| Compound | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|
| Category | Selective GH secretagogue |
| Class | Growth Hormone and Growth Factors |
| Evidence tier | Clinical-stage |
| WADA status | Prohibited in sport (or falls under a prohibited class) — see the WADA reference table |
| Sold on this site | No — this is a reference database |
Overview
Ipamorelin — a selective gh secretagogue — sits in the "Clinical-stage" tier of this catalog. This compound has completed or is undergoing formal human trials. Human safety and efficacy are being characterized, but no universal approval exists and results may still fail or be withdrawn.
A synthetic growth hormone secretagogue and selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. Its formal clinical development program was discontinued, leaving a literature of early-phase studies rather than an approved product.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin stimulates growth hormone release from the pituitary via the ghrelin receptor while producing relatively little effect on other pituitary axes — the selectivity that distinguished it from older GHRPs.
Research and Evidence
Published human data consist of pharmacodynamic studies demonstrating GH release; the corporate development program was discontinued before registrational trials. No approved indication exists.
Safety and Side Effects
Documented effects include headache and lightheadedness in studies. As an unapproved secretagogue, long-term safety is uncharacterized, and it is prohibited in sport under WADA rules covering growth hormone releasing factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the evidence tier of Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is graded "Clinical-stage" on this site. This compound has completed or is undergoing formal human trials. Human safety and efficacy are being characterized, but no universal approval exists and results may still fail or be withdrawn.
Is Ipamorelin an approved medicine?
No. Clinical-stage means the compound has not reached universal regulatory approval; the tier description above explains exactly what level of evidence exists.
Where can I read the primary studies for Ipamorelin?
The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.
References
- ClinicalTrials.gov — registered ipamorelin studies. [source]
- WADA Prohibited List — growth hormone releasing factors. [source]
Evidence tier: Clinical-stage · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.