Kisspeptin-10

Product Information: Ipamorelin – Research Purposes Only

Compound Definition and Classification

Ipamorelin constitutes a short peptide sequence engineered to bind the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. This peptide represents one of the most selective growth hormone secretagogues identified to date. Preclinical research has documented ipamorelin's effects on hormone secretion including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and cortisol. The compound demonstrates high receptor selectivity, establishing its utility for research applications.

Ipamorelin Structure

Research-Based Investigational Findings

Glucocorticoid-Associated Adverse Effects

Glucocorticoid medications represent therapeutic agents employed in inflammatory conditions spanning malignancy and autoimmune disorders. Prolonged glucocorticoid administration produces substantial adverse effects limiting therapeutic utility. Mitigation of glucocorticoid adverse effects could enable extended therapeutic administration at higher dosages. Preclinical investigations demonstrate that ipamorelin administration mitigates glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects.

Bone Metabolism and Density

Glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and fracture risk represent significant adverse effects from extended corticosteroid administration. Current approaches include bisphosphonate therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and monoclonal antibody interventions. Each approach carries limitations including adverse effects, limited efficacy, or cost considerations. Ipamorelin offers an alternative with favorable adverse effect profile. Preclinical rat investigations demonstrate that ipamorelin prevents glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and may stimulate new bone formation in corticosteroid-treated animals. Research reveals that ipamorelin substantially enhances bone mineral density, potentially reducing fracture risk. Ipamorelin extends protective effects beyond bone to internal organ systems.

Muscle Tissue and Nitrogen Balance

Growth hormone secretagogues including ipamorelin antagonize glucocorticoid-induced muscle catabolism. Rat investigations demonstrate that ipamorelin reduces nitrogen wasting and improves nitrogen balance in steroid-treated animals. Glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting represents a prevalent side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Research suggests that combining ipamorelin with glucocorticoid administration could provide clinical benefits.

Pancreatic and Glucose Function

Diabetic animal research demonstrates that ipamorelin facilitates pancreatic insulin secretion. This effect proves beneficial during conditions of reduced pancreatic beta cell stimulation. Ipamorelin enhances long-term pancreatic islet cell viability.

Post-Operative Ileus Management

Post-operative ileus represents a condition developing after surgical procedures, particularly abdominal operations, characterized by impaired intestinal contractility. Ipamorelin has undergone investigation in proof-of-concept clinical studies examining whether peptide administration reduces post-operative ileus. Research indicates that ipamorelin facilitates gastrointestinal motility restoration within 12 hours post-administration. However, investigations revealed insufficient efficacy for commercial pharmaceutical development. Future research may identify combination approaches improving efficacy.

Ghrelin Receptor Imaging Applications

Ipamorelin functions as a selective ghrelin receptor agonist with strong receptor binding affinity. The ghrelin receptor participates in malignant cellular proliferation and cardiac pathophysiology. These characteristics establish ipamorelin as a potential diagnostic imaging probe utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) technology. In vitro investigations validate ipamorelin's capacity to label tumors, enabling malignancy detection. Subsequent research phases involve clinical evaluation of ipamorelin as a PET imaging agent.

Current Research Status

Ipamorelin remains understudied in research environments despite expanding interest in recent years. Ipamorelin demonstrates potential utility across numerous disease conditions.

Ipamorelin demonstrates moderate adverse effect potential, poor oral bioavailability, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in murine models. Murine dosimetric parameters lack direct human applicability. Ipamorelin remains restricted to educational and scientific research purposes exclusively. This product is not approved for human consumption.

Post-Operative Ileus Research Observations

In rodent post-operative ileus models, ipamorelin administration demonstrated measurable physiological improvements. Stomach residual food quantity in ipamorelin-treated post-operative ileus animals approximated untreated control animals. Gastrointestinal food distribution resembled that of control animals. Distal intestinal food redistribution increased in ipamorelin-treated post-operative ileus animals, approximating control patterns.

Author Attribution

Research investigation, editorial review, and organizational compilation was performed by Dr. Logan, M.D., who maintains a doctoral degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and baccalaureate credentials in molecular biology.

Contributor Acknowledgment and Disclaimer

David E. Beck, MD co-authored "Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof of concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients" and specializes in colon and rectal surgery. David E. Beck, MD receives recognition as a leading scientist in ipamorelin research advancement. This recognition does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advocacy for product purchase, distribution, or consumption. No explicit or implicit affiliation exists between Peptide Sciences and Dr. Beck. This citation acknowledges extensive investigative contributions.

Referenced Literature and Citations

[1] K. Raun et al., "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue," Eur. J. Endocrinol., vol. 139, no. 5, pp. 552–561, Nov. 1998. [PubMed]

[2] N. B. Andersen, K. Malmlöf, P. B. Johansen, T. T. Andreassen, G. Ørtoft, and H. Oxlund, "The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decreases in bone formation of adult rats," Growth Horm. IGF Res. Off. J. Growth Horm. Res. Soc. Int. IGF Res. Soc., vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 266–272, Oct. 2001. [PubMed]

[3] J. Svensson et al., "The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats," J. Endocrinol., vol. 165, no. 3, pp. 569–577, Jun. 2000. [PubMed]

[4] N. K. Aasgaard et al., "Growth hormone and growth hormone secretagogue effects on nitrogen balance and urea synthesis in steroid treated rats," Growth Horm. IGF Res. Off. J. Growth Horm. Res. Soc. Int. IGF Res. Soc., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 426–431, Oct. 2009. [PubMed]

[5] E. Adegoke and A. S. Ponrny, "Mechanism of ipamorelin-evoked insulin release from the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats," Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 403–406, Dec. 2004. [PubMed]

[6] D. E. Beck, W. B. Sweeney, M. D. McCarter, and 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., vol. 29, no. 12, pp. 1527–1534, Dec. 2014. [PubMed]

[7] B. Greenwood-Van Meerveld, K. Tyler, E. Mohammadi, and C. Pietra, "Efficacy of ipamorelin, a ghrelin mimetic, on gastric dysmotility in a rodent model of postoperative ileus," J. Exp. Pharmacol., vol. 4, pp. 149–155, Oct. 2012. [PubMed]

[8] M. M. Fowkes, T. Lalonde, L. Yu, S. Dhanvantari, M. S. Kovacs, and L. G. Luyt, "Peptidominetic growth hormone secretagogue derivatives for positron emission tomography imaging of the ghrelin receptor," Eur. J. Med. Chem., vol. 157, pp. 1506–1511, Sep. 2018. [Science Direct]