Ipamorelin

Definition

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics ghrelin at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, producing selective growth hormone release with little effect on cortisol or prolactin; that selectivity built its reputation in the wellness market.

It is routinely sold in combination with CJC-1295, a pairing invented by the market rather than by any trial.

Evidence

Ipamorelin's clinical record is nearly singular: a randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept trial in 114 patients with postoperative ileus found a median time to first tolerated meal of 25.3 hours against 32.6 with placebo, a difference that did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.15) ^[1]. Reviews of the GH-axis peptides find no completed efficacy trial supporting the uses it is marketed for today ^[2].

One neutral trial in an unrelated indication is the entire human record; everything else is extrapolated pharmacology.

Lawful access

Ipamorelin's nomination was withdrawn in September 2024 and it was removed from Category 2 without Category 1 listing; it is on no list, and no lawful compounding route exists. It was not among the peptides reviewed at the July 2026 PCAC meeting.

Material sold online is research-use-only supply, outside pharmacy oversight.

Related molecules

Its constant commercial partner CJC-1295 shares the withdrawn status; sermorelin shows what a lawful position in the GH secretagogues class looks like.