Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) developed in the late 1990s as a selective agonist of the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) receptor.1 Its defining characteristic versus earlier GHRPs is selectivity: minimal effect on ACTH/cortisol and prolactin at clinical doses.
Ipamorelin at a glance
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) developed in the late 1990s as a selective agonist of the GHS-R1a (ghrelin) receptor.1 Its defining characteristic versus earlier GHRPs is selectivity: minimal effect on ACTH/cortisol and prolactin at clinical doses.
This clean profile is why Ipamorelin became the default ghrelin agonist in modern peptide practice — clinicians can pair it with a GHRH analogue (CJC-1295, Sermorelin) without the cortisol elevation associated with GHRP-2 or GHRP-6.2
Binds the ghrelin receptor on somatotrophs to stimulate GH release; minimal off-target effects at the prolactin and ACTH axes.1
Selectivity is the whole point. Pair with any GHRH analogue without the hormonal noise of older GHRPs.
What the research actually shows
Ipamorelin has been studied across multiple modalities. The summaries below cite peer-reviewed sources; individual response varies and is not guaranteed.
Stimulates GH via ghrelin receptor without meaningful cortisol or prolactin elevation.1
Combined pulse with CJC-1295 or Sermorelin substantially exceeds either alone.2
Slow-wave sleep improvement commonly reported.
Subjective recovery from training and stress improves over weeks of consistent dosing.
IGF-1 mediated effects on dermal collagen and joint comfort.
Among the best-tolerated peptides in routine practice.
Your consultation is complimentary. Our medical team reviews your goals, current treatments, and history before recommending anything.
How a Ipamorelin protocol typically runs at Luxbae
Dosing, cadence, and delivery method are tailored to you. The outline below describes the most common variant; your provider personalizes based on labs, current treatments, and goals.
Baseline IGF-1 and history review.
Nightly subcutaneous; titration based on tolerability and IGF-1.
Typically paired with CJC-1295 or Sermorelin.
IGF-1 at 6–8 weeks; protocol cycles every 12–16 weeks.
Frequently sequenced alongside
- CJC-1295 for the signature combined pulse.
- CJC / Ipamorelin Blend for single-injection convenience.
- Sermorelin for a gentler GHRH partner.
- IGF-1 LR3 for direct IGF-1.
- Morpheus8 for collagen amplification.
Who it’s for — and who should avoid it
Ipamorelin eligibility is confirmed during your medical consultation; your full medical history must be disclosed.
- Adults with declining GH axis.
- Patients seeking clean side-effect profile.
- Recovery and sleep goals.
- No history of malignancy.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Children and adolescents.
- Acute infection or autoimmune flare.
- Known peptide hypersensitivity.
- Active or recent malignancy.
- Untreated severe sleep apnea.
- Active proliferative retinopathy.
Possible side effects
Injection-site reactions, transient flushing, occasional headache, brief paresthesias at initiation.
FDA & regulatory note
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved. Prescribed as compounded protocol.
Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, MD, PhD
Professor Dr. Ernst von Schwarz — triple board-certified clinical and academic cardiologist, clinical professor of medicine at UCLA, and a three-decade pioneer in stem cell and regenerative medicine research — personally directs Luxbae’s peptide program. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers and lectures internationally on cardiovascular and regenerative medicine. Every Ipamorelin protocol at Luxbae is prescribed and monitored under his direction.
Meet Dr. von SchwarzIpamorelin FAQ
Why Ipamorelin over GHRP-2/6?
Solo or stacked?
How long until effects?
Will it raise my cortisol?
Cycle off?
Safe with diabetes?
Clinical References
Reviewed by Dr. Ernst von Schwarz and the Luxbae medical team. Statements on this page are educational and supported by the following peer-reviewed sources. Individual results vary.
- Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. View
- Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, et al. Beyond the androgen receptor: peptides. Transl Androl Urol. 2020. View
- Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(1):45-53. View
- Gobburu JV, Agersø H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin. Pharm Res. 1999;16(9):1412-1416. View
Start your Ipamorelin protocol at Luxbae West Hollywood
Your consultation is complimentary. We’ll walk you through how Ipamorelin fits your goals, what labs (if any) we’d run, and how it would sequence with the rest of your aesthetic plan.