Ipamorelin
Also known as NNC 26-0161
Selective GHS-R agonist (ghrelin mimetic) that elicits a clean GH pulse without significant cortisol or prolactin rise.
Evidence
Small or single human study
Risk band
Known AEs, monitoring advised
Research goals
Summary
Ipamorelin is described as the first selective growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GH secretagogue): in animal studies it stimulated GH release without significantly raising ACTH or cortisol, distinguishing it from earlier GHRPs such as GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 [3]. In rats it produced dose-dependent longitudinal bone growth and body-weight gain without changing total IGF-I or bone turnover markers [4]. It is grouped among peptides reported to activate IGF-1 signaling and satellite-cell repair, but the orthopaedic and sports-medicine reviews covering it stress that significant research on safety and efficacy is still needed and that there is a current lack of clinical trials [1,2]. The provided literature is therefore predominantly preclinical and mechanistic, with no completed human efficacy data shown, so its therapeutic benefits in people remain to be demonstrated.
Sources
- 1. Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews, 2026.
- 2. Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians The American journal of sports medicine, 2026.
- 3. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue European journal of endocrinology, 1998.
- 4. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 1999.
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