Synthetic analog · 5 amino acids · 711.9 Da

Ipamorelin studies and research data

PepBank has 31 ipamorelin studies with results. 24 of them gave ipamorelin, with 110 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 110 results and 53 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

12% of 110 results

Results in animals

80% of 110 results

Results in lab cells

8% of 110 results

From computer models

0% of 110 results

The molecule

Ipamorelin identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue, Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2. Scientists at Novo Nordisk reported it in 1998 (Raun et al., PMID 9849822). GSRS and ChEMBL list NNC 26-0161 as its code name. It was found in a series derived from GHRP-1 that lacks the central Ala-Trp dipeptide. It releases growth hormone through a GHRP-type receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (ghrelin receptor). In swine it did not raise ACTH or cortisol, unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2. Development reached phase 2 for post-operative ileus. In the published phase 2 trial (117 patients, intravenous dosing, PMID 25331030) the median time to the first tolerated meal was 25.3 h with ipamorelin and 32.6 h with placebo, and the difference was not statistically significant. Development then stopped, and no regulator has approved it.

Kind: Synthetic analog · 5 residues
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL58547 (opens in a new tab)PubChem CID9831659 (opens in a new tab)UNIIY9M3S784Z6 (opens in a new tab)DrugBankDB12370 (opens in a new tab)CAS170851-70-4
Parent: Analog of Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28Pharmacological analogy only. Ipamorelin agonises the same receptor as ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; GSRS relationship TARGET->AGONIST). Its sequence is not derived from ghrelin: the ipamorelin residues share no segment with ghrelin-28 (UniProt Q9UBU3, residues 24-51), which contains no tryptophan or naphthylalanine. Treat this link as a family link, not a sequence relation.
Development: Phase 2Novo Nordisk A/S (code NNC 26-0161); Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.) sponsored the phase 2 trialsChEMBL CHEMBL58547 records max_phase 2 (indication: ileus). Two completed phase 2 trials in post-operative ileus or gastrointestinal recovery, both sponsored by Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.): NCT00672074 (117 participants, 2008-04 to 2009-12; published as Beck et al. 2014, PMID 25331030: median time to first tolerated meal 25.3 h with ipamorelin and 32.6 h with placebo, not statistically significant) and NCT01280344 (320 participants, 2011-04 to 2014-05; no publication of results was found). FDA's briefing document of 2024-10-29 quotes a 2020 review that says development was discontinued after these results. The third ClinicalTrials.gov record in the count, NCT07717866 (Axial Therapeutic Research, observational, 52 combat veterans, start 2022-08), lists ipamorelin only as one of several supplements; it is not a trial of ipamorelin. No later-phase study was found. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
Growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (ghrelin receptor)GHSRQ92847 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	GSRS relationship TARGET->AGONIST to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; Raun et al. 1998 show growth hormone release through a GHRP-like receptor (primary literature)Source (opens in a new tab)

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

5 amino acids · 4 modifications

H-

Alignment to Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28

Calculated from the two sequences. Curated notes are shown as given.

0 of 5 aligned residues identical (0%) · 2 substitutions · 3 non-canonical residues · Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28 1–5

Top row: Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28 (parent)
Bottom row: Ipamorelin

Same as parent
Substituted
Non-canonical or D-form
Added
Gap
Modified side chain or end
Parent context

Differences from the parent

1Parent 1 · analog 1Gly → Aib · Non-canonical residue2-aminoisobutyric acid (alpha-methylalanine). Achiral.
2Parent 2 · analog 2Ser → His · Substitution
3Parent 3 · analog 3Xaa → D-2-Nal · Non-canonical residue3-(2-naphthyl)-D-alanine.
4Parent 4 · analog 4Phe → D-Phe · D-amino acidD-phenylalanine.
5Parent 5 · analog 5Leu → Lys · SubstitutionC-terminal lysinamide.

Basis: Pharmacological analogy only. Ipamorelin agonises the same receptor as ghrelin (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a; GSRS relationship TARGET->AGONIST). Its sequence is not derived from ghrelin: the ipamorelin residues share no segment with ghrelin-28 (UniProt Q9UBU3, residues 24-51), which contains no tryptophan or naphthylalanine. Treat this link as a family link, not a sequence relation.

Calculated from the two sequences with @pepdb/chem alignToParent (ungapped unless a gap scores higher). The record’s curated notes are shown as given.

