Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin Overview

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and a potent, highly selective agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It stands out in the field of biochemical research for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release with a level of specificity that is unmatched by many other peptides in its class. Unlike earlier generations of secretagogues, Ipamorelin does not significantly trigger the release of secondary hormones such as cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH. This selective profile makes it an essential tool for researchers investigating the complex mechanisms of the endocrine system and the therapeutic potential of ghrelin mimetics in treating metabolic and degenerative conditions.

Ipamorelin Structure

Ipamorelin is composed of five amino acids arranged in a specific sequence to maximize receptor affinity.

• Structure Solution Formula: Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
• Molecular Weight: 711.85 g/mol

Ipamorelin Research

Research Area

Primary Observation

Potential Application

Bone Density

Prevention of bone mineral loss

Osteoporosis and steroid-induced bone thinning

Muscle Integrity

Reduction in nitrogen wasting

Muscle wasting (cachexia) and catabolic states

Gastrointestinal

Restoration of gastric motility

Post-operative ileus and dysmotility

Metabolism

Enhanced insulin secretion

Pancreatic beta-cell function and diabetes

1. Mitigation of Negative Corticosteroid Effects

Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents used to treat a variety of autoimmune and oncological conditions. However, their long-term use is severely limited by systemic side effects. Research indicates that Ipamorelin may act as a protective agent, counteracting the catabolic environment created by steroid use. By stabilizing metabolic markers, Ipamorelin allows for the exploration of higher-dosage steroid therapies with reduced systemic risk.

2. Bone Health and Density Preservation

One of the most debilitating effects of chronic glucocorticoid therapy is the rapid decline in bone mineral density. Animal models have demonstrated that Ipamorelin not only prevents the loss of bone mass but may actively stimulate the formation of new bone tissue. This dual action—antiresorptive and anabolic—presents Ipamorelin as a significant candidate for researching treatments for osteoporosis and fracture prevention.

3. Muscle Growth and Catabolic Resistance

Muscle atrophy is a hallmark of many chronic diseases and a common side effect of steroid treatments. Ipamorelin has shown the ability to reduce nitrogen wasting in the liver and improve the overall nitrogen balance in the body. By preserving lean muscle tissue during periods of caloric deficit or illness, it serves as a critical model for studying muscle-wasting disorders.

4. Pancreatic Function and Diabetes

In studies involving diabetic rodent models, Ipamorelin has been observed to facilitate the release of insulin. This is particularly relevant during stages where pancreatic beta cells—the sites of insulin production—are under-stimulated or failing. This research suggests a role for Ipamorelin in preserving long-term functional capacity in the pancreas.

5. Post-Operative Ileus (POI) Management

POI is a common surgical complication where the intestines fail to regain motility, leading to pain and delayed recovery. While clinical trials suggested that Ipamorelin alone might not meet the threshold for a commercial pharmaceutical, the data showed it could restore motility within a 12-hour window. Current research focuses on using Ipamorelin in synergistic combinations to enhance its efficacy in a clinical setting.

6. Ghrelin Receptor Probing and Oncology

Because Ipamorelin binds so specifically to ghrelin receptors, it is being utilized as a diagnostic probe. Since certain cancers and heart conditions are associated with an overabundance of these receptors, Ipamorelin can be tagged for use in PET scans to identify malignancies or assess cardiac health with high precision.

Ipamorelin in Modern Science

Ipamorelin remains a "neglected" focus in mainstream clinical drug development despite its promising profile. However, its popularity in the laboratory setting has surged as scientists seek more selective alternatives to older peptides. Its high bioavailability in subcutaneous models and its minimal impact on the adrenal axis make it a preferred choice for long-term endocrine studies.

Ipamorelin from Peptide Sciences is restricted to educational and scientific research purposes only. For licensed researchers, Ipamorelin offers a stable and reliable medium for investigating growth hormone regulation.

Article Author

The above content was researched, edited, and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan possesses a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Scientific Journal Author

David E. Beck, MD, co-author of "Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof of concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients" specializes in colon and rectal surgery. David E. Beck, MD is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of ipamorelin. In no way is 1this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reaso2n. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide Sciences and this doctor.

Referenced Citations

1. K. Raun et al., "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue," Eur. J. Endocrinol., vol. 139, no. 5, pp. 552-561, Nov. 1998.
2. N. B. Andersen et al., "The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decreases in bone formation of adult rats," Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 266-272, Oct. 2001.
3. J. Svensson et al., "The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats," J. Endocrinol., vol. 165, no. 3, pp. 569-577, Jun. 2000.
4. N. K. Aasgaard et al., "Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats," Growth Horm. IGF Res., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 426-431, Oct. 2009.
5. E. Adegoke and A. S. Ponrny, "Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats," Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 403-406, Dec. 2004.
6. D. E. Beck et al., "Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients," Int. J. Colorectal Dis., vol. 29, no. 12, pp. 1527-1534, Dec. 2014.
7. B. Greenwood-Van Meerveld et al., "Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus," J. Exp. Pharmacol., vol. 4, pp. 149-155, Oct. 2012.
8. M. M. Fowkes et al., "Peptidominetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor," Eur. J. Med. Chem., vol. 157, pp. 1506-1511, Sep. 2018.