PeptideTreatments
Reviewed by Peptide Treatments Medical Advisory Board (Medical Advisory Board)

Ipamorelin: Research & Evidence

Emerging Evidence

Published research, clinical trial data, and evidence grading for Ipamorelin across studied indications.

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Research Summary

Ipamorelin was developed by Novo Nordisk (NNC 26-0161) and advanced to Phase II clinical trials. A 1998 landmark study by Raun et al. demonstrated it was the first growth hormone secretagogue with selectivity comparable to GHRH — no significant ACTH or cortisol release even at 200x the GH ED50 dose. Helsinn Therapeutics conducted two Phase II RCTs for post-operative ileus (NCT00672074, n=117; NCT01280344, n=320). While primary endpoints for GI recovery were not met, safety data confirmed tolerability up to 7 days of dosing. Approximately 23 human studies exist with 2 small RCTs for GH stimulation, but no body composition outcome trials have been completed.

Evidence by Indication (4 indications)

Indication Tier Trials Summary
GH secretion Tier B 6 Well-characterized selective GH secretagogue in Phase II trials with dose-dependent GH release
Post-operative recovery Tier B 2 Phase II RCTs for post-operative ileus — safe but primary endpoints not met
Anti-aging Tier D 0 Theoretical based on GH optimization, no direct evidence
Body composition Tier D 0 No RCTs measuring lean mass, fat mass, or strength outcomes

Graded using our evidence tier methodology.

Citations (11 sources)

  1. 1. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue Study

    Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, Thogersen H, Madsen K, Ankersen M, Andersen PH (1998), European Journal of Endocrinology

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

    Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD (2014), International Journal of Colorectal Disease

  3. 3. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development Review

    Ishida J, Saitoh M, Ebner N, Springer J, Anker SD, von Haehling S (2020), JCSM Rapid Communications

  4. 4. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males Review

    Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, Rivera-Mirabal J, Yu J, Jeschke J, Lipshultz LI, Kovac JR (2020), Translational Andrology and Urology

  5. 5. Pharmacological characterisation of a new oral GH secretagogue, NN703 Study

    Hansen BS, Raun K, Nielsen KK, Johansen PB, Hansen TK, Peschke B, Lau J, Andersen PH, Ankersen M (1999), European Journal of Endocrinology

  6. 6. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor family members and ligands Review

    Smith RG (2005), Endocrine

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

    Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc (2011), ClinicalTrials.gov

  8. 8. Safety and Efficacy of Ipamorelin for Management of Post-Operative Ileus Study

    Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc (2008), ClinicalTrials.gov

  9. 9. Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach Study

    Kojima M, Hosoda H, Date Y, Nakazato M, Matsuo H, Kangawa K (1999), Nature

  10. 10. Growth hormone-releasing peptides Review

    Ghigo E, Arvat E, Muccioli G, Camanni F (1997), European Journal of Endocrinology

  11. 11. Modeling study of ipamorelin SC50 for half-maximal GH release Study

    Various (1999), Endocrinology