Ipamorelin 5 mg is a lyophilized pentapeptide research product manufactured by British Dragon and supplied as a 5 mg/vial powder in a 2 mL vial.
Ipamorelin 5 mg contains ipamorelin, a synthetic pentapeptide that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue. Originally developed by Novo Nordisk as NNC 26-0161, ipamorelin was investigated in Phase II clinical trials for postoperative ileus but was discontinued due to lack of efficacy. It remains a research compound with no approved human therapeutic indication.
Ipamorelin works by activating the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous growth hormone release. Unlike older growth hormone-releasing peptides such as GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, ipamorelin demonstrates high selectivity, producing minimal effects on ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin levels. This selectivity has made it a subject of interest in non-medical bodybuilding contexts for its perceived effects on recovery, sleep quality, and body composition.
In non-medical settings, ipamorelin is commonly referenced for stimulating natural growth hormone pulses, with users typically seeking improvements in recovery, sleep, and lean mass. However, ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any human use, and its status remains under regulatory review.
Ipamorelin 5 mg is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a 2 mL vial. Reconstitution with an appropriate solvent is required before use in research or non-medical contexts.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 and a molecular weight of approximately 711.85 Da.
Ipamorelin belongs to the class of growth hormone secretagogues (GHS), which stimulate endogenous GH release through activation of the ghrelin receptor. Unlike GHRH analogs that act on the GHRH receptor, ipamorelin targets the GHS-R1a pathway, making it mechanistically distinct from compounds like CJC-1295.
The peptide was designed for selectivity—at GH-releasing doses, ipamorelin does not meaningfully increase ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin. This profile contrasts with GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, which produce more pronounced cortisol and appetite effects. Ipamorelin’s pharmacokinetic profile includes a terminal half-life of approximately 2 hours, with peak GH levels occurring around 30–60 minutes after administration.
In non-medical bodybuilding contexts, ipamorelin is commonly referenced for its potential to stimulate pulsatile GH release without the hormonal spillover associated with less selective secretagogues.
Ipamorelin is distinguished by its high selectivity for the ghrelin receptor, producing minimal effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite compared to older GHRPs. This selectivity is the basis for its common description as the “cleanest” growth hormone secretagogue in research discussions.
British Dragon offers several peptide products targeting different aspects of endocrine and recovery biology. Within this lineup, Sermorelin is commonly discussed alongside ipamorelin for its growth hormone-releasing properties, though sermorelin acts through the GHRH receptor pathway rather than the ghrelin receptor.
For research focused on tissue recovery rather than GH stimulation, BPC 157 represents a different approach entirely, operating through angiogenic and cytoprotective mechanisms. Similarly, TB 500 addresses soft-tissue repair through a thymosin beta-4 fragment mechanism. These peptides are not interchangeable and target distinct biological pathways.
The information below is provided for educational reference only. Ipamorelin is not an FDA-approved human drug. Its use for any non-medical purpose falls outside approved indications, and no established human dosing regimen exists.
Because ipamorelin lacks FDA approval and published human dose-finding trials, there is no medically established dosage range. In non-medical bodybuilding and research communities, reference ranges are derived from clinical pharmacokinetic studies and community convention. The most commonly referenced range is 200–300 mcg per injection, administered one to three times daily.
| Use Case | Common Reference Range | Injection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep/recovery focus (non-medical) | 100–200 mcg | Once daily, bedtime |
| Standard protocol (non-medical) | 200–300 mcg | Two times daily |
| Aggressive protocol (non-medical) | 300 mcg | Three times daily |
These ranges are community conventions informed by pharmacokinetic data showing dose-proportional plasma levels but a saturable GH response. No human dose-response relationship for therapeutic outcomes has been established.
Ipamorelin 5 mg is supplied as a lyophilized powder and requires reconstitution before use. In non-medical contexts, bacteriostatic water is commonly used as the solvent. A 5 mg vial reconstituted with 2.5 mL of solvent yields a concentration of 2 mg/mL (2,000 mcg/mL), meaning a 200 mcg dose would require drawing 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe).
Reconstituted peptide is typically stored refrigerated and used within 14–21 days. Unreconstituted powder is more stable and should be kept desiccated below -18°C.
In non-medical bodybuilding contexts, ipamorelin is frequently combined with CJC-1295 (without DAC) for synergistic GH release, as the two peptides target different receptors—the ghrelin receptor and the GHRH receptor, respectively. Cycle lengths commonly referenced range from 8 to 12 weeks on, followed by 4 weeks off.
For recovery-focused protocols, some users combine ipamorelin with BPC 157, though this represents a combination of GH-stimulating and tissue-repair mechanisms rather than a synergistic GH protocol.
