Ipamorelin Vial
Ipamorelin (CAS 170851-70-4) is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that functions as a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), the receptor for endogenous ghrelin.
Research goals: Growth Hormone
Description
Ipamorelin (CAS 170851-70-4) is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that functions as a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), the receptor for endogenous ghrelin. Originally developed by Novo Nordisk and first characterized in the European Journal of Endocrinology in 1998, ipamorelin has been the subject of peer-reviewed studies in adult human participants (a 2014 Phase 2 randomized controlled trial) and in animal models, with results published in journals including the European Journal of Endocrinology, the International Journal of Colorectal Disease, Growth Hormone & IGF Research, and the Journal of Endocrinology.
In the 1998 foundational pharmacology paper, Raun and colleagues described ipamorelin as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
— releasing growth hormone with potency comparable to GHRP-6 in primary rat pituitary cells while, unusually for the GHRP class, producing no significant elevation of plasma ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or thyroid-stimulating hormone in conscious swine, even at amounts more than 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release [1].
Important Note on the Evidence Base
Important note on the evidence base: The most rigorous published human study of ipamorelin is a 2014 Phase 2 randomized controlled trial in postoperative ileus following bowel resection. Ipamorelin was well tolerated in that trial, but it did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint. The remainder of the published literature consists of preclinical pharmacology and animal-model studies. The studies summarized below are presented in full, including the negative efficacy finding from the Phase 2 trial.
Published Research on Ipamorelin
The following peer-reviewed studies are summarized below. Full citations and direct links to each publication appear in the References section. Each summary identifies the experimental model used.
Foundational Pharmacology — Raun et al., European Journal of Endocrinology (1998)
Raun and colleagues at Novo Nordisk reported the discovery and characterization of ipamorelin as part of a chemistry program targeting the growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) class. Pharmacological profiling was conducted in primary rat pituitary cells (in vitro) and in conscious swine (in vivo), comparing ipamorelin against GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 across concentration-response, potency, and hormonal-specificity endpoints. Receptor specificity was probed using GHRP- and GHRH-receptor antagonists.
The investigators reported that ipamorelin released GH from primary rat pituitary cells with potency and efficacy similar to GHRP-6 (EC50 = 1.3 nmol/L; Emax = 85%), and produced an in vivo concentration-response curve in swine comparable to GHRP-6 (ED50 = 2.3 nmol/kg) [1]. Crucially, unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 — both of which elevated plasma ACTH and cortisol — ipamorelin did not significantly raise ACTH or cortisol even at amounts 200-fold above the ED50, establishing it as the first GHRP-class compound with selectivity for GH release similar to that of GHRH.
Read the full study: Ipamorelin, the First Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue (Eur J Endocrinol 1998).
Phase 2 Postoperative Ileus Trial — Beck et al., International Journal of Colorectal Disease (2014)
Beck and colleagues, on behalf of the Ipamorelin 201 Study Group, conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 proof-of-concept trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00672074). The trial enrolled 117 adults undergoing open or laparoscopic small-bowel or large-bowel resection (114 in the safety and modified intent-to-treat populations). Participants received intravenous ipamorelin 0.03 mg/kg or placebo twice daily from postoperative day 1 through day 7 or hospital discharge, whichever came first. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time from first study-drug amount to tolerance of a standardized solid meal.
The authors concluded that ipamorelin 0.03-mg/kg twice daily for up to 7 days was well tolerated
, with a safety and adverse-event profile comparable to placebo [2]. However, the trial did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint: there were no statistically significant differences between the ipamorelin and placebo arms in time to tolerance of solid food, nor in any of the prespecified key or secondary efficacy analyses.
Read the full study: Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept Study of Ipamorelin for Postoperative Ileus in Bowel Resection Patients (Int J Colorectal Dis 2014).
Longitudinal Bone Growth in Rats — Johansen et al., Growth Hormone & IGF Research (1999)
Johansen and colleagues at Novo Nordisk evaluated the effects of chronic ipamorelin administration on longitudinal bone growth in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals received subcutaneous ipamorelin at 18, 90, or 450 µg/day (administered as three divided amounts daily) or vehicle, over 15 days. Longitudinal bone growth rate (LGR) was measured in the proximal tibia metaphysis using intravital tetracycline labeling on days 0, 6, and 13.
The investigators reported a concentration-dependent increase in LGR — from 42 µm/day in the vehicle group to 44, 50, and 52 µm/day in the 18, 90, and 450 µg/day treatment groups respectively (P < 0.0001) [3]. A pronounced and concentration-dependent effect on body-weight gain was also observed, while total IGF-1 levels and serum markers of bone formation and resorption were unchanged.
