Titus Thorne

Last Updated March 16, 2023

Titus Thorne

 March 16, 2023

Curious about ipamorelin in the UK?

If so, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below, our team of researchers details everything you MUST know about ipamorelin, including…

  • What is ipamorelin?
  • Is ipamorelin legal in the UK?
  • Where to buy ipamorelin
  • Ipamorelin benefits
  • Ipamorelin side effects
  • Ipamorelin dosage

For citizens and residents of the UK, this is your definitive guide to ipamorelin. 

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Disclaimer: Peptides.org contains information about products that are intended for laboratory and research use only, unless otherwise explicitly stated. This information, including any referenced scientific or clinical research, is made available for educational purposes only. Peptides.org makes every effort to ensure that any information it shares complies with national and international standards for clinical trial information and is committed to the timely disclosure of the design and results of all interventional clinical studies for innovative treatments publicly available or that may be made available. However, research is not considered conclusive. Peptides.org makes no claims that any products referenced can cure, treat or prevent any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials.


What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic ghrelin agonist and growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that stimulates the pituitary gland to release human growth hormone (HGH). It is a pentapeptide composed of five amino acids, and the first synthetic GH secretagogue to achieve selective GH release [1].

Therapeutic Applications

Ipamorelin was originally developed over 20 years ago, and derived from GHRP-1. It has since evidenced a range of therapeutic benefits due to its targeted release of endogenous GH. Human growth hormone guides healthy physical development from birth and plays a vital role in several physiological functions throughout adulthood. These include bone and cardiovascular health, as well as metabolism and physical composition [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Although studies of ipamorelin use in humans are lacking, it is linked with several significant benefits in human and animal studies as a growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin mimetic.

It is shown to combat bone and muscle deterioration from glucocorticoid use and to stimulate growth in various tissue types, including muscle, vasculature, and bone. It may also dramatically improve cartilage synthesis (chondrogenesis), eliciting anti-aging effects as well as promoting healthier joints. Emerging studies indicate additional benefits such as improved sleep [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].

Similar Peptides

Ipamorelin is one of several peptides under clinical analysis for their GH-releasing effects, classed as either growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs. Both of these types increase endogenous GH levels to differing effects and via distinct receptors.

Ipamorelin is classed as a GHRP, alongside hexarelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6. Popular GHRH analogs include tesamorelin, sermorelin, and CJC-1295. Among these, ipamorelin is known as the earliest selective ghrelin agonist and has a favorable safety profile to date [2].


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Is Ipamorelin Legal in the UK?

In the UK, ipamorelin is not MHRA-approved as a medical product. It is considered an unprescribed and uncontrolled substance and is legal for purchase, sale, and handling only in research contexts. Similarly, ipamorelin and many healing peptides are legal only for research purposes in the USA under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines [8, 9, 10, 11].

The lack of regulatory approval has resulted in the growth of illicit peptide manufacture and sales, rife with impure peptide products and illegal retailers. Such unauthorized products are often marketed with false medical guarantees, an illegal practice subject to penalization. Consumers of substandard peptides run the risk of serious side effects in addition to ineffective, low-grade formulations.

Regulations in the Peptide Market

Unfortunately, there is a relative lack of regulation in the legal peptide arena, as well. Given the field’s novel status, there are as yet few quality control measures in place for the wholesale production and marketing of peptide therapeutics in the UK. This impedes the development of peptide products, barring them from regulatory approval for clinical trials and medical marketing. The state of the peptide market is similar in the US and most other countries.

However, applications for peptide clinical trials and medical marketing have seen a recent increase in the EU, prompting the EMA to issue sweeping proposals for new quality measures in the manufacturing of peptides [12, 13, 14, 15].

With rising interest in new treatments for skyrocketing rates of heart disease and cancer, the peptide market is predicted to grow. Further, experts note increasing federal funding for biotechnological research in the medical field [16, 17].

While the current climate of regulatory approval on medicinal peptides does present some challenges, the market shows rapid growth and promise.