Properties

From identity sources

Formula: C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅
Molecular weight: 711.9 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass: 711.3857 Da

GSRS UNII Y9M3S784Z6(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09
PubChem CID 9831659(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09
ChEMBL CHEMBL58547(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-09

Calculated from the sequence

pKa set

Some values cannot be calculated. The sequence has a non-canonical residue (X). Residue tables cover only the 20 standard amino acids.

Average mass: Not calculated
Monoisotopic mass: Not calculated
Isoelectric point (pI): Not calculated
Net charge at pH 7.4: Not calculated
GRAVY (hydropathy): Not calculated
Extinction coefficient, 280 nm (Cys reduced): 0 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹; 5500 x Trp + 1490 x Tyr · Pace et al. 1995 (ExPASy ProtParam); No Trp or Tyr: absorbance at 280 nm cannot measure this peptide.
Instability index: Not calculated
Aliphatic index: Not calculated
Boman index: Not calculated
Hydrophobic moment (μH): Not calculated

2 non-canonical residues (X) are not included in calculated values.
D-amino acids have the same mass and charge as L forms. Hydrophobicity scales were measured on L forms.
Defined and validated for proteins; use with care for short peptides.
Assumes an ideal alpha helix. Many short peptides are not helical.

@pepdb/chem 0.2.0 · EMBOSS pKa set · ExPASy residue masses

Net charge by pH

No charge curve

The sequence has a non-canonical residue (X). Residue tables cover only the 20 standard amino acids.

Composition

Aromatic20% (1)F
Positive40% (2)H K
Non-canonical40% (2)X

5 residues. Each residue counts in one class; F and W count as aromatic.

A Ala0 · 0%

I Ile0 · 0%

L Leu0 · 0%

M Met0 · 0%

V Val0 · 0%

F Phe1 · 20%

W Trp0 · 0%

Y Tyr0 · 0%

H His1 · 20%

K Lys1 · 20%

R Arg0 · 0%

D Asp0 · 0%

E Glu0 · 0%

N Asn0 · 0%

Q Gln0 · 0%

S Ser0 · 0%

T Thr0 · 0%

C Cys0 · 0%

G Gly0 · 0%

P Pro0 · 0%

X Xaa2 · 40%

3D structure

PredictedAlphaFold DB · Q9UBU3

Loads the 3D viewer (3Dmol.js, about 150 KB) and the model file from AlphaFold DB (EMBL-EBI).

2D structure

Draws the structure in your browser with RDKit (about 2.3 MB, loaded once).

SMILES fromPubChem CID 9831659(opens in a new tab)

CC(C)(C(=O)N[C@@H](CC1=CN=CN1)C(=O)N[C@H](CC2=CC3=CC=CC=C3C=C2)C(=O)N[C@H](CC4=CC=CC=C4)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N)N

Results by area

Ipamorelin results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

31 of 53 studies have results (58%), published 1998 to 2024. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about Ipamorelin, by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies53 in all, 1998 to 2026

Studies with results31 in all, 1998 to 2024

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Ipamorelin studies on blood levels and clearance

13 results · people 7 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 3 of 13 results

In healthy men, the body's handling of ipamorelin rose in proportion to the dose.Pharmaceutical research, 1999
After nasal ipamorelin in one volunteer, the body broke the peptide down extensively and urine contained both ipamorelin and its breakdown products.Drug testing and analysis, 2015
In healthy men, ipamorelin had a short terminal half-life of about 2 hours.Pharmaceutical research, 1999

Ipamorelin studies on growth hormone and growth

29 results · people 3 · animals 24 · lab 2

Top 3 of 29 results

In healthy men, ipamorelin caused one pulse of growth hormone release that peaked within one hour.Pharmaceutical research, 1999
In healthy men, ipamorelin released growth hormone at every dose. Half of the maximal effect needed 214 nanomoles per litre.Pharmaceutical research, 1999
In healthy men, the highest rate of growth hormone production caused by ipamorelin was 694 mIU/L/h.Pharmaceutical research, 1999

Ipamorelin studies on stomach and gut

11 results · people 2 · animals 6 · lab 3

Top 5 of 11 results

After bowel surgery, ipamorelin did not significantly shorten the time to a first tolerated meal compared with placebo.International journal of colorectal disease, 2014
In ferrets given cisplatin, ipamorelin by injection into the abdomen did not change early vomiting.Physiology & behavior, 2024
After bowel surgery, ipamorelin did not differ significantly from placebo on the other efficacy measures.International journal of colorectal disease, 2014
In ferrets given cisplatin, ipamorelin by injection into the abdomen did not change late vomiting.Physiology & behavior, 2024
In rats after abdominal surgery, one dose of ipamorelin shortened the time to the first bowel movement compared with vehicle.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2009

