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Ipamorelin

July 21, 2026

Ipamorelin

(also known as NNC 26-0161,  ipamorelin free base / acetate)

Ipamorelin is an experimental synthetic pentapeptide and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that acts as a selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist, mimicking ghrelin and leading to pituitary growth hormone (GH) release [1]. Ipamorelin is classified as a medicinal substance on the Finnish Medicines Agency’s list [2], but it is not currently a component of any approved medicine and has no indication for human therapeutic use.

Ipamorelin in Performance- and Image-Enhancing Drugs use – why is it used?

People who use PIEDs aim to stimulate growth hormone production with ipamorelin, based on its perceived effects on muscle growth, recovery, and to enhance body composition and physical performance. For PIED purposes, ipamorelin has also been promoted online for a range of uses, including weight management, anti-aging, inflammatory conditions, improving sleep, and bodybuilding. The products come in several forms, including injections, nasal sprays, and oral preparations. [3]

Adverse effects and health risks

Long-term human safety data for growth hormone secretagogues, including ipamorelin, remain limited. An FDA briefing document on ipamorelin concludes that, based on available clinical data, ipamorelin-related substances may raise safety concerns [3]. The review reported the following adverse effects*:

  • hypokalemia
  • insomnia
  • hyperglycemia
  • glucose intolerance, diabetes
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal distention

(also, two fatality cases were described, but it is unclear whether they were related to ipamorelin)

In addition, administering the drug by injection may carry a heightened risk of triggering an immune response. It may also reinforce certain behaviors in ways that contribute to addiction. The review also mentions potential adverse effects on reproductive health. Ipamorelin obtained through unregulated black markets is known to pose contamination risks [4].

Medical use and clinical trials

No approved medical indication for any human therapeutic use. In 2024, the FDA recommended against permitting ipamorelin to be used in compounded drug products [3].

Mikko Lemettilä, MSc (Pharm.Sci.), A-Clinic Foundation

References

[1] Raun, K., Hansen, B. S., Johansen, N. L., Thøgersen, H., Madsen, K., Ankersen, M., & Andersen, P. H. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology, 139(5), 552–561. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.0.1390552

[2] Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea). (2025, June 3). List of medicines. Fimea. https://fimea.fi/en/supervision/classification/list_of_medicines

[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, October 29). FDA briefing document: Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) meeting – Ipamorelin-related bulk drug substances. https://www.fda.gov/media/182088/download

[4] Janvier, S., Cheyns, K., Canfyn, M., Goscinny, S., De Spiegeleer, B., Vanhee, C., & Deconinck, E. (2018). Impurity profiling of the most frequently encountered falsified polypeptide drugs on the Belgian market. Talanta, 188, 795–807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2018.06.023