Ipamorelin: FDA Status and Evidence
A growth hormone releasing peptide with no FDA-approved form and a Category 2 listing for 503B compounding. The human evidence is short-term and limited.
Medically reviewed by Charles Kamen, MD, board-certified neurologist · ·
What the research shows
Ipamorelin raises growth hormone in short-term studies. Its main human trial tested it for bowel recovery after surgery, and it did not show a clear benefit over placebo (Beck, International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2014). There are no long-term trials for anti-aging, body composition or recovery.
It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ipamorelin FDA-approved?
No. Ipamorelin has never been approved by FDA for any use.
Can a pharmacy compound ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is not on the 503A bulks list (its nomination was withdrawn), and FDA lists ipamorelin acetate in Category 2 for 503B outsourcing facilities. Check the live FDA lists, which change.
What does the research show?
Short-term studies show it raises growth hormone. A phase 2 surgical trial did not show clear benefit, and no long-term outcome trials exist.
Selected Research
Peer-reviewed sources on Ipamorelin. Research does not constitute a treatment recommendation; appropriateness is determined only after a medical evaluation.
Compare Ipamorelin
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