Cell / animal study· 1998
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.
European journal of endocrinology
Back to all molecules
Human researchNot FDA-approved
Ipamorelin
Synthetic pentapeptide secretagogue
Also indexed as: NNC-26-0161
What this evidence does not tell us
The foundational linked study is preclinical. A separate human postoperative-ileus trial does not establish anti-aging or recovery benefit.
Terms on this page
Unfamiliar word? Open this panel for simple explanations, right here.
12 glossary terms used in this profile
Terms on this page
Unfamiliar word? Open this panel for simple explanations, right here.
12 glossary terms used in this profile
Select a word to see its meaning. You can keep more than one definition open.
Definitions explain the words—not whether a molecule works or is safe. Research education only, not medical advice.
Overview
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide developed as a growth hormone secretagogue. Its research history includes preclinical endocrine work and a separate clinical gastrointestinal-motility study.
Mechanism of action
Ghrelin / GH–IGF-1
Stimulates GH release through ghrelin-receptor/secretagogue signaling, rather than the GHRH receptor. Selectivity reported in preclinical models does not guarantee absence of adverse effects in people.
A biological pathway describes a proposed or observed interaction—not necessarily a demonstrated health outcome.
Decode the terminology in our glossaryScientific evidence
How strong is the evidence?
Human evidence is still developing
- Limited evidence
- Early research
- Human researchCurrent category
- Human outcomes
Studies in people exist, but the findings may be small, narrow, mixed or still need confirmation. A hormone or cell marker is not necessarily a health benefit.
For this research: The foundational linked study is preclinical. A separate human postoperative-ileus trial does not establish anti-aging or recovery benefit.
An editorial guide—not a validated score, a percentage, a safety rating or an approval badge. Regulatory status is separate. More research does not mean fewer risks.
Cell studies
Mechanistic laboratory evidence is not separately assessed in this selected-source summary; see references and their study types.
Animal experiments
The foundational paper uses rat pituitary cells, rats and swine to investigate GH release.
Human observational studies
Associations, biomarker studies and anecdotes cannot establish treatment causality; no observational result is used here to infer clinical effectiveness.
Human clinical trials
A randomized postoperative-ileus trial exists (PubMed 25331030); it does not validate performance or anti-aging uses.
Regulatory evidence
No FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval.
Potential research applications
GH signaling and gastrointestinal motility research.
These describe scientific questions, not prescribing recommendations. A research grouping does not establish combination safety or clinical effectiveness.
Explore research by health goalSafety considerations
FDA notes serious adverse events including deaths in an intravenous motility study and insufficient safety information for other injectable routes; this does not by itself establish causality.
This is not an exhaustive safety or contraindication list. An absence of reported harm is not proof of safety. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, cancer history, endocrine disease and concurrent medicines can materially change risk. Unregulated preparations add identity, contamination and sterility risks.
Read FDA’s compounding safety informationRegulatory status · United States
Not FDA-approved
No FDA-approved finished drug for this molecule is identified in this edition. Investigational use, published research or compounding does not establish FDA approval.
Regulatory status and evidence strength are different. A nomination for compounding, a clinical-trial registration or a “research use only” label is not approval. International rules vary; consult the current regulator and product label.
Selected literature & source transparency
Clinical trial· 2014
Randomized postoperative-ileus study of ipamorelin
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Disease-specific study cited by FDA; not a performance or anti-aging trial.
Matched bibliographic records confirm a publication’s identity, not the validity of every claim. Selected sources are not a systematic literature review.
Continue your own source search
These open search results, not additional verified citations. Trial registration is not evidence that a treatment works.
Three questions worth bringing to your clinician
- Which human outcomes—not just biomarkers—support this claim?
- What established options address my actual health concern?
- What do my medical history and current medicines change about the risks?
Beyond the library
Turn better questions into a thoughtful conversation.
Explore our broader health optimization approach. A library entry does not mean a molecule is offered, prescribed, or appropriate for you.
Request an Optimization Consultation
Continue to our existing activation & intake page.