Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin
Key differences, research and prices — side by side.
The key difference
Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and is noted for affecting cortisol and prolactin less than older secretagogues. Sermorelin acts on the GHRH receptor, the pituitary’s natural growth-hormone-releasing pathway.
| Ipamorelin | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide from the “growth-hormone secretagogue” family. | Sermorelin is a synthetic copy of the first 29 amino acids of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29). |
| How it works | It mimics ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor to trigger growth-hormone release, and is notable for affecting cortisol and prolactin less than older compounds. | It activates the pituitary’s GHRH receptor to release growth hormone in natural pulses. |
| Research areas |
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| Evidence | Human clinical studies | Approved drug |
| Regulatory status | Reached human trials but was not approved. Not approved by the FDA. Prohibited in sport by WADA. | Was FDA-approved (Geref) for children with growth-hormone deficiency; the branded product was discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons. |
| Research area | GH Secretagogues | GH Secretagogues |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 | — |
| Lowest price | $3.96/mg → | $5.95/mg → |
| Tested vendors | 2 | 2 |
| Third-party lab results | 3 COAs | 3 COAs |
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Educational comparison of published research — not medical advice, and not a recommendation of either compound. Prices are for reference only. Compounds referenced are sold by third parties for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.