Ipamorelin
IPA / Ipamorelin Acetate
Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide that activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), releasing a short GH pulse. In animals it raised GH without raising ACTH or cortisol; human half-life is about 2 hours. It is not FDA-approved; its one Phase 2 trial (postoperative ileus) did not beat placebo.
Half-life
~2 hours
Typical Dose
200–300 mcg/injection
180/300Route
subcutaneous
Category
growth_hormone
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How Ipamorelin is dosed in practice
Usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range: 200–300 mcg/injection. Half-life: ~2 hours. Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
People have received ipamorelin only by IV: single infusions in healthy men (1999) showed a 2-hour half-life and one GH pulse peaking at about 40 minutes, and a Phase 2 trial after bowel surgery (2014) gave 0.03 mg/kg twice daily for up to 7 days, which was well tolerated but no better than placebo. No human study of SubQ dosing has been published.
- Pharmacokinetic study in healthy men (1999)
- Phase 2 trial after bowel surgery (2014)
Practitioners favor it as a standalone GHRP because animal data show no cortisol or prolactin rise. Often combined with Mod GRF (1-29) at a 1:1 dose ratio (the 'Mod GRF/Ipa stack'). Practitioners report better sleep, recovery and body composition over 8–12 week protocols; these outcomes have not been tested in human trials.
- Practitioner protocols
Popular in the peptide community as a first-choice GHRP. Users report better sleep within days, fat loss over weeks, and joint recovery, with less hunger than GHRP-6. Common in bodybuilding and anti-aging communities. No long-term human safety data exist.
- Community self-reports
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Safety & Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer (GH may promote tumor growth)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pituitary disorders or tumors
Ipamorelin: common questions
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide that activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), releasing a short GH pulse. In animals it raised GH without raising ACTH or cortisol; human half-life is about 2 hours. It is not FDA-approved; its one Phase 2 trial (postoperative ileus) did not beat placebo.
How is Ipamorelin dosed?
Ipamorelin is usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: 200–300 mcg/injection. Clinical (human trials), intravenously (IV): 0.03 mg/kg IV twice daily after bowel surgery; single IV infusions in healthy men; Twice daily (after surgery) or a single infusion; Up to 7 days. Expert (practitioner protocols): 200–300 mcg SC, 2–3x daily; 2–3x daily, typically AM fasting + bedtime; 8–12 week cycles with 4-week breaks. Experimental (early or animal data): 200–300 mcg SC, 2–3x daily; 2–3x daily; 8–12 weeks. These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is Ipamorelin FDA-approved?
No. Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA for any use in people.
What is the half-life of Ipamorelin?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of ~2 hours. Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use Ipamorelin?
Listed contraindications: Active cancer or history of cancer (GH may promote tumor growth); Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Pituitary disorders or tumors.
Free Guides for Ipamorelin
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.