Read the full study: Ipamorelin, a New Growth-Hormone-Releasing Peptide, Induces Longitudinal Bone Growth in Rats (Growth Horm IGF Res 1999).
Bone Mineral Content in Rats — Svensson et al., Journal of Endocrinology (2000)
Svensson and colleagues compared ipamorelin against GHRP-6 and recombinant growth hormone (GH) in 13-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals received continuous subcutaneous administration via osmotic minipumps for 12 weeks: ipamorelin 0.5 mg/kg/day, GHRP-6 0.5 mg/kg/day, GH 3.5 mg/kg/day, or vehicle. Bone mineral content (BMC) was assessed in vivo by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with ash weight measured at study termination.
The authors concluded that treatment of adult female rats with the GHSs ipamorelin and GHRP-6 increases BMC as measured by DXA in vivo
[4]. Ash weight was increased by all active treatments, while bone-mineral concentration (per unit volume) was unchanged — indicating an increase in bone size rather than bone density.
Read the full study: The GH Secretagogues Ipamorelin and GH-Releasing Peptide-6 Increase Bone Mineral Content in Adult Female Rats (J Endocrinol 2000).
About the Compound
Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, where Aib denotes aminoisobutyric acid (a non-natural amino acid that confers enzymatic stability) and D-2-Nal denotes D-2-naphthylalanine. The molecule was identified as part of a chemistry program at Novo Nordisk, derived from a series of compounds lacking the central Ala-Trp dipeptide of GHRP-1.
Ipamorelin binds the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) — the same receptor activated by endogenous ghrelin — on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs and hypothalamic neurons. Receptor binding stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release downstream of an entirely separate pathway from the GHRH receptor. The defining pharmacological feature established in the 1998 Raun et al. paper is the compound’s selectivity: at therapeutically relevant amounts (and at amounts far above them), ipamorelin does not produce the elevations in ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone that characterize earlier GHRP-class compounds such as GHRP-6 and GHRP-2.
- CAS Number: 170851-70-4
- Molecular Formula: C38H49N9O5
- Molecular Weight: 711.85 g/mol
- Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Synonyms: NNC 26-0161
- Receptor target (in research literature): Growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a; ghrelin receptor)
- Regulatory status (as of publication): Investigational. Not approved by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for any indication.
Product Specifications
Omnix Peptides supplies ipamorelin as a sterile, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed glass vial intended exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. Each production lot is independently characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) protocols.
- Format: Lyophilized powder
- Available strengths: 5 mg · 10 mg per vial
- Verified Purity: >99% (HPLC, LC–MS)
- Container: Sterile, sealed glass vial
- Documentation: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) available
Storage, handling, intended-use, and regulatory information are provided in the corresponding tabs on this product page.
References
- Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. doi:10.1530/eje.0.1390552
- Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD; Ipamorelin 201 Study Group. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014;29(12):1527-1534. doi:10.1007/s00384-014-2030-8
- Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjærbæk C, et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999;9(2):106-113. doi:10.1054/ghir.1999.9998
- Svensson J, Lall S, Dickson SL, et al. The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats. J Endocrinol. 2000;165(3):569-577. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1650569
Preparation and storage
Research-only handling information. Ipamorelin is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research. The handling and storage guidance below reflects standard practice in published peptide research literature. Ipamorelin is not a drug, supplement, or food product, and is not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications.
Format
- Form: Vial
- Available strengths: 5mg · 10mg
- Verified purity: >99% (HPLC, LC–MS)
- Documentation: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) included
Reconstitution for Research Use
Ipamorelin is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized powder. Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) is the standard preparation step used in published research protocols. The volume of BAC water used determines the final concentration of the reconstituted solution.
Example (for a 5mg vial reconstituted in 2 mL of BAC water):
- Total peptide: 5mg
- BAC water added: 2 mL
- Resulting concentration: ~2.5 mg/mL
Recommended practice:
- Use sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for reconstitution; this preserves the solution for multi-week handling in laboratory settings.
- Allow the lyophilized powder to reach room temperature before opening the vial.
- Inject the BAC water against the inside wall of the vial — do not aim the stream directly at the lyophilized cake.
- Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Once reconstituted, store the vial under refrigeration at 4 °C (39 °F).
Storage & Handling
- Upon receipt: Keep peptides cold and away from light.
- Lyophilized (unreconstituted): Stable at room temperature for several weeks; refrigeration at 4 °C (39 °F) is acceptable for short-term storage (days to weeks).
- Long-term storage (months to years): Freeze the lyophilized vial at −80 °C (−112 °F). Freezing optimally preserves peptide stability for extended periods.
- Reconstituted solution: Refrigerate at 4 °C (39 °F). Avoid freeze/thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide structure.
- Light exposure: Minimize exposure to direct light during handling; light can accelerate peptide degradation.
