Research information only, not medical advice. Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved. A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth-hormone secretagogue), it was removed from the FDA 503A "do not compound" Category 2 effective April 2026 (nominations withdrawn) and referred to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee; it is not eligible for compounding. Sold as research only.
Ipamorelin at a glance
As of June 2026 the human evidence is limited; some clinical trials were conducted (e.g. for postoperative ileus) and discontinued, and most data is preclinical. See the indexed studies below, graded by evidence level.
See also CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin .
Evidence profile
55 studies- Human RCT 1 · 2%
- Human trial 4 · 7%
- Review 23 · 42%
- Animal 12 · 22%
- In-vitro 8 · 15%
- Unknown 7 · 13%
The longer the green, the stronger the human evidence. For most research peptides the bar is dominated by animal and in-vitro work, which is a signal to read every claim carefully.
Regulatory status
- 2026-04-23 US-FDA
Removed from the FDA 503A "do not compound" Category 2 (nominations withdrawn) — still not eligible for compounding; referred to the PCAC. source
Clinical 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
- NCT07717866 ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Trifecta Research Study
Indexed research
Sorted by evidence level, strongest first.
- Human RCT 2014Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients
- Human trial 2016Simplifying and expanding the screening for peptides <2 kDa by direct urine injection, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry
This analytical method study validates a direct urine injection LC ion-mobility mass spectrometry assay for screening 17 prohibited peptides <2 kDa in sports doping control, with proof-of-concept on human elimination urine samples after GHRP-6, GHRP-2, or LHRH administration.
- Human trial 2015Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin
A human excretion study administered GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin nasally to single volunteers each to identify their urinary metabolites and detection windows for a validated anti-doping mass-spectrometry method.
- Human trial 2011Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) and their major metabolites in human urine for doping controls by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
This methodological study develops and validates a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry assay to detect growth hormone releasing peptides and their metabolites in human urine, demonstrated via a single-subject oral GHRP-2 excretion study for doping control.
- Human trial 2026Restoring endocrine function in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: A case series on hormonal profile reversal and conception following treatment with Ipamorelin
An uncontrolled case series of four women with premature ovarian insufficiency or diminished ovarian reserve reported improved ovarian markers and pregnancy in all patients after Ipamorelin combined with a functional medicine protocol, though the small uncontrolled design limits any causal conclusion.
- Review 2026A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review
- Review 2026Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications
- Review 2026Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance
- Review 2026Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging
- Review 2026Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
+ 45 more studies indexed for Ipamorelin.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ipamorelin approved for human use?
- Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved. A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth-hormone secretagogue), it was removed from the FDA 503A "do not compound" Category 2 effective April 2026 (nominations withdrawn) and referred to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee; it is not eligible for compounding. Sold as research only.
- What does the research on Ipamorelin show?
- As of June 2026 the human evidence is limited; some clinical trials were conducted (e.g. for postoperative ileus) and discontinued, and most data is preclinical. See the indexed studies below, graded by evidence level.