Ipamorelin Canada: Research-Grade GHRP for Canadian Researchers
Ipamorelin is one of the most selective growth-hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) available to Canadian researchers. Unlike earlier secretagogues, it stimulates pulsatile GH release without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone. That makes it a cleaner tool for studying the somatotropic axis in controlled laboratory settings.
What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) that acts as a growth hormone secretagogue. A secretagogue is simply a substance that causes another substance to be released. In this case, ipamorelin tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. First described by Raun et al. in 1998, it was developed as a highly selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Its molecular weight is approximately 711.85 Da, and it is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in research-grade vials of 5 mg or 10 mg.
What sets ipamorelin apart from earlier GHRPs like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 is its selectivity. In preclinical models, ipamorelin produced dose-dependent GH release on par with GHRP-6. However, it had minimal effect on ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, and aldosterone. This selectivity makes it a preferred research compound when investigators need to isolate GH-axis effects from confounding hormonal changes.
Mechanism of action
Ipamorelin binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. This binding triggers an intracellular calcium influx that promotes the release of endogenous growth hormone in a pulsatile pattern. In other words, it mimics the body's natural GH secretion rhythm rather than producing a sustained, non-physiological spike.
Key pharmacological features
- Pulsatile GH release. Ipamorelin amplifies existing GH pulses rather than creating a continuous elevation. This preserves the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loop.
- Ghrelin-receptor selectivity. Unlike hexarelin or GHRP-6, ipamorelin does not significantly activate ACTH or prolactin secretion at GH-effective concentrations.
- Dose-dependent response. Published data show a clear dose-response curve for GH release, allowing researchers to titrate effects in a controlled manner.
- No tachyphylaxis at moderate exposures. Tachyphylaxis means a rapid decrease in response to a substance after repeated doses. Preclinical data suggest that GH response to ipamorelin is maintained over repeated administrations without this kind of rapid desensitization.
Published research & clinical data
Ipamorelin has been studied in both animal models and human clinical trials. Key findings from the peer-reviewed literature include the following.
Preclinical studies
- Raun et al. (1998). The foundational study demonstrated that ipamorelin released GH with an efficacy similar to GHRP-6 in swine, but without increasing cortisol or ACTH. The authors concluded that ipamorelin was the most selective GHRP identified at the time of publication.
- Johansen et al. (1999). This study showed that ipamorelin stimulated longitudinal bone growth in rats at doses that did not affect body weight or food intake. That suggests a direct skeletal effect independent of metabolic changes.
- Jimenez-Reina et al. (2002). The researchers confirmed that repeated ipamorelin administration maintained GH responsiveness in aging rat models. This supports its potential as a research tool for studying age-related GH decline.
Human clinical data
- Phase II post-surgical trials. Ipamorelin was evaluated in clinical studies for post-operative ileus recovery. While the primary endpoint (time to first bowel movement) showed mixed results across studies, the trials confirmed that ipamorelin was well-tolerated at subcutaneous doses up to 0.1 mg/kg with no serious adverse events attributed to the compound.
- GH-release pharmacokinetics. Human PK data showed peak GH levels at approximately 30 to 45 minutes post-injection, with return to baseline by 3 to 4 hours. The half-life of ipamorelin itself was approximately 2 hours.
All references describe published clinical trial data. This summary is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Dosing ranges cited in the literature
The following dosing information is drawn from published clinical trial protocols and preclinical studies. It is presented here as an educational reference for researchers designing laboratory protocols.
| Context | Dose range | Frequency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preclinical (swine) | 0.01–0.1 mg/kg SC | Single dose | Raun et al. 1998 |
| Human Phase II | 0.01–0.1 mg/kg SC | BID or TID | Greenwood-Van Meerveld 2007 |
| GH-release kinetics | 1 µg/kg IV bolus | Single dose | Hansen et al. 1999 |
Dosing data is cited from published research for laboratory reference only. 94 Supreme Peptides does not recommend, advise, or endorse any dosing protocol for human or animal use.
Reconstitution & storage
Proper reconstitution is essential for maintaining peptide integrity in research applications. The following protocol reflects standard laboratory practice for lyophilized peptides.