Choose the Right Peptide Source

When legally purchasing ipamorelin in the UK, researchers should be sure to purchase peptides from legitimate retailers that adhere to these standards [8, 18]:

  1. All available peptides are to be designated for use in research only.
  2. The retailer should not advertise medical guarantees on peptide products.
  3. To ensure the safety and quality of the peptides, the vendor must supply valid purity testing reports from a third-party lab.

While the legal classification of ipamorelin and other peptides is sure to change with the evolution of the peptide therapeutics industry, researchers must presently exercise caution to avoid unauthorized retailers and low-grade products in the legal purchase of peptides [16, 17, 19].


Where to Buy Ipamorelin Online? | UK Edition

Choosing a legit retailer is paramount when sourcing ipamorelin for your research. As such, the Peptides.org team has conducted a market survey to select the best peptide vendor for qualified researchers worldwide.

Our number one recommendation is:

Peptide Sciences

Based in the United States, Peptide Sciences ships to most locations around the world, the UK included! Let’s break down the features that make this retailer the world’s leading peptide source for top scientists.

  • Guaranteed Peptide Quality: With fully domestic peptide production in exclusive partnership with ISO 9001:2008 and WHO/GMP-approved manufacturers, Peptide Sciences offers the highest-grade peptide products. All peptides are at least 99% pure and sold with valid quality testing reports from third-party labs, featuring mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL) methods of analysis.
  • Excellent Prices: Domestic production enables Peptide Sciences to keep its prices low. A 2mg vial of ipamorelin costs just $26.50, and a 5mg vial is $46. Plus, discounts are offered on bulk buys.
  • International Deliveries: For a low, flat rate, Peptide Sciences ships to many select destinations around the world. Most shipments are sent out in just 24 hours and arrive in 7-10 days.
  • Quick and Secure Checkout Online: Placing your order is a breeze on the SSL-encrypted website, and many methods of payment are accepted. This includes crypto, credit cards, and third-party processors.
  • Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: Peptide Sciences is guided by its core commitment to a great customer experience. Client queries receive rapid responses from helpful staff within 24-48 hours, and wrongful orders are re-shipped without charge. Plus, the website is full of helpful educational content linked to the latest peer-reviewed literature on peptide studies.

With all of these outstanding benefits, Peptide Sciences is the best choice for buying ipamorelin in both the UK and beyond!

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Ipamorelin Benefits

In its targeted stimulation of GH release, ipamorelin has shown numerous potential benefits in clinical analysis. While it is highly regarded as an effective GH secretagogue, most studies to date have involved animal subjects. Substantial investigation into the use of ipamorelin in humans is pending. The evidenced benefits of ipamorelin include the following:

Bone Health [4, 20, 21]

In one animal study, ipamorelin was shown to attenuate bone catabolism due to glucocorticoid administration. Further studies in rat models link ipamorelin with increases in bone mineralization, density, and longitudinal growth. These findings suggest the possible application of ipamorelin in the contexts of injury recovery, osteoporosis treatment, and growth impairment.

Muscle Growth [3, 20, 22, 23, 24]

The study on ipamorelin’s anti-catabolic effects in animal models given glucocorticoids also indicated ipamorelin’s ability to counteract the catabolism of skeletal muscles. Ipamorelin not only prevented bone and muscle loss from GC use but synergistically enhanced its benefits. Additional studies have proven ipamorelin to significantly improve gastric motility through smooth muscle stimulation in the GI tract. Furthermore, it has been shown in hypogonadal males to reduce muscular atrophy.

Although more studies into ipamorelin’s effects on muscle growth are needed, it is banned along with other GHS peptides for use in many competitive sports as a performance-enhancing drug. GHS peptides have shown anabolic effects, such as increased muscle mass and better physical performance. These findings indicate that ipamorelin may be beneficial in disease management, workout recovery, and athletic performance due to its myoprotective and anabolic activity.

Angiogenesis [5, 25, 26]

As a ghrelin mimetic, ipamorelin elicits similar effects to the endogenous hormone, stimulating GHSR-1a receptors to trigger GH release. Ghrelin is associated with angiogenic effects, prompting endothelial cell proliferation and migration to form new blood vessels and improve vascular function. This in turn suggests a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits, from the treatment of cardiovascular disease to anti-aging.

