Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide acting at the ghrelin receptor. Its distinguishing property within this class is selectivity: it stimulates growth hormone release with markedly less effect on cortisol and prolactin than GHRP-2 or hexarelin, and less effect on appetite.

That selectivity is the reason it is discussed more than the older secretagogues, and it is a real pharmacological difference rather than a marketing one. It was investigated pharmaceutically for postoperative ileus and did not proceed to approval. Human data outside that programme is limited.

Selective growth hormone release, and a discontinued pharmaceutical programme in postoperative ileus. Long-term outcome data is not available.

Reported as well tolerated in the studies available, with less effect on cortisol and prolactin than others in its class. Long-term effects of sustained growth hormone elevation remain the relevant unknown.

Supplied as a lyophilised powder, refrigerated after reconstitution.