Ipamorelin studies on side effects

1 result · people 1 · animals 0 · lab 0

1 result

After bowel surgery, 87.5 % of patients on ipamorelin and 94.8 % on placebo had at least one side effect.International journal of colorectal disease, 2014

Ipamorelin studies on bones and joints

15 results · people 0 · animals 15 · lab 0

Top 3 of 15 results

In rats, 12 weeks of ipamorelin increased the mineral content of the shin bone compared with vehicle.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000
In rats, ipamorelin increased the growth rate of the shin bone in a dose-dependent way compared with vehicle.Growth hormone & IGF research, 1999
In rats given a glucocorticoid, adding Ipamorelin increased new bone formation four-fold compared with the glucocorticoid alone.Growth hormone & IGF research, 2001

Ipamorelin studies on weight and appetite

12 results · people 0 · animals 12 · lab 0

Top 5 of 12 results

In rats, 12 weeks of ipamorelin increased body weight compared with vehicle.The Journal of endocrinology, 2000
In rats after abdominal surgery, one dose of ipamorelin did not change food intake compared with vehicle.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2009
In mice, ipamorelin caused a small rise in body weight within 2 weeks. The rise did not grow further by 9 weeks.Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 2001
In tilapia, ipamorelin increased food intake with the dose compared with controls.Animal reproduction science, 2024
In rats after abdominal surgery, one dose of ipamorelin did not change weight gain compared with vehicle.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2009

Ipamorelin studies on sex hormones and fertility

11 results · people 0 · animals 11 · lab 0

Top 5 of 11 results

In tilapia, ipamorelin increased the number of early sperm-forming cells (primary spermatocytes) compared with controls.Animal reproduction science, 2024
In tilapia, ipamorelin did not significantly change the share of GnRH nerve fibres in the hypothalamus.Animal reproduction science, 2024
In tilapia, ipamorelin increased the number of secondary spermatocytes, a stage of sperm development, compared with controls.Animal reproduction science, 2024
In tilapia, ipamorelin did not significantly change the share of GnRH nerve fibres in the anterior pituitary gland.Animal reproduction science, 2024
In tilapia, ipamorelin increased the number of early spermatids, a stage of sperm development, compared with controls.Animal reproduction science, 2024

Ipamorelin studies on hormones

6 results · people 0 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 3 of 6 results

In swine, ipamorelin did not change blood levels of FSH.European journal of endocrinology, 1998
In swine, ipamorelin did not change blood levels of LH.European journal of endocrinology, 1998
In swine, ipamorelin did not change blood levels of prolactin.European journal of endocrinology, 1998

Ipamorelin studies on metabolism and nutrition

4 results · people 0 · animals 4 · lab 0

Top 3 of 4 results

In rats given prednisolone, ipamorelin reduced the liver's capacity to make urea.Growth hormone & IGF research, 2009
In rats given prednisolone, ipamorelin lowered the expression of urea cycle enzyme genes in the liver.Growth hormone & IGF research, 2009
In rats given prednisolone, ipamorelin offset the loss of body nitrogen caused by prednisolone.Growth hormone & IGF research, 2009

Ipamorelin studies on pain

2 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 0

2 results

In rats, ipamorelin reduced gut pain sensitivity compared with vehicle.Journal of experimental pharmacology, 2020
In rats, ipamorelin reduced paw pain sensitivity to touch compared with vehicle.Journal of experimental pharmacology, 2020

Ipamorelin studies on receptors and cell signals

3 results · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 2

3 results

In rats, a drug that blocks the ghrelin receptor stopped the pain-reducing effects of ipamorelin.Journal of experimental pharmacology, 2020
In lab tests, ipamorelin, like GHRP-6, released growth hormone through a GHRP-like receptor.European journal of endocrinology, 1998
In lab tests, urine collected after nasal ipamorelin and other GHRPs showed activity at the ghrelin receptor.Drug testing and analysis, 2017

Ipamorelin studies on daily life and fitness

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In rats given a glucocorticoid, adding Ipamorelin increased calf muscle strength compared with the glucocorticoid alone.Growth hormone & IGF research, 2001