Reconstitution steps
- Allow the sealed vial to reach room temperature (15 to 25 °C) for approximately 10 minutes.
- Swab the vial stopper with an alcohol prep pad.
- Using a sterile syringe, add bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) slowly against the glass wall. Do not inject directly onto the lyophilized cake.
- Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear and colourless.
Recommended volumes
| Vial size | Water volume | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL (200 mcg per 0.1 mL) |
| 5 mg | 2.0 mL | 2,500 mcg/mL (250 mcg per 0.1 mL) |
| 10 mg | 5.0 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL (200 mcg per 0.1 mL) |
Use our reconstitution calculator for custom vial sizes and water volumes.
Storage guidelines
- Unreconstituted (lyophilized). Store at −20 °C for long-term stability, or 2 to 8 °C for short-term use (up to 6 months).
- Reconstituted. Refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C and use within 21 to 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Light protection. Peptides are photosensitive. Store vials away from direct light in their original packaging or wrapped in foil.
Track your vial's remaining potency with our storage & potency calculator.
Ipamorelin vs. other GHRPs
Researchers selecting a GHRP for somatotropic-axis studies have several options. The table below summarizes how ipamorelin compares to the most commonly used alternatives.
| Peptide | GH release | Cortisol effect | Prolactin effect | Appetite/ghrelin effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Strong | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| GHRP-6 | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Strong increase |
| GHRP-2 | Very strong | Mild | Mild to moderate | Moderate |
| Hexarelin | Very strong | Moderate to high | Moderate to high | Moderate |
The main advantage of ipamorelin is its selectivity profile. When the research question demands GH stimulation without confounding cortisol or prolactin elevations, ipamorelin is the most widely cited choice in the literature.
Buying ipamorelin in Canada
94 Supreme Peptides is a Canadian supplier of research-grade ipamorelin, shipped from within Canada to Canadian addresses. All products are sold exclusively for laboratory and research use.
Why researchers choose 94 Supreme Peptides
- Third-party tested. Every batch is verified by independent laboratories. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available on our COA page.
- Domestic shipping. All orders ship from Canada via tracked carriers. No cross-border customs delays.
- Proper cold-chain handling. Peptides are shipped in insulated packaging to maintain stability during transit.
- Free research tools. Access our reconstitution calculator, potency tracker, and other lab-reference tools at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
What purity should I look for when buying ipamorelin for research?
Research-grade ipamorelin should be ≥98% purity as verified by HPLC analysis. Always request and review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) before using any peptide in a research protocol. 94 Supreme Peptides provides COAs for every batch.
Can ipamorelin be combined with CJC-1295 in research protocols?
Yes. The combination of ipamorelin (a GHRP) with CJC-1295 (a GHRH analogue) is one of the most commonly studied pairings in somatotropic research. The two peptides act through complementary pathways. CJC-1295 stimulates GH synthesis and release via the GHRH receptor, while ipamorelin amplifies pulsatile release via the ghrelin receptor. Published data suggest the combination produces a synergistic GH response greater than either peptide alone.
How long does ipamorelin last once reconstituted?
When stored at 2 to 8 °C in bacteriostatic water, reconstituted ipamorelin is generally considered stable for 21 to 28 days. Potency declines gradually after reconstitution. Use our storage & potency calculator to estimate remaining efficacy for your specific timeline.
Does ipamorelin cause hunger like GHRP-6?
In published research, ipamorelin produces significantly less ghrelin-mediated appetite stimulation compared to GHRP-6. This is consistent with its selectivity profile. Ipamorelin activates the GHS-R1a receptor in a manner that preferentially triggers GH release without strongly engaging the hunger-signalling pathways that GHRP-6 activates.
Is ipamorelin legal to buy in Canada?
Ipamorelin is available for purchase in Canada as a research chemical. It is not approved by Health Canada for therapeutic, human, or veterinary use. Researchers purchasing ipamorelin must ensure their use complies with all applicable Canadian regulations governing research chemicals.
Shop ipamorelin & research peptides
Third-party tested. Shipped from Canada. Built for researchers.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. The information in this article is drawn from published clinical and preclinical studies and is provided for educational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Products sold by 94 Supreme Peptides are intended strictly as research chemicals.