Collagen Synthesis [6, 7]

Ghrelin is further shown in both animal and human studies to affect cartilage synthesis, known as chondrogenesis. This is believed to be through stem cell enhancement or the modulation of collagen-specific genes. The clinical implications of this include healthier joints, improved injury recovery, and skin rejuvenation. As a ghrelin mimetic, ipamorelin is under investigation for these benefits.

Additional areas of clinical interest in ipamorelin are its role in regulating physical composition, sleep quality, and metabolic health, as well as its potential to treat symptoms of diagnosed GH deficiency. These may be attributable both to its ghrelin-specific activities and highly targeted GH release [3, 23, 27, 28, 29].

P.S: Click here to learn more about Ipamorelin!


Ipamorelin Side Effects

Although ipamorelin shows great therapeutic potential, studies of its use in humans are extremely limited. Furthermore, there is no available data on the long-term effects of ipamorelin in either human or animal subjects. Nonetheless, we will now review the documented side effects in both human and animal studies to date.

One of the handful of human trials showed ipamorelin to be broadly well-tolerated in a treatment pool of 114 patients presenting a range of conditions. Multiple studies on GHS peptide administration in adults and children showed few to mild side effects, such as flushing of the face [30, 31].

As a GH secretagogue, ipamorelin may share several of the mild and transient side effects of sermorelin, a better-studied GH-releasing peptide. These include [2, 32]:

  • Injection site irritation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Changes in taste

In most cases, side effects subside with the termination of therapy and are largely associated with low-quality peptides. Again, studies on the use of ipamorelin in humans and for extended periods are lacking.

Researchers are advised to proceed with caution and fully review all relevant findings to date, adhering to established dosage and administration guidelines. Lastly, discontinue use if serious adverse reactions occur and source ipamorelin and other research peptides only from legitimate suppliers.


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Ipamorelin Dosage

Because ipamorelin is classed as a non-prescription substance, it currently lacks standard dosage guidelines. However, clinicians tend to agree on the following key points [30].

  • Ipamorelin is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, considered to be the most efficient method. It is also occasionally applied via intramuscular injection, nasal spray, and oral consumption.
  • The effects of ipamorelin are dose-dependent and thus subject to change with desired therapeutic outcomes.
  • A common dose among experienced researchers is 200mcg to 300mcg per day via subcutaneous injection.
  • Doses of 200mcg or above can be split into 2-3 injections.
  • It is advised to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it.
  • It is recommended to follow a cycled dose schedule. This often entails daily injections for 8-12 weeks with 4-week breaks.
  • Ipamorelin is not indicated for indefinite or continuous use.

Sample Ipamorelin Dosing Protocol

Based on available data, a typical dosing protocol of ipamorelin for research purposes would look like this:

  • Ipamorelin Dosage: 200mcg ipamorelin, administered once a day via subcutaneous injection
  • Course Duration: 8-12 weeks
  • Notes: This ipamorelin protocol requires just over four 10mg vials per subject per 12-week course.

Researchers are advised to adhere to these measures and keep informed of emerging studies on ipamorelin administration in humans. Continue reading to learn best practices when handling ipamorelin.


Bacteriostatic Water and Injections

Ipamorelin is typically sold in the form of lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted with a sterile solvent before subcutaneous injection. Experts agree that bacteriostatic water is the best choice of a solvent when reconstituting peptide powders.

Bacteriostatic Water Facts

Made of sterile water and an organic preservative called benzyl alcohol (0.09%), bacteriostatic water has a reduced risk of contamination and long shelf life. Opened bac water vials are good for up to four weeks, and unopened ones may be viable for several years when properly stored.

Not only does bacteriostatic water effectively dissolve most peptides while maintaining their purity, but it lowers the chance of contamination and extends the shelf life of peptide solutions for later use with the correct storage [33, 34].

Materials Needed

To reconstitute ipamorelin, the following supplies are required:

Reconstitution Process

The method of reconstitution is as follows:

Step 1. SteoSterilize the materials with an alcohol wipe to combat contamination. Don’t forget to wipe the tops of the vials.

Step 2. Insert the syringe into the vial of bacteriostatic water and pull out the needed amount. This is usually about 1mL but may change with peptide dose.

Step 3. Gradually inject the solvent into the vial of ipamorelin powder so that it slowly and thoroughly dissolves.

