Ipamorelin (INN) (developmental code name NNC 26-0161) is a peptide selective agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS) and a growth hormone secretagogue.It is a pentapeptide with the amino acid sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 that was derived from GHRP-1.
Ipamorelin is a metabolite of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs). Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide with strong growth hormone releasing potency that evokes insulin release from pancrease of normal and diabetic rats.
Ipamorelin was originally developed by Novo Nordisk, and was investigated in phase II clinical trials by Helsinn Therapeutics for the treatment of postoperative ileus, but was discontinued due to lack of efficacy.Ipamorelin has been used by athletes as a performance enhancing drug.
Ipamorelin has a wide range of benefits for the human body such as: reduced body fat, increased collagen production, increased lean muscle mass, improved sleep, increased cell repair and regeneration, elevated IGF-1, increased bone mineral content, counteracted glucocorticoid catabolism, decreased appetite stimulation compared to GHRP-6, decreased release of cortisol, prolactin and aldosterone.
Decreased release of cortisol, prolactin and aldosterone.
Ipamorelin is a highly selective, potent pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and gastrin mimetic with growth hormone (GH) releasing activity. It mimics gastrin and binds to the gastrin receptor (or growth hormone secretion receptor, GHSR) in the brain, which selectively stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. This leads to elevated plasma GH levels, which affects many biological processes. In addition to being found in the brain, GHSR is found in the gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, adipose tissue and immune cells. Unlike other growth hormone releasing peptides, ipamorelin stimulates the release of growth hormone only in a manner very similar to that of growth hormone releasing hormone[1].
Ipamorelin is generally considered safe and well tolerated, with common side effects including dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and flushing. Allergic or serious adverse reactions are rare.
[1] Ipamorelin[J]. Definitions, 2020. DOI:10.32388/22pzq4.