Ipamorelin studies on blood sugar

2 results · people 0 · animals 0 · lab 2

2 results

In lab tests on rat pancreatic tissue, ipamorelin increased insulin release.Neuro endocrinology letters, 2004
In lab tests on pancreatic tissue from diabetic rats, ipamorelin increased insulin release.Neuro endocrinology letters, 2004

Trials and papers

Ipamorelin trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

2 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trials on this page (2 of 2)

2 trials · 2 completed

Completed
Ongoing
Not yet recruiting
Stopped
Estimated dates (est.)
Results posted

2008201020122014

Ph 2
Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin for Management of Post-Operative Ileus
NCT00672074
Apr 2008 to Dec 2009
Ph 2
Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin Compared to Placebo for the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function
NCT01280344
Apr 2011 to May 2014

2 trials · 2 completed · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

CompletedPhase 2NCT00672074

Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin for Management of Post-Operative Ileus

Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Incn = 117Apr 2008 to Dec 2009

Ileus

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 14 Apr 2017

CompletedPhase 2NCT01280344

Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin Compared to Placebo for the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function

Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Incn = 320Apr 2011 to May 2014

Gastrointestinal Dysmotility

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 13 Apr 2017

1 more mentions it but does not test it. They are not trials of Ipamorelin: they only measure it (a blood level or an eligibility term) or name it in their text.

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

53 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 19 of 53 studiesquery qry_8e925b3db33b819bff4abe82

Studies with results

31 studies in all, 19 on this page

Animal study (in vivo) · rat and swine · 1998

23 results

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.

Raun et al. 1998European journal of endocrinologycited by 59

PMID 9849822DOI 10.1530/eje.0.1390552PUB-09849822

Full text at the publisher10 results where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (23)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2001

8 results

Growth hormone (GH)-independent stimulation of adiposity by GH secretagogues.

Lall et al. 2001Biochemical and biophysical research communicationscited by 49

PMID 11162489DOI 10.1006/bbrc.2000.4065PUB-11162489

Full text at the publisher2 results where Ipamorelin was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (8)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2012

5 results

Metabolism of growth hormone releasing peptides.

Thomas et al. 2012Analytical chemistrycited by 42

PMID 23101768DOI 10.1021/ac302034wPUB-23101768

Full text at the publisher1 result where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (5)

Animal study (in vivo) · seabream · 2006

1 result

Seabream ghrelin: cDNA cloning, genomic organization and promoter studies.

Yeung et al. 2006The Journal of endocrinologycited by 39

PMID 16648303DOI 10.1677/joe.1.06593PUB-16648303

Full text at the publisher1 result where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2016

22 results

Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry.

Thomas et al. 2016Journal of separation sciencecited by 38

PMID 26578461DOI 10.1002/jssc.201501060PUB-26578461

Rights unknown3 results where Ipamorelin was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (22)

Non-randomized trial · 2015

9 results

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.

Semenistaya et al. 2015Drug testing and analysisn = 1cited by 36

PMID 25869809DOI 10.1002/dta.1787PUB-25869809

Full text at the publisher2 results where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (9)

Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2014

6 results

A high-throughput LC-MS/MS screen for GHRP in equine and human urine, featuring peptide derivatization for improved chromatography.

Timms et al. 2014Drug testing and analysiscited by 35

PMID 24574167DOI 10.1002/dta.1624PUB-24574167

Full text at the publisher1 result where Ipamorelin was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (6)

Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2018

2 results

A stable meta-carborane enables the generation of boron-rich peptide agonists targeting the ghrelin receptor.

Worm et al. 2018Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Societycited by 29

PMID 30168238DOI 10.1002/psc.3119PUB-30168238

Rights unknown1 result where Ipamorelin was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (2)

Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2013

12 results

Doping control analysis of seven bioactive peptides in horse plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Kwok et al. 2013Analytical and bioanalytical chemistrycited by 25

PMID 23318763DOI 10.1007/s00216-012-6697-9PUB-23318763

Full text at the publisher2 results where Ipamorelin was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (12)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2009

11 results

Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus.

Venkova et al. 2009The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeuticscited by 24

PMID 19289567DOI 10.1124/jpet.108.149211PUB-19289567

Full text at the publisher7 results where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (11)

Animal study (in vivo) · 1998

1 result

A new series of highly potent growth hormone-releasing peptides derived from ipamorelin.