Step 4. Do not stir or agitate the contents, which can harm the peptides. If available, sonication may be applied to speed up the process.

Step 5. If the powder does not completely dissolve, a stronger solvent may be needed.

Step 6. Extra solutions may be stored in the refrigerator for later use for as many as 28 days.

Step 7. The exact dosage and storage indications may vary. Always refer to product guidelines.

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Ipamorelin in the UK | Overall

From bone health and muscle growth to anti-aging effects, ipamorelin shows great promise in clinical research into its therapeutic applications. The highly targeted growth hormone secretagogue exhibits a positive safety profile, although more research into its use in humans is needed.

UK researchers can add this popular peptide to their repertoire safely and legally when purchasing from a quality vendor.

Our highest recommendation for sourcing the best ipamorelin available is Peptide Sciences, the top-ranked peptide retailer for the global scientific research community.


References

  1. Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. doi:10.1530/eje.0.1390552
  2. Sinha, D. K., Balasubramanian, A., Tatem, A. J., Rivera-Mirabal, J., Yu, J., Kovac, J., Pastuszak, A. W., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2020). Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Translational Andrology and Urology, 9(Suppl 2), S149. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.11.30
  3. Sigalos, J. T., & Pastuszak, A. W. (2018). The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 6(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.02.004
  4. Svensson J, Lall S, Dickson SL, et al. The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats. J Endocrinol. 2000;165(3):569-577. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1650569
    Wang J, He L, Huwatibieke B, Liu L, Lan H, Zhao J, Li Y, Zhang W. Ghrelin Stimulates Endothelial Cells
  5. Angiogenesis through Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases (ERK) Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Aug 26;19(9):2530. doi: 10.3390/ijms19092530. PMID: 30149681; PMCID: PMC6164813.
  6. Liang ZT, Li J, Rong R, Wang YJ, Xiao LG, Yang GT, Zhang HQ. Ghrelin up-regulates cartilage-specific genes via the ERK/STAT3 pathway in chondrocytes of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2019 Oct 15;518(2):259-265. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.044. Epub 2019 Aug 14. PMID: 31421834.
  7. Fan L, Chen J, Tao Y, Heng BC, Yu J, Yang Z, Ge Z. Enhancement of the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and cartilage repair by ghrelin. J Orthop Res. 2019 Jun;37(6):1387-1397. doi: 10.1002/jor.24224. Epub 2019 Feb 12. PMID: 30644571.
  8. Brennan, R., Wells, J. G., & Van Hout, M. C. (2014). An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes. Performance Enhancement & Health, 3(2), 78–92. doi:10.1016/j.peh.2015.06.001
  9. Ema. Medicines for human use under evaluation – european agency [Internet]. European Medicines Agency. 2022 [cited 2022Nov28]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/medicines-human-use-under-evaluation
  10. Find written questions and answers – UK parliament [Internet]. [cited 2022Nov28]. Available from: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions
  11. Notice of opportunity for hearing (Nooh) manookian, Edward 8/5/16 [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA; 2016 [cited 2022Sep23]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/electronic-reading-room/notice-opportunity-hearing-nooh-manookian-edward-8516
  12. Macdonald G. Ema proposes quality guidelines for synthetic peptides and oligonucleotides [Internet]. Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). [cited 2022Nov28]. Available from: https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2022/9/ema-proposes-quality-guidelines-for-synthetic-pept
  13. Peptide synthesis market share, size and industry growth analysis 2021 – 2026 [Internet]. IndustryARC. [cited 2022Dec17]. Available from: https://www.industryarc.com/Research/Peptide-Synthesis-Market-Research-505605
  14. The impact of the European pharmacopeia regulations for peptides during the change of manufacturer at late phase [Internet]. Knowledge Centre. 2021 [cited 2022Dec17]. Available from: https://www.almacgroup.com/knowledge/library/the-impact-of-the-european-pharmacopeia-regulations-for-peptides-during-the-change-of-manufacturer-at-late-phase/
  15. Establishment of a guideline on the development and manufacture of synthetic peptides – scientific European Medicines Agency [Internet]. European Medicines Agency. 2022 [cited 2022Dec17]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/establishment-guideline-development-manufacture-synthetic-peptides-scientific-guideline#current-version-section
