Description
Chemical Identity
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the molecular formula C38H49N9O5 and a molecular weight of 711.85 Da (CAS number 170851-70-4). The amino acid sequence is Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, incorporating an alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) residue and beta-naphthylalanine for enhanced metabolic stability and receptor selectivity. Ipamorelin is also known by its development code NNC 26-0161.
Ipamorelin is notable for being the most selective growth hormone secretagogue characterized to date, producing robust GH release without significantly elevating cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin at GH-effective concentrations — a selectivity profile that distinguishes it from earlier GHRP-class compounds.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C38H49N9O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 711.85 Da |
| CAS Number | 170851-70-4 |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 |
| Research Status | Phase 2 clinical trials |
Research Overview
Ipamorelin has been investigated in Phase 2 clinical trials and preclinical studies examining selective growth hormone release. The primary mechanism involves activation of the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) receptor on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, triggering calcium-dependent GH exocytosis through the Gq/11-PLC-IP3 signaling cascade.
The hallmark of Ipamorelin’s pharmacology is its remarkable selectivity. At doses producing maximal GH release, Ipamorelin does not significantly affect cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin levels, making it the cleanest GH secretagogue in terms of hormonal specificity. This selectivity has been demonstrated in both preclinical models and human clinical studies.
Key areas of published research include:
- Selective GH Secretion: Clinical studies have confirmed that Ipamorelin produces dose-dependent GH release comparable in magnitude to GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, but with minimal impact on cortisol and prolactin. This selectivity profile is attributed to its specific binding mode at the GHS-R1a receptor.
- Combination Protocols: Ipamorelin is widely studied in combination with GHRH analogs (such as CJC-1295 without DAC), where the synergistic interaction between the ghrelin-mimetic and GHRH pathways produces amplified GH release exceeding either agent alone.
- Gastrointestinal Research: Phase 2 clinical trials have evaluated Ipamorelin for postoperative ileus recovery, based on evidence that GHS-R1a activation promotes gastrointestinal motility in addition to GH release.
Ipamorelin has advanced to Phase 2 clinical trials but has not received regulatory approval for any indication.
Specifications
All Ipamorelin supplied by Prescott Bio Canada is manufactured to research-grade standards.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | >98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C, protected from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2-8°C, use within 30 days |
| Solubility | Soluble in bacteriostatic water, sterile water, or normal saline |
Each vial is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, identity, and endotoxin testing.
Research Applications
Ipamorelin is supplied exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research. Published experimental applications include:
- Selective GH secretagogue pharmacology and receptor selectivity studies
- Combination studies with GHRH analogs examining synergistic GH release
- Gastrointestinal motility and postoperative recovery research
- Comparative secretagogue selectivity profiling (cortisol, prolactin, ACTH)
- GHS-R1a receptor binding and signaling studies
- Body composition and metabolic research
Researchers should consult the primary literature and institutional review protocols before designing experiments with Ipamorelin.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C in the original sealed vial, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, Ipamorelin maintains stability for up to 24 months.
Reconstituted solution: Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile water to the desired concentration. Store reconstituted Ipamorelin at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Handling precautions: This product is intended for research use only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handle using standard laboratory safety practices including appropriate PPE.