Also known as: Ipa
A selective growth hormone secretagogue known for few side effects.
Educational reference, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved, and products sold as research chemicals are not checked for purity. Plan any use with a licensed clinician.
How it works
Activates the ghrelin receptor to trigger a GH pulse, with little effect on cortisol, prolactin or hunger compared with older GHRPs.
Evidence by goal
| Goal | Grade | What the grade means |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle & growth hormone | C | Limited human data, case series or practitioner reports |
| Fat loss & weight | C | Limited human data, case series or practitioner reports |
| Sleep | C | Limited human data, case series or practitioner reports |
| Injury & tissue repair | C | Limited human data, case series or practitioner reports |
| Bone density | D | Animal or cell studies only |
At a glance
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Half-life
- About 2 hours
Reported dosing
100 to 300 mcg, 1 to 3 times daily (practitioner reports). A common protocol is 200 to 300 mcg before bed.
Timing: Empty stomach: at least 2 hours after eating and 30 minutes before food. Bedtime dose matches the natural GH pulse.
Cycle: 8 to 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off, or 5 days on and 2 off.
From approved labels where they exist, otherwise from published trials and practitioner reports.
Side effects
- Headache, flushing, mild water retention
- Mild hunger
- Raised blood sugar with long use
Who should avoid it
- Active cancer
- Pregnancy
Often combined with
Paired with CJC-1295 (no DAC) or sermorelin.
Key findings
Human trials were for post-surgical gut recovery and did not meet their goal; GH effects are documented in humans but body-composition data is mostly practitioner-reported.
2026 update
Failed its Phase 2 trial for post-surgical bowel recovery.
Where it is legal (Oct 2026)
| US | Not approved |
|---|---|
| Canada | Not approved |
| Mexico | Not approved |
| EU | Not approved |
Sources
Open Ipamorelin in the Peptide Guide Compare all peptides by goal
Last reviewed November 2026. Regulatory status reflects the US unless noted and changes often.