Steroid-Induced Nitrogen Wasting Protection
Ipamorelin counteracted prednisolone-induced nitrogen wasting and organ atrophy in animal models; supports use in glucocorticoid catabolism.
[1]Ipamorelin
WADA bannedHormone and Secretagogue
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that functions as a highly selective ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) agonist and growth hormone secretagogue. Developed by Novo Nordisk as the cleanest member of the GHRP family, it was designed specifically to stimulate GH release without the cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, or appetite effects associated with GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Hexarelin. This selectivity makes Ipamorelin the most commonly used GH secretagogue in functional and regenerative medicine practice today.
At a glance
- Type
- Synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2)
- Mechanism
- Highly selective ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) agonist and growth hormone secretagogue
- Developer
- Novo Nordisk
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Monitoring
- IGF-1 every 3 to 6 months
- WADA
- Prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition
What the research supports
Ipamorelin's evidence base centers on selective GHSR-1a agonism, glucocorticoid-protective effects, and modern critical literature framing it as the workhorse selective secretagogue.
Peptide-Analog Doping Critical Review
Reviewed as the most clinically established selective growth hormone secretagogue in the modern doping and clinical literature.
[2]Orthopedic Peptide Class Review
Positioned within the GH secretagogue class as a tissue-repair and satellite cell activator for orthopedic recovery applications.
[3]Synergy with CJC-1295 No DAC
GHRH receptor plus GHSR-1a co-stimulation produces synergistic GH pulse amplification with minimal side effects.
Summary of key findings
Cleanest GH Secretagogue
Minimal cortisol, prolactin, ACTH, and appetite effects; default choice when GH support is the goal across the broadest patient population.
Always Pair with CJC-1295 No DAC
Combination produces synergistic GH pulses neither peptide achieves alone, making this the standard modern protocol.
Counteracts Glucocorticoid Catabolism
Animal data supports use in protocols where steroid-induced nitrogen wasting is an issue, offering a protective anabolic counterbalance.
WADA Banned
Competitive athletes face testing consequences. Ipamorelin is prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition under WADA regulations.
Dosing guide
From published protocols. Licensed provider supervision assumed throughout.
- Subcutaneous Protocol
- 200 to 300 mcg subcutaneous, dosed up to 3 times daily; weight-based dosing of 1 to 3 mcg per kg is reasonable for most patients.
- Combination Workhorse Protocol
- Ipamorelin 200 to 300 mcg plus CJC-1295 No DAC 100 mcg subcutaneous, 1 to 3 times daily for synergistic GH pulse amplification.
- Timing
- Empty stomach (60+ minutes after last meal, 30+ minutes before next meal); pre-bedtime dosing aligns with circadian GH pulse for optimal effect.
- Cycling
- 5 days on, 2 days off; 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off in the standard protocol to preserve receptor sensitivity.
Vial reference
Units are for a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL), computed from the vial concentration.
| Vial | Dose range | Units per dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin 10 mg / 2 mL | 200 to 300 mcg | 4 to 6 units | 5 days on, 2 off | 0.05 mg per unit. PM empty stomach 60 to 90 minutes after last meal. Fasted 30 minutes before each meal up to 3x daily. |
Pre-bedtime dosing is preferred to align with the body's natural circadian GH pulse and maximize overnight anabolic signaling.
Reference ranges as published in the source protocol document, not a prescription. To work out the draw for a specific vial and dose, use the Peptide Calculator.
Bottom line
Ipamorelin is the cleanest GH secretagogue available and the default choice when GH support is the goal. The minimal cortisol, prolactin, and appetite effects make it suitable for the broadest patient population. Always pair with CJC-1295 No DAC: the combination produces synergistic GH pulses that neither peptide achieves alone. Position for patients with documented age-related GH decline, recovery from injury or surgery, body composition goals, sleep architecture problems, or generalized anti-aging interest.
The most important contrast is among the GHRPs: Ipamorelin is cleaner; GHRP-2 is more potent with modest cortisol; GHRP-6 adds appetite stimulation; Hexarelin is most potent but with the most side effects. For routine GH support, choose Ipamorelin. Monitor IGF-1 every 3 to 6 months; target mid-to-upper reference range for patient age. WADA banned.
Selective GHSR-1a
Clean GH secretion without cortisol, prolactin, or appetite effects
Workhorse Combination
Ipamorelin plus CJC-1295 No DAC is the standard modern protocol
Glucocorticoid-Protective
Counteracts steroid-induced nitrogen wasting in supportive use
References
Citations sourced from PubMed and verified against the PubMed record.
- 1Aagaard et al., 2009 Ipamorelin counteracts prednisolone-induced nitrogen wasting
- 2Coutinho et al., 2026 Peptide-analog doping critical review
- 3Rahman et al., 2026 Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics
- 4Raun et al., 1998 Ipamorelin selective GH secretion pivotal pharmacology
Regulatory status, cautions and contraindications
Active Malignancy
Relative contraindication. Evaluate risk-benefit carefully with supervising clinician before initiating any GH secretagogue protocol.
Active Retinopathy
Use with caution. GH elevation may exacerbate retinal pathology; ophthalmologic monitoring is advised.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Contraindicated. Safety has not been established in pregnant or lactating individuals; avoid use entirely.
WADA Banned
Prohibited for competitive athletes both in-competition and out-of-competition. Testing consequences apply under current WADA regulations.
Legal disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This peptide overview is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Peptide therapies should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider, who can assess individual health needs and determine appropriate dosing and administration.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, as misuse or improper dosing may lead to adverse effects. The efficacy and safety of peptide therapies have not been fully established in all cases, and ongoing medical supervision is essential.