Comparison · Updated
Ipamorelin VS GHRP-2
Short answer
Ipamorelin has stronger published evidence than GHRP-2: tier A (Controlled human trials) vs tier B (Small human studies).
Neither Ipamorelin nor GHRP-2 is FDA-approved.
Both are prohibited in sport by WADA under section S2.
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Side by side
| Field | Ipamorelin | GHRP-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence tier | A Tier A · Controlled human trials | B Tier B · Small human studies |
| Tier rationale | Randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trials in postoperative ileus were completed (no benefit shown); not approved. | Human data are mainly small pharmacological and diagnostic studies; approved only in Japan as a GH-deficiency diagnostic. |
| FDA status | Not approved | Not approved |
| Other approvals | None listed |
|
| WADA | Prohibited · S2Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics | Prohibited · S2Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics |
| Family | GH & Growth | GH & Growth |
| Residues | Not on file | Not on file |
| Molecular weight | Not on file | Not on file |
| Formula | Not on file | Not on file |
| Discovered | 1998Described by Novo Nordisk as a selective GH secretagogue. | Not on file |
| Routes studied | Subcutaneous, Intramuscular | Subcutaneous, Intramuscular |
| Mechanism | Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist that stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike other GHRPs, it has high selectivity for GH release without significantly elevating ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin, making it the cleanest GHRP available. | GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a potent agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) in the pituitary and hypothalamus. It stimulates GH release through both a direct pituitary action and by amplifying GHRH signaling, while also modestly activating the ghrelin appetite pathway. |
| Safety notes | Well-tolerated in Phase II clinical trials. | Human study data available. |
| Cited studies | 0 studies | 0 studies |
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Questions
- Which has stronger evidence, Ipamorelin or GHRP-2?
- Ipamorelin has stronger published evidence than GHRP-2: tier A (Controlled human trials) vs tier B (Small human studies). Ipamorelin: Randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trials in postoperative ileus were completed (no benefit shown); not approved. GHRP-2: Human data are mainly small pharmacological and diagnostic studies; approved only in Japan as a GH-deficiency diagnostic. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness.
- Is Ipamorelin FDA-approved?
- Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved.
- Is GHRP-2 FDA-approved?
- GHRP-2 is not FDA-approved. Approvals listed outside the US: Japan — pralmorelin (GHRP Kaken 100) diagnostic for GH deficiency.
- Are Ipamorelin and GHRP-2 banned in sport?
- Both are prohibited in sport by WADA under section S2.
- How do Ipamorelin and GHRP-2 work?
- Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist that stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary in a dose-dependent manner. GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a potent agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) in the pituitary and hypothalamus.