  16. Global peptide therapeutics market size, share report, 2030 [Internet]. Global Peptide Therapeutics Market Size, Share Report, 2030. [cited 2022Dec17]. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/peptide-therapeutics-market
  17. Peptide drug conjugates market size & share report, 2030 [Internet]. Peptide Drug Conjugates Market Size & Share Report, 2030. [cited 2022Dec17]. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/peptide-drug-conjugates-market-report
  18. Callaghan III, D. J. (2018). A glimpse into the underground market of melanotan. Dermatology Online Journal, 24(5). http://dx.doi.org/10.5070/D3245040036 Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2gz9f9jk
  19. Anti-inflammatory peptides market size: Global Industry Report, 2025 [Internet]. Anti-inflammatory Peptides Market Size | Global Industry Report, 2025. [cited 2022Dec17]. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/anti-inflammatory-peptides-market
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  21. Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, Flyvbjerg A, Andreassen TT, Wilken M, Orskov H. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999 Apr;9(2):106-13. doi: 10.1054/ghir.1999.9998. PMID: 10373343.
  22. Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Tyler K, Mohammadi E, Pietra C. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. J Exp Pharmacol. 2012 Oct 19;4:149-55. doi: 10.2147/JEP.S35396. PMID: 27186127; PMCID: PMC4863553.
  23. George R. Merriam, Suzanne Barsness, David Buchner, Monica Kletke, Lawrence H. Larsen, Karen E. Moe, Robert S. Schwartz, and Michael V. Vitiello. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Treatment in Normal Aging. Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine.Dec 2001.331-343.http://doi.org/10.1089/10945450152850650
  24. Handelsman DJ. Performance Enhancing Hormone Doping in Sport. [Updated 2020 Feb 29]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.
  25. Rajesh Katare, Shruti Rawal, Pujika Emani Munasinghe, Hirotsugu Tsuchimochi, Tadakatsu Inagaki, Yutaka Fujii, Parul Dixit, Keiji Umetani, Kenji Kangawa, Mikiyasu Shirai, Daryl O. Schwenke, Ghrelin Promotes Functional Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Critical Limb Ischemia Through Activation of Proangiogenic MicroRNAs, Endocrinology, Volume 157, Issue 2, 1 February 2016, Pages 432–445, https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2015-1799
  26. Ahluwalia A, Li A, Cheng G, Deng X, Tarnawski AS. Reduced ghrelin in endothelial cells plays important mechanistic role in aging-related impairment of angiogenesis. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009 Jun;60(2):29-34. PMID: 19617642.
  27. Meinhardt U, Nelson AE, Hansen JL, Birzniece V, Clifford D, Leung KC, Graham K, Ho KK. The effects of growth hormone on body composition and physical performance in recreational athletes: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2010 May 4;152(9):568-77. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-152-9-201005040-00007. PMID: 20439575.
  28. Adeghate E, Ponery AS. Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2004 Dec;25(6):403-6. PMID: 15665799.
  29. Mao, Y., Tokudome, T., & Kishimoto, I. (2014). The cardiovascular action of hexarelin. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology : JGC, 11(3), 253-258. https://doi.org/10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2014.03.007
  30. Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD; Ipamorelin 201 Study Group. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014 Dec;29(12):1527-34. doi: 10.1007/s00384-014-2030-8. Epub 2014 Oct 21. PMID: 25331030.
  31. Mericq V, Cassorla F, Salazar T, Avila A, Iñiguez G, Bowers CY, Merriam GR. Effects of eight months treatment with graded doses of a growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide in GH-deficient children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998 Jul;83(7):2355-60. doi: 10.1210/jcem.83.7.4969. PMID: 9661608.
  32. Sermorelin acetate: Indications, side effects, warnings. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 7, 2023, from https://www.drugs.com/cdi/sermorelin-acetate.html
  33. W. B. What is Bacteriostatic Water? [Internet]. Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers. 2022 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-bacteriostatic-water-definition-uses.html
  34. Bacteriostatic Water for Injection [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2021 [cited 2022Aug17]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/pro/bacteriostatic-water-for-injection.html

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