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Peptide Library / Growth Hormone / Performance

Ipamorelin

Selective GHRP

Ipamorelin Research Protocol & Dosing Reference

Complete Research Guide 5 min read4 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue (ghrelin receptor agonist). It is distinguished from earlier GHRPs by producing GH pulses without meaningful increases in cortisol, prolactin or ACTH.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL
Literature Range
100–300 mcg per administration
Measuring Reference
At 2.5 mg/mL: 200 mcg = 0.08 mL = 8 units
Frequency
1–3× daily; pre-bed dose is most common
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks, then 4+ weeks off

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
711.85 Da
Sequence
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys
Sequence Length
17
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
GHRP / ghrelin agonist
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 5 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.080 mL
Syringe Units
8.0 U
Doses / Vial
25

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Often reconstituted in the same syringe as CJC-1295 (no DAC) at the time of administration.

Frequency: 1–3× daily, on an empty stomach

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Equilibrate vial to room temperature.
  2. 2Swab stoppers; draw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water.
  3. 3Inject slowly against the glass; swirl gently.
  4. 4Label and refrigerate — Ipamorelin is stable ~4 weeks reconstituted.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 12-week protocol at 200 mcg twice daily (400 mcg/day).

Peptide (5 mg vials)
4 weeks ≈ 2.2 vials · 8 weeks ≈ 4.5 vials · 12 weeks ≈ 6.7 vials
Bacteriostatic Water
One 30 mL vial
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
2 per day → 168 for 12 weeks
Alcohol Swabs
2 per administration

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model pulsatile GH release while minimising off-target hormone activation.
Schedule
Daily, 8–12 weeks.
Dose Range
100–300 mcg per administration; 200–600 mcg/day.
Reconstitution
2.5 mg/mL for easy unit math.

Dosing Protocol

Start
100 mcg once daily before sleep
Increase
To 200 mcg, then add a fasted morning dose
Target Range
200–300 mcg, 2–3× daily
Frequency
Pre-bed is primary; fasted AM and post-training secondary
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Timing
Administer ≥ 2 h after food and ≥ 30 min before — carbohydrates and fats blunt GH pulses

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term; 2–8 °C up to 3 months
Reconstituted
2–8 °C, use within 4 weeks
Light
Protect from light

Important Notes

  • Does not significantly raise cortisol, prolactin or ACTH at research doses — its key advantage over GHRP-6 and GHRP-2.
  • Pulsatile effect mirrors natural GH rhythm; nightly dosing aligns with the largest endogenous pulse.
  • Water retention and mild hand numbness are the most reported dose-dependent effects.
  • Monitor IGF-1 in longer protocols.

How This Works

Ipamorelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering GH release through a pathway independent of GHRH. Unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 it shows minimal activity on ACTH and cortisol secretion. The resulting GH pulse increases hepatic IGF-1 production, which mediates many of the downstream effects on protein synthesis, lipolysis, bone turnover and tissue repair studied in the literature. Combination with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) acts synergistically on two distinct receptors.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Selective GH pulse without cortisol/prolactin elevation
  • Increased lean mass and reduced fat mass in animal models
  • Improved sleep architecture (slow-wave sleep)
  • Bone mineral density increases in rodent studies
  • Enhanced collagen synthesis and recovery markers
Possible considerations
  • Transient head rush or flushing immediately post-dose
  • Water retention and mild joint stiffness at higher doses
  • Tingling or numbness in extremities
  • Increased appetite (less than GHRP-6)
  • Headache

Lifestyle Factors

  • Fasted administration is critical — insulin and free fatty acids suppress GH release
  • Resistance training and deep sleep amplify endogenous GH pulses
  • Avoid alcohol around dose timing

Injection Technique

  1. 1Subcutaneous abdominal injection is standard.
  2. 2Insulin syringe (29–31 G), 45–90° into pinched skin fold.
  3. 3Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] European Journal of Endocrinology
    Raun K. et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.
    View Source
  2. [2] Growth Hormone & IGF Research
    Gobburu J.V. et al. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers.
    View Source
  3. [3] Journal of Endocrinology
    Johansen P.B. et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats.
    View Source
  4. [4] Clinical Endocrinology
    Sigalos J.T. & Pastuszak A.W. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues.
    View Source