What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a five-amino-acid synthetic peptide that selectively activates the ghrelin receptor, GHS-R1a, in the anterior pituitary. This activation triggers a clean, pulsatile release of natural growth hormone without raising cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH — the off-target hormones elevated by older GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. Each IGF1 Shop vial contains 5mg of HPLC-verified ≥99% pure lyophilized Ipamorelin. CAS 170851-70-4.
What is the standard Ipamorelin dose?
The most common Ipamorelin protocol is 200-300mcg per subcutaneous injection, taken 1-3 times daily. A typical schedule is 200mcg in the morning on an empty stomach and 200mcg 30-45 minutes before bed to align with the natural nocturnal GH pulse. A 5mg vial reconstituted with 2mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2,500mcg per mL, so a 200mcg dose equals 0.08mL on a U-100 insulin syringe (8 units).
How long should an Ipamorelin cycle run?
Standard Ipamorelin cycles run 8 to 12 weeks followed by a 4-week off period. Cycling prevents GHS-R1a desensitization and preserves pulsatile GH release. Many users follow a "5 days on, 2 days off" weekly pattern within the cycle, and complete 3 cycles per year. Continuous year-round dosing tends to deliver diminishing returns.
Should I stack Ipamorelin with CJC-1295?
Yes — Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are the most common stack because they act through complementary pathways. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that raises the pituitary's GH release ceiling; Ipamorelin is a ghrelin-receptor agonist that triggers the pulse. Combined, they produce a stronger, more sustained GH spike than either compound alone. Typical stack: 100mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC) + 200-300mcg Ipamorelin, twice daily.
How do I reconstitute a 5mg Ipamorelin vial?
Add 2mL of bacteriostatic water slowly to the side of the vial. Do not shake — swirl gently until the solution is clear. Reconstituted Ipamorelin concentration is 2,500mcg per mL (125mcg per insulin-syringe unit). Store reconstituted vials refrigerated at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Lyophilized vials are stable for 24 months at -20°C.
When is the best time to inject Ipamorelin?
The two highest-yield Ipamorelin windows are first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and 30-45 minutes before bed. Pre-bed dosing stacks with the natural GH pulse that occurs during deep slow-wave sleep, producing the largest amplitude release. Avoid dosing within 60 minutes of a high-carb meal, since elevated insulin and free fatty acids blunt GH release.
How does Ipamorelin compare to Sermorelin and Tesamorelin?
Sermorelin and Tesamorelin are GHRH analogs — they push the pituitary harder on the same growth hormone-releasing hormone pathway. Ipamorelin works on a separate pathway, the ghrelin receptor, which is why it stacks so effectively with GHRH compounds. Ipamorelin's selectivity is also its main advantage: it raises GH and IGF-1 without lifting cortisol or prolactin, while older GHRPs raise both.
How is your Ipamorelin tested?
Every lot of Ipamorelin is tested by ISO 17025 accredited third-party labs and shipped with a Certificate of Analysis matched to the vial's lot number. Tests include reverse-phase HPLC for purity (≥99%), ESI mass spectrometry confirming the molecular ion at 711.85 Da, and LAL assay for bacterial endotoxins below 0.5 EU/mg.