Research Profile
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and selective GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. Unlike first-generation GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6), it does not significantly stimulate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH — the cleanest selectivity profile of any known ghrelin receptor agonist.
GHS-R1a acts via phospholipase C and PKC, increasing intracellular calcium to trigger GH vesicle exocytosis — a different pathway than GHRHR. Combined with CJC-1295, the two pathways converge for synergistic GH release substantially exceeding either alone.
Clean GH stimulation — pulsatile GH release without cortisol or prolactin elevation. Preferred ghrelin receptor agonist where stress hormone perturbation is undesirable.
CJC-1295 combination — the most-studied GH secretagogue stack in peptide literature. Dual-pathway GH pulse exceeds either compound alone. Standard for anti-ageing, sleep, body composition, and recovery protocols.
Sleep and slow-wave architecture — ghrelin receptor signalling linked to sleep initiation and SWS depth. Pre-sleep ipamorelin may enhance GH pulse amplitude during SWS with downstream effects on recovery and cognitive consolidation.
GI motility — ghrelin receptors expressed throughout GI tract. Ipamorelin investigated for post-operative ileus and gastric motility disorders.
Muscle preservation in ageing — IGF-1 downstream of GH mediates satellite cell activation and protein synthesis. Sarcopenia research interest in secretagogue-mediated GH restoration.
Exceptionally well-tolerated. Mild water retention and lethargy possible in first 1–2 weeks. Do not administer post-meal — insulin blunts GH response. Standard protocol: CJC-1295 No DAC 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 200–300 mcg subQ, 30 min pre-sleep, 5 days/week, 12–16 week cycles.