Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin
Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved and rated 3/5 for evidence; Sermorelin is not FDA-approved and rated 4/5. Sermorelin has more human evidence behind it. Both are banned in sport by WADA. Both are used for growth hormone axis goals.
Often used together: GHRH (sermorelin) plus a ghrelin mimic (ipamorelin) gives a larger GH pulse than either alone.
| Compare |  IpamorelinA selective growth-hormone secretagogue with a clean side-effect profile. |  SermorelinThe first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH — once an FDA-approved drug. |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Axis | Growth Hormone Axis |
| Evidence | 3/5Phase 2 human trials for postoperative ileus; GH-release effects are well documented in humans. | 4/5Human trials supported its former approval for pediatric GH deficiency. Evidence for adult anti-aging use is small and older. |
| FDA status | Not FDA-approved | Formerly FDA-approved (Geref) — discontinued 2008 |
| WADA (sport) | Banned | Banned |
| Also known as | NNC 26-0161 | Geref, GRF 1-29 NH2, Sermorelin acetate |
| How it works | Ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist producing a short, pulsatile GH release. Often paired with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295, sermorelin) for a stronger combined pulse. | Binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary, triggering a short pulse of growth hormone and a rise in IGF-1. The body's normal feedback (somatostatin) still applies, so levels stay within a more natural range than injected GH. |
| Half-life | About 2 hours | About 10–20 minutes; the GH pulse lasts a few hours |
| Commonly reported doses |
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| Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
| Good once mixed | ~30 days in the fridge | ~21 days in the fridge |
| Top side effects |
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| Lowest price per mg | $3.00 (10 mg vial, 40% off) | $3.60 (10 mg vial, 40% off) |
| Latest lab purity | 99.79% (lot IPA0002) | 99.15% (lot SER0001) |
Want a third? Add another peptide. Doses are commonly reported ranges, not recommendations.