Research Brief
Ipamorelin: Research Overview
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue (ghrelin-receptor agonist) studied in animal models — investigational, never approved, and prohibited in competitive sport.
Last reviewed: June 2, 2026
For Laboratory Research Use Only
Content on this page describes published research findings. LUMEN BASED does not make therapeutic claims. Consult the primary literature and your institutional review board for protocol design. These products are not for human consumption.
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide described as "the first selective growth hormone secretagogue" — it stimulates growth-hormone release via the ghrelin receptor while, unlike some earlier secretagogues, not significantly raising ACTH or cortisol. [Raun 1998] It is an investigational compound: it is not approved by any major regulator, and growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport.
What the research has investigated
Bone
In rats, ipamorelin dose-dependently increased longitudinal bone growth [Johansen 1999], and counteracted a glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation. [Andersen 2001]
Gastrointestinal motility
In a rodent post-operative ileus model, repeated dosing improved gut recovery, increasing fecal output and food intake. [Venkova 2009]
Appetite & body weight
In ferrets, ipamorelin reduced cisplatin-induced weight loss. [Lu 2024]
Body composition (clinical context)
A review of growth-hormone secretagogues discusses possible adjunctive use for body composition in men with low testosterone, but stresses "a paucity of data examining clinical effects." [Sinha 2020]
The state of the evidence
The evidence for ipamorelin is almost entirely from animal studies; human clinical evidence is insufficient, and ipamorelin was never approved. [Sinha 2020]
For research use only
LUMEN BASED supplies Ipamorelin strictly for laboratory and research use. It is not a drug, supplement, or therapeutic product, is not intended for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim of clinical benefit. Every reference below links to its primary source on PubMed for independent verification.
Verify the batch you're studying
Each Ipamorelin lot ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (HPLC, mass spectrometry, identity confirmation). Pair the batch in your study with the matching COA before publishing or reporting results.
View COA for Ipamorelin →References
- Raun K et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. PubMed
- Johansen PB et al. (1999). Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. PubMed
- Andersen NB et al. (2001). The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats. PubMed
- Venkova K et al. (2009). Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. PubMed
- Lu Z et al. (2024). The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets. PubMed
- Sinha DK et al. (2020). Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. PubMed
For Research Use Only. All LUMEN BASED compounds are strictly for in vitro laboratory research by qualified researchers. Not for human or animal consumption. Not approved by the FDA for therapeutic use.