What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonist. In plain terms, it tells the pituitary to release growth hormone. Its main advantage in the research is selectivity: unlike older GH secretagogues such as GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it does not raise cortisol or prolactin, the side effects that limited those earlier peptides. Raun et al. first characterised it in 1998, and it has been studied steadily since.
CJC-1295 is often used alongside ipamorelin. It is a synthetic GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) analogue, and its DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modification stretches its half-life from minutes to days. Paired with ipamorelin, it produces a stronger, longer GH pulse that tracks the body's natural release pattern.
Effects, what does the research say?
Growth Hormone Release, Clean & Selective
What stands out about ipamorelin is how cleanly it stimulates GH release. In studies, the GH pulses are comparable to stronger secretagogues but without the hormonal side effects.
- Releases GH without a meaningful rise in cortisol or prolactin
- Does not suppress endogenous GH production (unlike direct HGH administration)
- Synergistic with GHRH analogues like CJC-1295 for amplified GH pulses
"Ipamorelin is the first GHRP receptor agonist with a selectivity for GH release similar to that of GHRH. The peptide did not release ACTH or cortisol in any of the doses investigated."
Raun K et al. (1998), Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology. · PMID 9849822 ↗
Muscle Recovery & Body Composition
GH released by ipamorelin drives IGF-1 production in the liver, the main downstream mediator of GH effects. In animal studies, ipamorelin shows:
- Increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass
- Improved recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage
- Accelerated healing of soft tissue injuries
- CJC-1295 combination (PMID 16352683 ↗): sustained IGF-1 elevation for 9+ days after a single injection
"Administration of ipamorelin in rodents resulted in a dose-dependent increase in body weight gain, specifically through an increase in lean body mass with no significant changes in fat mass at lower doses."
Johansen PB (2003), Growth hormone hypersecretion and GH receptor resistance in streptozotocin diabetic mice in response to a GH secretagogue. Experimental Diabesity Research. · PMID 14630569 ↗
Sleep Quality & Recovery
GH is mostly released during deep (slow-wave) sleep. Ipamorelin's pulsatile GH stimulation, especially when dosed at night, is linked to better sleep quality and faster overnight tissue repair in research models. That differs from direct HGH, which can disrupt natural rhythms.
Dosage, what is being researched?
Important: There is no officially approved human dosage for ipamorelin or CJC-1295. The following reflects what is documented in published research and what research settings report; this is not medical advice.
| Goal | Typical Dose | Protocol | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery / Performance | 200-300 mcg Ipamorelin | 1-3x daily SC injection | 8-12 weeks |
| Anti-aging / Longevity | 100-200 mcg Ipamorelin | 1x daily (evening) | 12-16 weeks |
| Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 | 200 mcg Ipa + 100 mcg CJC | 1-2x daily SC | 8-12 weeks |
Storage & Reconstitution
- Unreconstituted: Refrigerator (2-8 °C), protected from light, shelf life up to 24 months
- After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water: max. 30 days refrigerated
- Do not freeze after reconstitution, peptide chains can be damaged
- Add water slowly along the glass wall, do not shake
- CJC-1295 (with DAC): same storage conditions apply