Ipamorelin
Overview
A pentapeptide ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for selective GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin in early human pharmacology trials.
Research profile · for clinicians
Based on research: examined as a selective growth-hormone releaser. Early human pharmacology showed it triggered pulsatile GH release without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin — the reason it is frequently referenced in GH-axis studies where a 'clean' secretagogue profile is desired.
Mechanism of action
Selective GHS-R1a activation triggers pulsatile growth-hormone release from anterior pituitary somatotrophs without significantly perturbing the HPA axis.
Research record
- [01]Early dose-finding studies (Raun et al., 1998).
- [02]Phase II investigation in post-operative ileus (terminated).
Selected references
Ipamorelin, the first selective GH secretagogue
Eur. J. Endocrinol., 1998