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Healing & Recovery
Preclinical

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin

Also known as: Ipamorelin Acetate, IPA, NNC 26-0161

Overview

Key Facts

Primary Goal: Research and therapeutic applications of Ipamorelin

Selective agonism of GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) in the anterior pituitary. Amplifies endogenous GHRH-driven GH pulsatility during slow-wave sleep.

Dosing Information

Half-Life

~2 hours

Typical Dose

100–300 mcg

Frequency

Once daily, 30-60 minutes before bedtime

Cycle Length

8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Administration Routes:
subcutaneous

Benefits

  • Enhances deep slow-wave sleep duration and quality
  • Amplifies the natural nocturnal GH pulse for overnight recovery
  • Promotes fat metabolism and lean body composition during sleep
  • Supports tissue repair, joint recovery, and collagen synthesis overnight
  • Clean GH release profile — does not elevate cortisol or prolactin
  • Improves subjective sleep satisfaction and morning energy

Side Effects

Mild transient hunger (ghrelin receptor activation)mild
Water retention during initial usemild
Tingling or numbness in extremities (GH-related)mild
Headache (uncommon)mild
Injection site irritationmild

Mechanism of Action

1

Selective agonism of GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) in the anterior pituitary

2

Amplifies endogenous GHRH-driven GH pulsatility during slow-wave sleep

3

Does not suppress somatostatin, preserving natural GH feedback regulation

4

Minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, and aldosterone (high selectivity)

Contraindications

Do not use this peptide if any of the following apply:

  • Active cancer or history of malignancy (GH promotes cell proliferation)
  • Diabetes — monitor blood glucose (GH can elevate fasting glucose)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active pituitary disorders

Storage & Reconstitution

Unreconstituted (Powder)

Temperature2–8°C (36–46°F)
DurationUp to 3 months

Reconstituted (Mixed)

Temperature2–8°C (36–46°F)
Duration2-4 weeks

Research Summary

Preclinical

Ipamorelin was developed by Novo Nordisk and has been studied in multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. A key study demonstrated dose-dependent GH release with remarkable selectivity — no significant changes in ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or TSH at effective GH-releasing doses. Clinical trials for post-surgical ileus (bowel recovery) used IV administration successfully. Sleep-specific research shows that GH secretagogues administered before bedtime increase slow-wave sleep duration by 20-50% in both young and older adults. Ipamorelin's clean side-effect profile makes it the preferred GH peptide for sleep optimisation among researchers and clinicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ipamorelin

UK-Specific Information

Exclusive data points and guidance for UK residents using Ipamorelin

UK Lab Testing

UK Lab Testing

Recommended labs: Medichecks, Thriva (£89-£149 for peptide safety panel)

Why this matters: UK-specific lab testing guidance not available on US competitor sites

Commonly Stacked With

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