Ipamorelin is one of the most-searched research peptides, so it is worth a clear, plain-English overview. This article introduces what it is and why it appears so often in growth-hormone-axis research; for the full technical reference — molecular weight, sequence, CAS number and the published literature — see our in-depth ipamorelin research guide. Everything here is for laboratory research use only.
What is ipamorelin, in simple terms?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide — a short chain of five amino acids with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. In the research literature it is described as a selective ligand of the ghrelin / growth-hormone-secretagogue (GHS) receptor. It is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder and reconstituted in the laboratory before use. Because it is a defined synthetic sequence rather than an extract, batches can be characterised precisely for purity and identity, which is part of why it is favoured as a reference compound.
Ipamorelin at a glance
- Class: synthetic pentapeptide (5 amino acids)
- Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Receptor (research): ghrelin / growth-hormone-secretagogue (GHS) receptor
- Molecular weight: approximately 711.9 g/mol
- CAS number: 170851-70-4
- Form: lyophilised powder, >99% purity — research use only
What is the ghrelin / GHS receptor?
The growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) is the receptor through which ghrelin and a family of synthetic peptides interact with the growth-hormone axis. Compounds that bind it are studied as “secretagogues” in this area of endocrine research. Ipamorelin belongs to this group, which is distinct from the GHRH-receptor analogues discussed below.
What makes ipamorelin distinctive?
What sets ipamorelin apart in the literature is its reported selectivity. Its original characterisation in the late 1990s described it acting on the growth-hormone axis in preclinical models with minimal reported effect on other hormones such as ACTH and cortisol, relative to earlier growth-hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) like GHRP-6. That comparatively clean profile is one reason researchers frequently choose it as a reference compound when isolating GHS-receptor effects. These are observations from controlled experimental systems and are not claims about any effect in humans or animals.
Ipamorelin and related peptides
Researchers often place ipamorelin alongside other growth-hormone-axis peptides. It acts on the ghrelin / GHS receptor, which distinguishes it from the GHRH-receptor analogues such as sermorelin and CJC-1295. Within its own GHS family it is compared with peptides like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. For the most common head-to-head, see our ipamorelin vs sermorelin comparison.
How ipamorelin is handled in research
Lyophilised ipamorelin is typically stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. In the laboratory it is commonly reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, then kept refrigerated at 2-8°C with freeze-thaw cycles minimised to preserve integrity. Concentration is simply the vial's peptide mass divided by the solvent volume added; our peptide reconstitution calculator helps plan volumes and concentrations for a given protocol.
Where to go next
For the complete chemical and research profile, read the ipamorelin research guide, or view current pricing and stock on the ipamorelin product page.
Frequently asked questions
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) described in research as a selective ligand of the ghrelin / GHS receptor. It is supplied as a lyophilised powder for research use only.
In the research literature it is described as a ligand of the ghrelin / growth-hormone-secretagogue (GHS) receptor.
No. Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin / GHS receptor, which is distinct from the GHRH receptor targeted by analogues such as sermorelin and CJC-1295.
Its original characterisation reported activity on the growth-hormone axis with minimal effect on hormones such as ACTH and cortisol compared with earlier GHRPs, in preclinical models.
As a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder at greater than 99% purity, for laboratory research use only.
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Greater than 99% purity, lyophilised powder, same-day dispatch before 3PM with tracked UK & EU delivery. Research use only.
Buy Ipamorelin →Disclaimer: All products supplied by PurePeptides are strictly for laboratory research use only. They are not for human or animal consumption and are not medical products. This article is informational and is not medical, clinical, or dosing advice.