Ankersen et al. 1998Journal of medicinal chemistrycited by 20

PMID 9733495DOI 10.1021/jm9801962PUB-09733495

Full text at the publisher1 result where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Randomized controlled trial · 2014

3 results

Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients.

Beck et al. 2014International journal of colorectal diseasen = 114cited by 19

PMID 25331030DOI 10.1007/s00384-014-2030-8PUB-25331030

Full text at the publisher3 results where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (3)

Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2016

2 results

Solid-phase extraction of small biologically active peptides on cartridges and microelution 96-well plates from human urine.

Semenistaya et al. 2016Drug testing and analysiscited by 18

PMID 26472487DOI 10.1002/dta.1890PUB-26472487

Full text at the publisher1 result where Ipamorelin was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (2)

Non-randomized trial · 1999

8 results

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers.

Gobburu et al. 1999Pharmaceutical researchn = 40cited by 17

PMID 10496658DOI 10.1023/a:1018955126402PUB-10496658

Full text at the publisher8 results where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (8)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2000

23 results

The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats.

Svensson et al. 2000The Journal of endocrinologyn = 7cited by 16

PMID 10828840DOI 10.1677/joe.0.1650569PUB-10828840

Rights unknown12 results where Ipamorelin was given

Source link See results (23)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1999

9 results

Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats.

Johansen et al. 1999Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Societycited by 13

PMID 10373343DOI 10.1054/ghir.1999.9998PUB-10373343

Full text at the publisher9 results where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (9)

Other design · 2017

7 results

Structure-activity relationship for peptídic growth hormone secretagogues.

Ferro et al. 2017Drug testing and analysiscited by 12

PMID 26811125DOI 10.1002/dta.1947PUB-26811125

Full text at the publisher1 result where Ipamorelin was given

Publisher page See results (7)

Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2018

5 results

Analysis of new growth promoting black market products.

Krug et al. 2018Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Societycited by 9

PMID 29864719DOI 10.1016/j.ghir.2018.05.001PUB-29864719

Full text at the publisher2 results where Ipamorelin was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (5)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2003

5 results

Growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion and GH receptor resistance in streptozotocin diabetic mice in response to a GH secretagogue.

Johansen et al. 2003Experimental diabesity researchcited by 6

PMID 14630569PMC2478601DOI 10.1155/edr.2003.73PUB-14630569

CC BY5 results where Ipamorelin was given

Download PDF See results (5)

No result for Ipamorelin (6 studies on this page, 18 in all)

These studies name Ipamorelin but give no result for it (for example, the results concern another peptide in the study).

PubMed tag: none · 2011

9 results

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Thomas et al. 2011Analytical and bioanalytical chemistrycited by 67

PMID 21298258DOI 10.1007/s00216-011-4702-3PUB-21298258

Full text at the publisher9 results

Publisher page See results (9)

PubMed tag: none · 2012

8 results

Determination of prohibited, small peptides in urine for sports drug testing by means of nano-liquid chromatography/benchtop quadrupole orbitrap tandem-mass spectrometry.

Thomas et al. 2012Journal of chromatography. Acited by 42

PMID 22901302DOI 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.07.022PUB-22901302

Full text at the publisher8 results

Publisher page See results (8)

PubMed tag: none · 1999

6 results

Pharmacological characterisation of a new oral GH secretagogue, NN703.

Hansen et al. 1999European journal of endocrinologycited by 37

PMID 10427162DOI 10.1530/eje.0.1410180PUB-10427162

Rights unknown6 results

Source link See results (6)

Indexing hint: Animal study · 1998

Novel orally active growth hormone secretagogues.

Hansen et al. 1998Journal of medicinal chemistrycited by 22

PMID 9733496DOI 10.1021/jm980197uPUB-09733496

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

PubMed tag: none · 2018

Peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor.

Fowkes et al. 2018European journal of medicinal chemistrycited by 10

PMID 30282322DOI 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.062PUB-30282322

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Indexing hint: Animal study · 2001

Highly potent growth hormone secretagogues: hybrids of NN703 and ipamorelin.

