February 2027 for potential full reclassification. Effective: April 2026 [View FDA Source](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/bulk-drug-substances-used-compounding) ## Why Researchers Study It Ipamorelin is studied for its selective GH-releasing properties without the broad hormonal disruption seen with other secretagogues. Its clean cortisol and prolactin profile makes it attractive for research into age-related GH decline, post-surgical recovery, and body composition optimization. The combination with CJC-1295 is one of the most commonly studied GH-peptide stacks in the research community. ## Proposed Mechanisms - Binds ghrelin receptor (GHSR) on pituitary somatotroph cells to stimulate pulsatile GH release - Selective GH stimulation without significant cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, or aldosterone elevation - Dose-dependent GH response that preserves natural circadian GH pulsatility - Synergistic with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295) to amplify GH pulse amplitude - Does not desensitize the GH axis as rapidly as non-selective secretagogues ## Evidence Snapshot Medium Evidence Low Medium High Study Type Model Outcome Link Phase II RCT (human) Post-operative bowel recovery Accelerated return of gastrointestinal motility in post-surgical patients [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) Clinical (human) GH secretion — dose-response study Dose-dependent GH release without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)[Anti-Aging](/benefits/anti-aging) Researching Ipamorelin ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ipamorelin) ## Safety & Cautions - Limited long-term human safety data - Not FDA-approved - May interact with other hormonal therapies - Discuss with healthcare provider before considering ## Comparisons See how Ipamorelin compares to related peptides: [Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295](/compare/ipamorelin-vs-cjc-1295) [Ipamorelin vs DSIP](/compare/ipamorelin-vs-dsip) [Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6](/compare/ipamorelin-vs-ghrp-6) [Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin](/compare/ipamorelin-vs-sermorelin) [Ipamorelin vs Tesamorelin](/compare/ipamorelin-vs-tesamorelin) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Raun K. et al. — Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ### Keep researching in the app - Log Ipamorelin to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ipamorelin) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### CJC-1295 Medium Evidence A growth hormone releasing hormone analog studied for stimulating growth hormone secretion. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/cjc-1295) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=cjc-1295)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=cjc-1295) ### DSIP Low Evidence A neuropeptide studied for its role in sleep regulation and stress modulation. [Sleep](/benefits/sleep)[Mood](/benefits/mood)[Anxiety Relief](/benefits/anxiety-relief)[Pain Relief](/benefits/pain-relief) [View Details](/peptides/dsip) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=dsip)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=dsip) ### GHRP-6 Medium Evidence A growth hormone secretagogue that also stimulates appetite through ghrelin receptor activation. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Appetite Regulation](/benefits/appetite-regulation) [View Details](/peptides/ghrp-6) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=ghrp-6)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ghrp-6) ### Sermorelin Medium Evidence A GHRH analog previously FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency diagnosis and treatment. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/sermorelin) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=sermorelin)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=sermorelin) ### Tesamorelin High Evidence A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. [Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Metabolism](/benefits/metabolism)[Anti-Aging](/benefits/anti-aging) [View Details](/peptides/tesamorelin) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=tesamorelin)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=tesamorelin) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. Not medical advice. #### Explore - [Peptide Directory](/peptides) - [Compare Peptides](/compare) - [Glossary](/glossary) - [Benefits](/benefits/sleep) #### Learn - [Blog](/blog) - [Calculators](/calculators) - [Start Here](/start) - [About](/about) #### Legal - [Editorial Policy](/editorial-policy) - [Research Disclaimer](/research-disclaimer) - [Disclaimer](/disclaimer) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms of Service](/terms) - [Contact](/contact) © 2026 PepTracker Pro. Educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.