- Heat exposure: Do not leave the vial at room temperature longer than necessary for handling.
Important Notice
All Omnix Peptides products are sold for laboratory, research, or analytical purposes only. They are not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications. Researchers and laboratory professionals must follow all applicable institutional, local, state, and federal regulations governing the handling of research compounds.
Citations
Citations and reference data. Omnix Peptides supplies research-grade compounds for use by qualified laboratory professionals. The references below cite published preclinical research conducted in animal models and in vitro systems. They are not intended to represent clinical evidence in humans, and Ipamorelin has not been approved by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for any indication.
Compound Reference Data
- Compound: Ipamorelin
- CAS Number: 170851-70-4
- Molecular Formula: C38H49N9O5
- Molecular Weight: 711.85 g/mol
- Sequence: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Synonyms: NNC 26-0161
Selected Published Studies
The following peer-reviewed studies were conducted using animal models or in vitro cell-culture systems. They are listed here as a reference for researchers investigating Ipamorelin. None of these studies should be interpreted as recommending Ipamorelin for human use, treatment, or any clinical purpose.
- Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. doi:10.1530/eje.0.1390552
- Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD; Ipamorelin 201 Study Group. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014;29(12):1527-1534. doi:10.1007/s00384-014-2030-8
- Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjærbæk C, et al. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999;9(2):106-113. doi:10.1054/ghir.1999.9998
- Svensson J, Lall S, Dickson SL, et al. The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats. J Endocrinol. 2000;165(3):569-577. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1650569
Evidence-Base Disclosure
The published evidence base for Ipamorelin consists predominantly of preclinical research — animal models (often rats or mice) and in vitro cell-culture experiments. Where Phase I or Phase II human trials exist, they are noted in the compound page summary. Researchers should interpret the cited literature within the experimental context of each individual study.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the Ipamorelin Vial. Questions on this page cover handling, storage, documentation, and ordering. Ipamorelin is sold for laboratory, research, or analytical purposes only — not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications.
How is the Ipamorelin Vial prepared for laboratory research?
The Ipamorelin Vial is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. The standard preparation step described in published peptide research literature is reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (BAC water). The volume of BAC water used determines the final concentration of the solution. See the Amount & Handling tab for a worked reconstitution example.
Why is Ipamorelin supplied as a lyophilized powder rather than a pre-mixed solution?
Lyophilization (freeze-drying) is the standard format for research-grade peptides because it maximizes long-term stability. A lyophilized vial stored cold and away from light remains stable for substantially longer than a pre-mixed solution. Reconstitution by the researcher also allows control over the final solution concentration.
Can the reconstituted Ipamorelin solution be frozen?
Freeze/thaw cycles can degrade peptide structure and should generally be avoided. Reconstituted Ipamorelin should be stored under refrigeration at 4 °C (39 °F) and used within the active research timeframe described in the Amount & Handling tab. For long-term storage, keep the vial lyophilized and freeze at −80 °C (−112 °F) until use.
Is Ipamorelin approved by the FDA?
No. Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for any indication. Ipamorelin is sold by Omnix Peptides strictly for laboratory, research, or analytical purposes. It is not for human consumption, veterinary use, or medical applications.
What is included with each Ipamorelin Vial?
Each order includes the sealed product container and a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying identity and purity by HPLC and LC–MS. The full COA library for Omnix Peptides is available at /coa-lab-reports/.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and how do I read it?
A COA is a batch-specific lab report that documents the identity, purity, and quality control results for the production lot you receive. The COA lists the compound name, CAS number, lot number, analytical methods used (HPLC, LC–MS), and the measured purity percentage. Every Omnix order includes the COA for the lot shipped.
What is the CAS number for Ipamorelin?
The CAS number for Ipamorelin is 170851-70-4. Researchers can use this identifier to locate published literature in PubMed and other scientific databases.
How does Omnix Peptides ship orders?
Orders ship from a US-based facility with tracked domestic shipping. Free shipping is offered on orders over $99. Lyophilized vials and capsules ship at ambient temperature; sprays ship insulated when seasonal conditions require it. Tracking information is provided by email after the order ships.
What if my product arrives damaged or the seal is broken?
Contact Omnix Peptides within 48 hours of delivery. Product damaged in transit or arriving with a compromised seal will be replaced at no cost. See the Shipping & Return Policy at /shipping-return-policy/ for full terms.
Where can I find published research on Ipamorelin?
Peer-reviewed studies relevant to Ipamorelin are listed in the Citations tab on this product page. The same studies can be located independently on PubMed using the CAS number (170851-70-4) or the compound name.
Customer reviews
Certificate of Analysis
Third-party HPLC purity analysis performed by an independent laboratory for this batch.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.