Peptide library · Growth hormone axis
Ipamorelin
Growth hormone secretagogue
Research stage5amino acids. One of the most selective growth hormone releasers studied
What it is
A five amino acid peptide that mimics ghrelin to trigger growth hormone release, developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s.
Why researchers are interested
- In animal studies it released GH without raising cortisol or prolactin, which earlier secretagogues did.
- Reached human trials (for post surgery gut recovery), with good tolerability.
- Often paired with CJC-1295 for a longer GH pulse.
Good to know
- Not FDA approved. The human trial didn't meet its main goal.
- Long term human data is lacking.
Evidence level: 2 of 5
Sources
Raun et al., Eur J Endocrinol 1998; ClinicalTrials.gov ipamorelin phase 2
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Educational content only. Not medical advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-17.