Ipamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that acts on receptors in the growth hormone (GH) axis to promote pulsatile GH release. It is frequently discussed in experimental and wellness settings alongside other GH-related peptides.

Regulatory status, labeled indications, and product quality standards for ipamorelin vary widely by jurisdiction and product type. Many uses described in informal or commercial materials fall outside the scope of approved medicines and should be approached with caution.

Ipamorelin is designed to mimic certain actions of endogenous growth hormone secretagogues by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). High-level themes in the literature suggest that ipamorelin can:

• Stimulate pulsatile release of growth hormone from the pituitary
• Interact with upstream hypothalamic pathways that regulate GH secretion
• Do so with a more selective profile than some older secretagogues, with less emphasis on cortisol or prolactin in many reports

The exact magnitude and clinical significance of these effects in different populations remains an area of ongoing research and debate.

In many regions, ipamorelin is not an approved, labeled medicine and may be encountered primarily in research settings or as a compounded product in wellness-oriented contexts. Discussions often center on potential roles in body composition, recovery, or age-related endocrine changes.

Any consideration of ipamorelin in practice should account for local regulatory frameworks, product sourcing, and the distinction between hypothesis-generating research and established standards of care. Specific treatment decisions should remain with qualified clinicians.

Ipamorelin is a prohibited substance under WADA category S2. It is considered a growth hormone secretagogue.

Notable athlete sanctions involving Ipamorelin include:

• Liza Hunter-Galvan (Marathon): Received a 2-year ban in 2009 after testing positive for Ipamorelin.
• Andrew McKirahan (MLB): Suspended for 80 games in 2015 for Ipamorelin use.
• David Branch (UFC): Sanctioned for 2 years in 2019 for an anti-doping violation involving Ipamorelin.
• William Porter (Powerlifting): Received a 4-year suspension for Ipamorelin use.

Reported effects in studies and informal accounts have included transient flushing, headache, local injection-site reactions, and changes in appetite or sleep. As with other GH-axis interventions, there is theoretical concern about fluid balance, joint discomfort, and interactions with pre-existing endocrine or neoplastic conditions.

Because long-term and population-wide safety data are limited, careful risk– benefit assessment and adherence to local regulations are critical. Product quality and dosing practices can also influence risk, but those details are beyond the scope of this high-level overview.

Ipamorelin is a short-acting secretagogue (half-life ~2 hours) designed to trigger a pulse of growth hormone. It is frequently used in combination with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295.

This information summarizes commonly discussed research practices and does not constitute medical advice.

In catalogs, ipamorelin commonly appears as a lyophilized powder intended for reconstitution. It may also be included in combination products that pair it with other growth hormone–related peptides, such as CJC-1295, to target multiple regulatory points in the GH axis.

On this site, a dedicated ipamorelin entry and a separate CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination entry organize structural vial codes and specifications from a reference list. These listings are organizational only and do not represent recommendations about which, if any, formulations are appropriate.

Ipamorelin and related growth hormone secretagogues have been studied in settings such as GH deficiency, age-related endocrine changes, and recovery from certain stressors. Outcomes of interest often include GH and IGF-1 levels, body composition markers, and tolerability.

The evidence base includes a mix of formal studies and smaller or practice-oriented reports, making it important to pay close attention to study design and regulatory context. High-level summaries like this are not a substitute for up-to-date primary literature or formal guidelines.

A future FAQ section may address topics such as how ipamorelin compares conceptually with older GHRPs, how clinicians think about GH-axis interventions in general, and what kinds of endpoints are typically monitored. Answers will remain educational and non-prescriptive.