Hansen et al. 2001Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letterscited by 6

PMID 11459660DOI 10.1016/s0960-894x(01)00345-6PUB-11459660

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

Ipamorelin studies: 31 papers with results

Page 1 of 1

Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients.
Beck DE · International journal of colorectal disease · 2014
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers.
Gobburu JV · Pharmaceutical research · 1999
Non-randomized trial · 8 results
Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.
Semenistaya E · Drug testing and analysis · 2015
Non-randomized trial · 9 results
The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats.
Svensson J · The Journal of endocrinology · 2000
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 23 results
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.
Raun K · European journal of endocrinology · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · rat and swine · 23 results
Growth hormone (GH)-independent stimulation of adiposity by GH secretagogues.
Lall S · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2001
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 8 results
Metabolism of growth hormone releasing peptides.
Thomas A · Analytical chemistry · 2012
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Seabream ghrelin: cDNA cloning, genomic organization and promoter studies.
Yeung CM · The Journal of endocrinology · 2006
Animal study (in vivo) · seabream · 1 result
Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus.
Venkova K · The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics · 2009
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 11 results
A new series of highly potent growth hormone-releasing peptides derived from ipamorelin.
Ankersen M · Journal of medicinal chemistry · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · 1 result
Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats.
Johansen PB · Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 1999
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 9 results
Growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion and GH receptor resistance in streptozotocin diabetic mice in response to a GH secretagogue.
Johansen PB · Experimental diabesity research · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 5 results
Methylprednisolone does not inhibit the release of growth hormone after intravenous injection of a novel growth hormone secretagogue in rats.
Malmlöf K · Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 1999
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus.
Greenwood-Van Meerveld B · Journal of experimental pharmacology · 2012
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
The influence of ghrelin agonist ipamorelin acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a cichlid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Gouda M · Animal reproduction science · 2024
Animal study (in vivo) · oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia) · 12 results
Attenuation of Visceral and Somatic Nociception by Ghrelin Mimetics.
N Mohammadi E · Journal of experimental pharmacology · 2020
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats.
Andersen NB · Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 2001
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ipamorelin and other peptidyl growth hormone secretagogues with emphasis on nasal absorption.
Johansen PB · Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 11 results
Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats.
Aagaard NK · Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 2009
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Influence of chronic treatment with the growth hormone secretagogue Ipamorelin, in young female rats: somatotroph response in vitro.
Jiménez-Reina L · Histology and histopathology · 2002
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 10 results
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism.
Lu Z · Physiology & behavior · 2024
Animal study (in vivo) · ferret · 4 results
Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats.
Adeghate E · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2004
Ex vivo tissue · rat · 8 results
Stimulation of growth hormone secretion from seabream pituitary cells in primary culture by growth hormone secretagogues is independent of growth hormone transcription.
Chan CB · Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP · 2004
In vitro (cells) · black seabream · 5 results
Structure-activity relationship for peptídic growth hormone secretagogues.
Ferro P · Drug testing and analysis · 2017
Other design · 7 results
Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry.
Thomas A · Journal of separation science · 2016
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 22 results
Doping control analysis of seven bioactive peptides in horse plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Kwok WH · Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry · 2013
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 12 results
Analysis of new growth promoting black market products.
Krug O · Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 2018
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 5 results
Glycine-modified growth hormone secretagogues identified in seized doping material.
Gajda PM · Drug testing and analysis · 2019
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 5 results
A high-throughput LC-MS/MS screen for GHRP in equine and human urine, featuring peptide derivatization for improved chromatography.
Timms M · Drug testing and analysis · 2014
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 6 results
A stable meta-carborane enables the generation of boron-rich peptide agonists targeting the ghrelin receptor.
Worm DJ · Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Society · 2018
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2 results
Solid-phase extraction of small biologically active peptides on cartridges and microelution 96-well plates from human urine.
Semenistaya E · Drug testing and analysis · 2016
Not a test of Ipamorelin alone · 2 results

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	No Drugs@FDA record (openFDA drugsfda searches for ipamorelin on 2026-10-09 returned no matches). FDA states that compounded drugs containing ipamorelin acetate may pose an immunogenicity risk for certain routes because of possible aggregation or peptide-related impurities, that the unnatural amino acids make characterisation complex, and that published literature reports serious adverse events including death when ipamorelin was given intravenously to improve gastric motility. FDA's briefing document of 2024-10-29 reports two fatal serious adverse events among ipamorelin-treated patients in the phase 2 post-operative ileus trial and says it is unclear whether ipamorelin caused them.	9 Oct 2026	fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	No match for ipamorelin in the EMA medicines data file or the EMA orphan designation data file, both downloaded 2026-10-09 (medicines file timestamp 2026-10-09T06:23:44Z, 2,746 records; orphan designations file timestamp 2026-10-09T06:32:20Z, 3,310 records). National authorisations were not checked.	9 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S2.2.4) Named in S2.2.4 as a growth hormone secretagogue.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)
World (WADA 2027 list)	Note	The 2027 Prohibited List, in force from 2027-01-01, names ipamorelin in S2.2.4 with unchanged wording.	9 Oct 2026	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)

Safety outcomes

1 safety result for Ipamorelin.

