Ipamorelin: clinical evidence record
Also known as: NNC 26-0161
Oliver Mackman · Editorial director · Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937)
Last updated 2026-05-22
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AI-friendly summary · Ipamorelin
Originally developed by Novo Nordisk for short bowel syndrome and post-operative ileus indications. Phase 2 safety and pharmacology data exist. No marketing authorisation in any jurisdiction. Most contemporary literature is preclinical animal work.
Mechanism of action
How Ipamorelin works
Synthetic pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic acting at the GHSR-1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor). Stimulates pulsatile endogenous GH release from the anterior pituitary without significant cortisol, prolactin or aldosterone effects in published preclinical work.
Top peer-reviewed citations
Selection of the most-cited peer-reviewed literature on Ipamorelin. Where a verified PMID or DOI is shown, the citation links to the original record. Other citations list the title, authors, journal and year so the reader can locate the paper through the journal index or the PubMed search linked below. PeptideClear publishes editorial commentary, not clinical guidance.
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Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al.. European Journal of Endocrinology, 1998.
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Ipamorelin and growth hormone response in healthy human volunteers
Gobburu JV, Agerso H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L. Pharmaceutical Research, 1999.
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Phase 2 trial of ipamorelin in post-operative ileus
Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD. International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2014.
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Ghrelin mimetics in the treatment of cachexia
Garcia JM, Polvino WJ. Oncologist, 2007.
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Ipamorelin in rodent bone-healing models
Svensson J, Lall S, Dickson SL, et al.. Journal of Endocrinology, 2000.
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Selectivity of growth hormone secretagogues at the GHSR receptor
Smith RG, Pong SS, Hickey G, et al.. Recent Progress in Hormone Research, 1996.
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Growth hormone secretagogue receptor pharmacology
Howard AD, Feighner SD, Cully DF, et al.. Science, 1996.
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Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications
Villegas Meza AD, Nocek M, Mitchell BC, et al.. JBJS reviews, 2026.
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Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives
Renke G, Chinellato L. International journal of molecular sciences, 2026.
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Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging
Mavrych V, Shypilova I, Bolgova O. Frontiers in aging, 2026.
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Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance
Mendias CL, Awan TM. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 2026.
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A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review
Coutinho LFD, DE Oliveira Neves LF, Camilo RP. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 2026.
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Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews, 2026.
Full PubMed search: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=ipamorelin.
UK regulatory status
Plain-English summary of where Ipamorelin sits under the four UK and international frameworks that govern peptide supply. Editorial commentary, not legal advice.
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
- Psychoactive Substances Act 2016: Not scheduled under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
- MHRA medicines classification: No UK marketing authorisation as a medicine.
- WADA Prohibited List: WADA Prohibited List S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors), prohibited at all times.
Full regulatory record: Ipamorelin UK regulatory status.
Risks and unknowns
What the literature does not yet show about Ipamorelin
Known concerns
- Most published efficacy claims for Ipamorelin require careful interpretation. Read the cited papers in full before drawing conclusions.
- Purity of UK research-peptide supply varies between retailers. Certificates of analysis and HPLC documentation differ.
- Cold-chain handling between manufacture and delivery is not standardised across the research-peptide market.
- Independent replication of single-group findings is the key check on any preclinical claim.
Open questions in the literature
- Where human pharmacokinetics have not been formally characterised, dose translation from animal models is not reliable.
- Long-term safety profile beyond the duration of published studies remains an open question.
- Interactions with other prescribed or unlicensed substances are typically not studied.
Regulatory note
No UK marketing authorisation as a medicine. Prohibited at all times under WADA S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors). The moment a UK seller or commentator makes a therapeutic claim, MHRA can treat the product as an unlicensed medicinal product.
Important: PeptideClear publishes encyclopedia commentary only and does not recommend human use. Speak to a UK-registered prescriber before any medical decision.
Related reading on PeptideClear
Encyclopedia entry
Ipamorelin: what it is, animal evidence, regulatory framing
Editorial commentary on Ipamorelin, including the literature base and UK availability framing.
UK regulatory record
Ipamorelin: UK regulatory status
MoDA, PSA, MHRA, WADA and ASA positions for Ipamorelin in plain English.
Frequently asked questions
What is the evidence level for Ipamorelin?
What is the UK regulatory status of Ipamorelin?
Has Ipamorelin been tested in human clinical trials?
Where can I read the source literature for Ipamorelin?
Last verified 2026-05-22. Editorial commentary, not legal or clinical advice. Citations without a linked identifier can be located through the PubMed search and the journal index.