IPAMORELIN

Description

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide with the sequence Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ and a molecular weight of 711.85 g/mol. It is a growth hormone secretagogue acting at the ghrelin receptor, and was originally designated NNC 26-0161.

Structure

Three of the five residues are non-standard, which is unusual density for such a short peptide and is what gives the molecule its stability and selectivity.

Position one is aminoisobutyric acid, a non-proteinogenic amino acid whose additional methyl group resists enzymatic cleavage. Position three is D-2-naphthylalanine, carrying a bulky bicyclic aromatic side chain. Position four is D-phenylalanine. The D-configuration at both positions three and four means those residues are mirror images of the natural L-forms, which peptidases recognise poorly. The C-terminus is amidated, removing the free carboxyl group that carboxypeptidases target.

Almost every structural feature of this peptide is therefore a deliberate defence against degradation.

Selectivity

The characteristic most often cited for ipamorelin is selectivity. Earlier growth hormone secretagogues in this class were reported to stimulate release of cortisol and prolactin alongside growth hormone. Published work describes ipamorelin as producing a more selective response, and that selectivity, rather than potency, is the principal reason it is studied in preference to older compounds in the same family.

Relationship to the other GH compounds in this catalogue

Ipamorelin acts at the ghrelin receptor. The GHRH analogues in this catalogue, tesamorelin and CJC-1295 without DAC, act at a different receptor on the same pituitary cell population. Because the two receptor systems are independent, the classes are frequently investigated in combination, and that is the rationale behind the CJC-1295 and tesamorelin blends also offered here.

Hexarelin, also in this catalogue, is a related secretagogue acting at the same receptor but with a different structure and a reported profile less selective than ipamorelin’s.

Research background

Published work has characterised receptor binding and activation in cell systems, examined growth hormone response in animal models, and investigated the selectivity profile relative to earlier secretagogues. No regulatory authority has approved ipamorelin for any use, and the material supplied here is for laboratory research only.

Storage and handling

Store the lyophilized powder at 36 to 46 °F (2 to 8 °C), desiccated and protected from light. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening.

Use 711.85 g/mol for molar calculations. At this mass a milligram yields roughly double the molar quantity of a milligram of BPC-157, and roughly seven times that of tesamorelin. Calculate from the molecular weight rather than by analogy with other products in a blend.

Purity and verification

Each lot is analysed by an independent laboratory, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC. Test scope varies by lot; consult the certificate for the lot you receive.

Compound Identity

CAS Number

170851-70-4

Molecular Formula

C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅

Molecular Weight

711.85 g/mol

Chain Length

5 amino acids (pentapeptide)

Sequence

Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
Aib = 2-aminoisobutyric acid; 2-Nal = 2-naphthylalanine; C-terminal amide

Also Known As

NNC 26-0161

Physical Form

Lyophilized white powder

Storage

36–46 °F (2–8 °C), desiccated and protected from light

Chemical Structure