Reported by FDA, not confirmed in a study

FDA states that compounded drugs containing ipamorelin acetate may pose an immunogenicity risk for certain routes because of possible aggregation or peptide-related impurities, that the unnatural amino acids make characterisation complex, and that published literature reports serious adverse events including death when ipamorelin was given intravenously to improve gastric motility.

This is a report about Ipamorelin, not a study result. Source: FDA GSRS substance record, UNII Y9M3S784Z6 (IPAMORELIN)

Reported by FDA, not confirmed in a study

FDA's briefing document of 2024-10-29 reports two fatal serious adverse events among ipamorelin-treated patients in the phase 2 post-operative ileus trial and says it is unclear whether ipamorelin caused them.

This is a report about Ipamorelin, not a study result. Source: FDA briefing document, ipamorelin, PCAC October 29, 2024

Human evidence· 1

In adults after bowel resection, any treatment-emergent adverse event occurred in 87.5 % with ipamorelin and 94.8 % with placebo; no significance test was reported.
Randomized controlled trialn = 114
Any treatment-emergent adverse event
87.5%
ipamorelin
Any treatment-emergent adverse event
94.8%
placebo

Doses studied · 19

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

0.03-mg/kg twice dailyHuman
Species
human
Route
intravenous
Duration
postoperative day 1 to 7 or hospital discharge
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 114
4.21, 14.02, 42.13, 84.27 and 140.45 nmol/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
15 minutes infusion
Design
Non-randomized trial · n = 40
0.5 mg/kg per dayAnimal
Species
rat
Route
subcutaneous (osmotic minipump)
Duration
12 weeks
Design
Animal study (in vivo) · n = 7
1 mg/kgAnimal
Species
rat
Route
intravenous bolus infusion
Duration
single dose
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
0.1 or 1 mg/kgAnimal
Species
rat
Route
intravenous bolus infusion
Duration
2-day repetitive dosing regimen
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
2.7 mg/kgAnimal
Species
Not reported
Route
oral
Duration
Not reported
Design
Animal study (in vivo)

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
0.03-mg/kg twice daily	Human	human	intravenous	postoperative day 1 to 7 or hospital discharge	Randomized controlled trial · n = 114
4.21, 14.02, 42.13, 84.27 and 140.45 nmol/kg	Human	human	Not reported	15 minutes infusion	Non-randomized trial · n = 40
0.5 mg/kg per day	Animal	rat	subcutaneous (osmotic minipump)	12 weeks	Animal study (in vivo) · n = 7
1 mg/kg	Animal	rat	intravenous bolus infusion	single dose	Animal study (in vivo)
0.1 or 1 mg/kg	Animal	rat	intravenous bolus infusion	2-day repetitive dosing regimen	Animal study (in vivo)
2.7 mg/kg	Animal	Not reported	oral	Not reported	Animal study (in vivo)

6 of 19 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000011
Peptide version: 8
Peptide hash: 3632b75ebb84a92a…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256708
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254536
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213632
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 194701
13 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 173545
12 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 165120

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/ipamorelin

Evidence summary for Ipamorelin: counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	Human: 7 results from 2 studies: 7 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 6 results from 2 studies: 1 decrease, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	13
Growth hormone and IGF-1Endocrine and hormones	Human: 3 results from 1 study: 3 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 24 results from 7 studies: 9 increase, 2 decrease, 9 no significant change, 4 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 increase. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	29
Gastrointestinal motilityGastrointestinal	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	9
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	1
Bone and jointMusculoskeletal	No results	Animal: 15 results from 3 studies: 8 increase, 7 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	15
Sex hormones and fertilityReproductive and sexual health	No results	Animal: 11 results from 1 study: 9 increase, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	11
Body weightMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 9 results from 6 studies: 5 increase, 3 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Pituitary hormonesEndocrine and hormones	No results	Animal: 6 results from 1 study: 6 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	6
Metabolic pathways and metabolomicsMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 4 results from 1 study: 2 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Appetite and food intakeMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	3
Receptor activity and mechanismPharmacology	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Other design	No results	3
Gastrointestinal protectionGastrointestinal	No results	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	2

