Growth Hormone · Endocrine
Ipamorelin
Also known as: NNC 26-0161
A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist pentapeptide developed by Novo Nordisk that triggered GH release without elevating cortisol or prolactin, with clinical development discontinued after Phase 2 trials in postoperative ileus.
Sign in to add to watchlistEvidence strength
Strength of human clinical evidence — A (strongest) to D (mostly preclinical). This reflects research maturity, not safety or suitability.
Vial Theory provides educational research summaries only. Content is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing guidance, or individualized suitability screening. Regulatory status can change over time and varies by jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- ›Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that raises growth hormone without cortisol or prolactin spikes.
- ›Its main human evidence is a discontinued Phase 2 program for postoperative ileus.
- ›Long-term body-composition and recovery claims exceed the published evidence.
- ›It is not approved, is on the FDA Category 2 list, and is often sold stacked with CJC-1295.
- ›Speak with a licensed healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
What It Is
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s through a medicinal chemistry program around the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), the same receptor targeted by endogenous ghrelin. The compound was designed for high selectivity at GHSR-1a relative to other related receptors, with the explicit goal of triggering GH release without the cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH elevations seen with earlier GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
The pentapeptide structure (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 in one common reference form) was developed as part of a broader effort to identify GH secretagogues with cleaner endocrine selectivity. The compound has a short plasma half-life and was developed primarily for short-term clinical applications rather than long-term GH-axis modulation.
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.