Johansen, P.B.
Growth Hormone & IGF Research (1999)
Foundational selectivity study on ipamorelin's GH-release profile.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide GHRP that selectively activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate pulsatile growth hormone release without raising cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — a key safety advantage over older GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
Mechanism of action
- Selective agonist of GHS-R1a, triggering pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs.
- Does not meaningfully elevate cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone in published selectivity studies.
- Often paired with GHRH analogs (e.g., CJC-1295) in research formulations for dual-pathway signaling.
Research highlights
- Raun et al. (Eur J Endocrinol, 1998): first described as a novel potent selective GH secretagogue.
- Johansen (Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 1999): foundational selectivity profile study.