Catalog
Selective GH secretagogue (GHS-R agonist)

Ipamorelin

Selective ghrelin-receptor agonist with minimal cortisol/prolactin effect — no human efficacy RCTs.

Compounded (503A/503B)Grade D — Plausible, unprovenFDA Category 2 (2023) — barred from 503A compounding
Target
GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor)

Mechanism of action

Pentapeptide GHRP. Activates GHS-R1a → pulsatile GH release. Selectivity advantage over GHRP-2/6 (less prolactin/cortisol).

Pharmacokinetics

SC, very short t½. Often combined with CJC-1295 in compounded formulations.

Clinical context

No FDA-approved indication. Used off-label for body composition / 'recovery'.

Safety

Contraindications
  • Active malignancy
  • Pregnancy
Adverse effects
  • Hunger surge (ghrelin agonism)
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Theoretical IGF-1 rise tumor risk

Myth vs reality

CLAIMIpamorelin is FDA-approved.
REALITYIt is not. It is on the FDA's 2023 Category 2 list and may not be compounded under 503A in the US.

Relevant labs

IGF-1Hemoglobin A1c

Covered in modules

Module 05
Growth Hormone Secretagogues
CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, tesamorelin, MK-677 — what's approved, what's compounded, what's hype.
Module 14
Safety, Regulation & Compounded Peptides
503A vs 503B vs research-only — what the FDA actually says.

Related compounds

GLP-1 receptor agonist
Semaglutide
GHRH analog
Tesamorelin
GHRH(1–29) analog
Sermorelin
Long-acting GHRH analog
CJC-1295 (with/without DAC)

Generate prescriber-grade deep dive

Pull in expanded mechanism, PK/PD, dosing strategies for special populations, drug interactions, monitoring cadence, head-to-head differentials, prescriber pearls, and patient FAQs for Ipamorelin.

Educational reference. Not medical advice. Always verify against current FDA labeling and local regulatory guidance before prescribing or counseling.