Description
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide described in 1998 as the first selective growth-hormone secretagogue, and it remains a standard reference compound in ghrelin-receptor research. Pure Peptides Canada supplies it as a lyophilized research reagent in 10 mg vials, with an independent Janoshik HPLC and mass-spectrometry report, CAD pricing and tracked shipping from inside Canada.
Ipamorelin at a glance
- What it is: a five-residue ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist developed at Novo Nordisk, built from non-natural amino acids for stability.
- Why it is studied: in the original animal work it released growth hormone without the cortisol and ACTH rise seen with older GHRPs, which made it a useful selective comparator.
- Evidence level: cell and animal studies, plus Phase 2 human trials for post-operative gut recovery that did not lead to approval.
- Supplied as: sealed lyophilized powder, 10 mg, single vial or box of 10.
- Delivery: ships from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
Ipamorelin
NNC 26-0161 · selective GH secretagogue · pentapeptide
- Aib
- His
- D-2Nal
- D-Phe
- Lys
- NH₂
Blue: non-natural or D-amino acids that resist enzymatic breakdown. Outlined: C-terminal amide.
- Sequence
- Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Molecular formula
- C38H49N9O5
- Molecular weight
- 711.9 g/mol
- CAS number
- 170851-70-4
- Target
- Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
- Sizes
- 10 mg (single or box of 10)
- SKU
- PP-IPAMORELIN
Where the evidence stands
- Cell studies
- Animal models
- Controlled human trials
- Approved medicine
Phase 2 trials in post-operative ileus did not show a clear benefit, and ipamorelin was never approved.
What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin came out of Novo Nordisk’s growth-hormone secretagogue programme. Raun and colleagues described it in the European Journal of Endocrinology in 1998. Like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 it activates the ghrelin receptor, GHS-R1a, but in their animal experiments it released growth hormone without a meaningful rise in ACTH or cortisol, even at high concentrations. That selectivity is why researchers still use it as a clean comparator when they want to separate ghrelin-receptor effects from stress-axis effects.
Its structure explains its stability. Aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), D-2-naphthylalanine and D-phenylalanine are not standard L-amino acids, so common peptidases break it down slowly. Ipamorelin works through a different receptor from GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295, which is why the two are often studied together.
What ipamorelin research looks at
- Ghrelin-receptor pharmacology: GHS-R1a binding and signalling in cell systems.
- Selectivity: growth-hormone release compared with ACTH, cortisol and prolactin responses to older GHRPs.
- GHRH and GHS interaction: combined studies with GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295 No DAC.
- Gut motility: the basis of the post-operative ileus trials.
- Peptide stability: how non-natural residues extend a short peptide’s half-life.
Regulatory status: ipamorelin is not an authorized drug in Canada. Health Canada’s April 2026 public advisory on unauthorized injectable peptides names it, and growth-hormone secretagogues are on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. We sell it strictly as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Why researchers order ipamorelin from Pure Peptides Canada
Add a 10 mg vial or a box of 10 above. Orders over $299 ship free across Canada.
See lab resultsIpamorelin FAQ
Where can I buy ipamorelin in Canada?
Pure Peptides Canada stocks ipamorelin as a lyophilized research reagent in 10 mg vials and ships it from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
What is the difference between ipamorelin and CJC-1295?
They act on different receptors. Ipamorelin activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that activates the GHRH receptor. Our CJC-1295 vs ipamorelin guide explains the difference.
How is ipamorelin different from GHRP-6 or GHRP-2?
All three activate the ghrelin receptor. In the original animal studies ipamorelin did not raise ACTH or cortisol the way older GHRPs did, which is why it is described as selective.
Is this ipamorelin third-party tested?
Yes. An HPLC purity and mass-spectrometry identity report from Janoshik Analytical, an independent lab, is listed on our Lab Testing page. Our COA guide explains how to read it.
Is ipamorelin approved by Health Canada?
No. Ipamorelin is not an authorized drug in Canada, and Health Canada’s April 2026 advisory names it among unauthorized injectable peptides. It is sold here only as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Can ipamorelin be used in people or animals?
No. It is for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not a drug, supplement or food. We do not provide dosing or administration information.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Tom Schubert –
I use in combo with CJC no dac, they are powerful together. Definitely recommend!
John Masse –
5 stars
Noah Leblanc –
Exactly what I was looking for and effective as described. I’ll be buying more.