← Library
Ipamorelin
Research Use
Also known as NNC 26-0161
Function
Primary
GH secretagogue · Sleep optimization
Secondary
Body composition · Anti-aging
Mechanism
Selective ghrelin / GHS-R1a agonist — stimulates pituitary GH release without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin; clean pulse profile.
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Phase I/II (discontinued); robust animal data
Dosing
Range
100–300 mcg/dose
Frequency
1–3× daily; ideally fasted or pre-sleep
Route
Subcutaneous
Administration & Technique
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Default route for most research and therapeutic peptides — best absorption for reconstituted powder.
Device31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL.
TechniquePinch skin at abdomen (2" from navel), outer thigh, or love handle. Insert at 45–90°. Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy. Alcohol-swab site, air-dry, inject slow, hold 5 sec.
Cycling
8–12 weeks on / 4 weeks off.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
1–3× daily on an empty stomach. Best pulses: 30 min pre-bed (aligns with natural GH surge), post-workout, and/or fasted morning. Wait 30 min before eating.
Do not combine with
- ·GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin — same receptor class, additive without benefit
- ·MK-677 chronically — persistent ghrelin activation
- ·Meals within 30 min of injection
Complements
- ·CJC-1295 (with or without DAC) — GHRH + GHRP synergy is the classic stack
- ·BPC-157 / TB-500 for recovery
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Freeze –20°C or refrigerate 2–8°C.
After Reconstitution
Refrigerated up to 4 weeks with bacteriostatic water.
Benefits
- ·Selective GH release with minimal cortisol/prolactin rise
- ·Improved sleep depth
- ·Pairs synergistically with Mod GRF 1-29
Risks
- ·Mild hunger
- ·Possible IGF-1 elevation
- ·Theoretical neoplasia risk
Contraindications
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy
Regulatory
Not FDA-approved; compounded/research use
Veterinary Use (Pets)
Used off-label to support recovery, appetite, and sleep quality in performance dogs and horses.
Dogs (Canine)
Dose1–2 mcg/kg 1–2× daily
RouteSubQ
UsePost-op recovery, appetite stimulation, coat quality.
Horses (Equine)
Dose150–300 mcg per horse SubQ pre-training
RouteSubQ
UseRecovery support, coat/hoof quality.
Prohibited under racing/FEI rules.
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Raun K et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139:552.source