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	Human: 7 results from 2 studies: 7 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 6 results from 2 studies: 1 decrease, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	13
Growth hormone and IGF-1Endocrine and hormones	Human: 3 results from 1 study: 3 increase. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 24 results from 7 studies: 9 increase, 2 decrease, 9 no significant change, 4 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 increase. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	29
Gastrointestinal motilityGastrointestinal	Human: 2 results from 1 study: 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	9
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	1
Bone and jointMusculoskeletal	No results	Animal: 15 results from 3 studies: 8 increase, 7 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	15
Sex hormones and fertilityReproductive and sexual health	No results	Animal: 11 results from 1 study: 9 increase, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	11
Body weightMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 9 results from 6 studies: 5 increase, 3 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Pituitary hormonesEndocrine and hormones	No results	Animal: 6 results from 1 study: 6 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	6
Metabolic pathways and metabolomicsMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 4 results from 1 study: 2 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Appetite and food intakeMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 3 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	3
Receptor activity and mechanismPharmacology	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Other design	No results	3
Gastrointestinal protectionGastrointestinal	No results	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	2

Ipamorelin studies and research data

Ipamorelin identity

Targets

Sequence and structure

Sequence

Alignment to Ghrelin (human), ghrelin-28

Properties

Net charge by pH

Composition

3D structure

2D structure

Ipamorelin results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

Ipamorelin studies on blood levels and clearance

Ipamorelin studies on growth hormone and growth

Ipamorelin studies on stomach and gut

Ipamorelin studies on side effects

Ipamorelin studies on bones and joints

Ipamorelin studies on weight and appetite

Ipamorelin studies on sex hormones and fertility

Ipamorelin studies on hormones

Ipamorelin studies on metabolism and nutrition

Ipamorelin studies on pain

Ipamorelin studies on receptors and cell signals

Ipamorelin studies on daily life and fitness

Ipamorelin studies on blood sugar

Ipamorelin trials

Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin for Management of Post-Operative Ileus

Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin Compared to Placebo for the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function

Papers

Studies with results

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.

Growth hormone (GH)-independent stimulation of adiposity by GH secretagogues.

Metabolism of growth hormone releasing peptides.

Seabream ghrelin: cDNA cloning, genomic organization and promoter studies.

Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry.

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.

A high-throughput LC-MS/MS screen for GHRP in equine and human urine, featuring peptide derivatization for improved chromatography.

A stable meta-carborane enables the generation of boron-rich peptide agonists targeting the ghrelin receptor.

Doping control analysis of seven bioactive peptides in horse plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus.

A new series of highly potent growth hormone-releasing peptides derived from ipamorelin.

Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients.

Solid-phase extraction of small biologically active peptides on cartridges and microelution 96-well plates from human urine.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers.

The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats.

Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats.

Structure-activity relationship for peptídic growth hormone secretagogues.

Analysis of new growth promoting black market products.

Growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion and GH receptor resistance in streptozotocin diabetic mice in response to a GH secretagogue.

Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Determination of prohibited, small peptides in urine for sports drug testing by means of nano-liquid chromatography/benchtop quadrupole orbitrap tandem-mass spectrometry.

Pharmacological characterisation of a new oral GH secretagogue, NN703.

Novel orally active growth hormone secretagogues.

Peptidomimetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor.

Highly potent growth hormone secretagogues: hybrids of NN703 and ipamorelin.

Newer studies

Ipamorelin studies: 31 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Human evidence· 1

Doses studied · 19

Data and API

Peptide

Latest changes

For developers

Compare

Related peptides

Ipamorelin results by year and outcome

Ipamorelin studies on blood levels and clearance

Ipamorelin studies on growth hormone and growth

Ipamorelin studies on stomach and gut

Ipamorelin studies on side effects

Ipamorelin studies on bones and joints

Ipamorelin studies on weight and appetite

Ipamorelin studies on sex hormones and fertility

Ipamorelin studies on hormones

Ipamorelin studies on metabolism and nutrition

Ipamorelin studies on pain

Ipamorelin studies on receptors and cell signals

Ipamorelin studies on daily life and fitness