Chemical Identity & Origin
What Is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide belonging to the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) class, acting as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor subtype 1a (GHS-R1a), also known as the ghrelin receptor. It was developed by Novo Nordisk in the late 1990s and has since been extensively characterized in the research literature for its receptor pharmacology and its position within the GH/IGF-1 axis.
| Peptide Class | Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHS) / GHRP |
| Receptor Target | GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) |
| Structure | Pentapeptide: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ |
| Residue Count | 5 amino acids (includes non-standard residues Aib, D-2-Nal, D-Phe) |
| Molecular Formula | C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 711.86 g/mol |
| Origin / Developer | Novo Nordisk, late 1990s |
| CAS Number | 170851-70-4 |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20 °C, protected from light and moisture |
Structural Note
The inclusion of non-proteinogenic residues — α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), D-2-naphthylalanine (D-2-Nal), and D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) — is a deliberate design feature studied in the context of metabolic stability and receptor binding geometry. Published research has examined how these modifications contribute to ipamorelin's resistance to proteolytic degradation relative to endogenous ghrelin.
Published Literature
Research Background
Ipamorelin has been the subject of peer-reviewed investigation across several interconnected research areas within neuroendocrinology and peptide pharmacology. The following areas represent domains in which published literature has examined ipamorelin's properties and interactions.
- GHS-R1a Receptor Pharmacology. Peer-reviewed research has investigated ipamorelin's binding affinity and selectivity at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Studies have characterized its receptor engagement kinetics and compared its binding profile to endogenous ghrelin and to earlier-generation synthetic GHRPs, establishing ipamorelin as a selective reference ligand in GHS-R1a binding research.
- GHRP Selectivity Studies. A defining characteristic examined in the literature is ipamorelin's restricted receptor activity profile. Published studies have compared ipamorelin against GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, investigating the relative absence of ACTH, cortisol-pathway, and prolactin receptor stimulation. Research has examined the structural basis of this selectivity, including the role of the Aib and D-2-Nal residues.
- Growth Hormone Axis Research. Published research has examined ipamorelin's effects on pituitary GH release in cell culture and animal models, investigating its position within the growth hormone / IGF-1 signaling cascade. These studies are frequently cited in broader research programs examining pituitary secretagogue pharmacology.
- Pituitary Signaling Studies. Research has investigated the intracellular signaling mechanisms activated downstream of GHS-R1a engagement, including the roles of cAMP, inositol phosphate pathways, and calcium mobilization in somatotroph cells. Ipamorelin has been used as a tool compound in studies probing these pathways.
- Combinatorial GH Axis Models. A substantial body of peer-reviewed research has examined ipamorelin in the context of concurrent GHRH receptor activation, studying whether GHS-R1a and GHRH-R co-stimulation produces additive or synergistic responses in GH secretion models. These studies inform the scientific rationale for ipamorelin + CJC-1295 combination research (see below).
- Metabolic Stability Investigations. Research has examined the in vitro half-life and degradation kinetics of ipamorelin relative to endogenous ghrelin and other synthetic GHRPs, investigating how the non-standard amino acid residues contribute to protease resistance.
PubMed Reference
The full body of peer-reviewed literature on ipamorelin is indexed in the National Library of Medicine. Researchers can access the current publication record at PubMed: ipamorelin.
Dual-Receptor Research Model
Ipamorelin & CJC-1295: The Mechanistic Rationale
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are frequently paired in the research literature because they act on distinct, complementary receptors within the growth hormone secretory pathway. Understanding the pharmacological rationale requires distinguishing between their respective targets.
- Different receptors, same axis. Ipamorelin acts as a GHS-R1a agonist (ghrelin receptor pathway), while CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue acting at the GHRH receptor (growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor). These are separate receptor populations expressed on somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary, each coupled to distinct intracellular signaling cascades.
- Convergent downstream signaling. Published research has examined the hypothesis that GHS-R1a and GHRH-R activation converge on overlapping but mechanistically distinct pathways — with GHS-R1a coupling primarily to phospholipase C and intracellular calcium, and GHRH-R coupling primarily to adenylyl cyclase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Research has investigated whether simultaneous engagement of both pathways produces a greater GH secretory response than either pathway alone.
- A published combinatorial research model. Studies from the early 2000s onward examined the combination of GHRPs and GHRH analogues as a tool for investigating the functional relationship between these two receptor systems. Ipamorelin, due to its selectivity, became a preferred research tool for isolating the GHS-R1a contribution in these combinatorial experiments.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend — Available from Sequence Labs
For researchers studying the dual-receptor GH axis model, Sequence Labs carries a pre-blended CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin research preparation (5mg each per vial, $70.99). Independently tested via Krause Analytical with batch-specific COA. For research use only.
View Blend PricingSequence Labs
Research Supply & Quality Standards
Sequence Labs supplies research-grade ipamorelin in lyophilized form, independently tested for identity, purity, and potency at every batch.
Testing Process
Every batch of ipamorelin is sent to Krause Analytical (Austin, TX) — an independent, accredited third-party laboratory — for identity confirmation, purity quantification, and potency verification via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Batch-specific COAs are published and verifiable through the Finnrick Pulse authentication system. The Sequence Labs catalog is reviewed by a licensed physician assistant (PA-C) for accuracy and scientific integrity.
Available SKUs
| Product | Size | Price | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | 5 mg | $40.99 | Lyophilized vial |
| Ipamorelin | 10 mg | $71.99 | Lyophilized vial |
| CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend | 5 mg ea. | $70.99 | Lyophilized vial (dual compound) |
Laboratory Reference
Reconstitution Reference
The following reference table is provided for qualified laboratory researchers working with lyophilized ipamorelin research preparations. All figures are for calculation reference only. For research use only — not for human use.
| Vial Size | Solvent Volume Added | Resulting Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water | 5,000 mcg / mL (5 mg/mL) | Standard research preparation |
| 5 mg | 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water | 2,500 mcg / mL (2.5 mg/mL) | Dilute preparation |
| 10 mg | 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water | 10,000 mcg / mL (10 mg/mL) | Concentrated preparation |
| 10 mg | 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water | 5,000 mcg / mL (5 mg/mL) | Standard research preparation |
Laboratory Protocol Note
To prepare a research sample: introduce solvent (bacteriostatic water or sterile water for research use) along the inner wall of the vial — do not introduce solvent directly onto the lyophilized cake. Allow the pellet to dissolve by gentle swirling; do not vortex. Store the reconstituted research preparation at 2–8 °C and use within the period specified in the batch COA documentation. For research use only. Not for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Research Questions
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5mg and 10mg research vials in stock. Independently tested via Krause Analytical. COA on every batch. Licensed researchers only.