No human dose-response data for therapeutic outcomes exists for ipamorelin. All dosage information is derived from pharmacokinetic studies or community convention and should not be interpreted as medical guidance.
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for any human use. Safety data in humans is limited, and non-medical use carries unknown risks.
Ipamorelin has not undergone the clinical trials required for FDA approval as a human drug. The FDA has recommended against permitting ipamorelin to be used in compounded drug products due to insufficient safety and characterization data. The agency noted that ipamorelin (free base) is not well-characterized, with critical data on impurities, aggregates, and endotoxins absent from public literature.
Ipamorelin is marketed in some contexts as a research peptide, but it has not been established as safe or effective for any human indication. Non-medical use falls outside approved indications.
Human safety data for ipamorelin is limited. In a Phase II clinical trial for postoperative ileus, adverse events reported more frequently in the ipamorelin group included hypokalemia (12.5% vs 3.4% placebo) and insomnia (10.7% vs 5.2% placebo). Community reports describe potential water retention, tingling in extremities, and transient hunger increases.
As a peptide administered parenterally, ipamorelin may pose immunogenicity risks. The FDA’s review also noted potential concerns regarding reinforcing behaviors and reproductive health effects, though data are insufficient for definitive conclusions.
Given the absence of comprehensive human safety data, any consideration of ipamorelin use should involve consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Individuals with pre-existing endocrine conditions, those taking medications affecting hormone levels, or those considering use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should exercise particular caution.
No established monitoring protocol exists for ipamorelin. In research contexts, any adverse reactions should be documented and reported to appropriate authorities. Blood glucose monitoring may be relevant given the theoretical potential for effects on insulin sensitivity with sustained GH elevation.
Lyophilized powder should be stored desiccated below -18°C and protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Ipamorelin 5 mg is supplied through the official British Dragon distribution chain and shipped in original manufacturer packaging with discreet handling.
The outer shipping package remains discreet, with privacy-focused handling. Products are supplied through the official British Dragon distribution chain.
To verify your Ipamorelin 5 mg product, use the security code on the vial label and cross-check it on the British Dragon official site. Original packaging and manufacturer presentation help reinforce product legitimacy.
For complete delivery details, tracking policy, and reshipment terms, please see our Shipping Info page.
Proper storage conditions help preserve peptide stability and integrity throughout shelf life.
Store lyophilized powder desiccated below -18°C and protected from light. Ipamorelin is expected to be stable under these conditions.
Once reconstituted, store refrigerated at 2–8°C and use within 14–21 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Keep out of reach of children. Follow proper handling practices.
Answers to common questions about Ipamorelin 5 mg, growth hormone secretagogues, and research peptide handling.
Ipamorelin 5 mg is a research peptide studied for its ability to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release through ghrelin receptor activation. In non-medical bodybuilding contexts, it is commonly referenced for recovery, sleep quality, and body composition support, though such use falls outside approved indications.
No established human dosing schedule exists for ipamorelin. Community protocols commonly reference once to three times daily administration, with bedtime dosing preferred to align with natural GH pulses, but this is based on convention rather than clinical outcome data.
Ipamorelin does not suppress endogenous testosterone production and does not require post-cycle therapy in the way anabolic steroids do. However, any non-medical peptide use should be approached with caution given the absence of comprehensive human safety data.
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that activates the ghrelin receptor on pituitary cells, stimulating endogenous GH release. Unlike older GHRPs, it produces minimal effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite.
Pharmacokinetically, ipamorelin has a half-life of approximately 2 hours, with peak GH levels occurring 30–60 minutes after administration. Community reports suggest sleep quality improvements may appear within 1–2 weeks, while body composition changes typically require 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
There is no universally “best” GH secretagogue. Ipamorelin is often described as the most selective, with minimal cortisol and prolactin effects, but CJC-1295 and other peptides target different pathways and may be preferred depending on the goal.
Ipamorelin acts through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), while Sermorelin acts through the GHRH receptor. They target different pathways and are sometimes combined for synergistic GH release, but they are not interchangeable.
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue focused on GH release, while BPC 157 is a tissue-repair peptide studied for angiogenic and cytoprotective effects. They operate through entirely different mechanisms and address different biological goals.
Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests the GH response to ipamorelin is saturable, with a ceiling effect around 300 mcg per injection. Higher doses may increase side-effect exposure without proportional GH benefit.
Ipamorelin 5 mg is labeled at 5 mg of ipamorelin per vial. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder in a 2 mL vial.
Store the lyophilized powder desiccated below -18°C and protected from light. Once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 14–21 days.