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Peptide Comparison

Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin

Both are GH / IGF Axis peptides.

Ipamorelin

NNC 26-0161

PerformanceUnder clinical reviewResearch Only

Half-life: 2 hours

517 providers listed

Full Ipamorelin profile →
vs

Sermorelin

GHRH 1-29

PerformanceUnder clinical reviewPrescription

Half-life: 10–20 minutes

473 providers listed

Full Sermorelin profile →
Bottom line

Ipamorelin has a longer half-life than Sermorelin, so it generally needs less frequent dosing.

Quick Verdict

Ipamorelin

Half-life

2 hours

Sermorelin

Half-life

10–20 minutes

Which One Should You Choose?
Your goalBetter option
More selective GH release (minimal cortisol/prolactin impact in research)Ipamorelin
More provider options (517 vs 473)Ipamorelin
Longer clinical use history (FDA-approved 1997–2008)Sermorelin
Lower typical cost per treatment cycleSermorelin
Standard base for ipamorelin + CJC-1295 combination protocolsIpamorelin
Natural GHRH analog identical to endogenous fragmentSermorelin

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison
Ipamorelin
Sermorelin
Mechanism Family
GH / IGF Axis
GH / IGF Axis
Half-life
2 hours
10–20 minutes
FDA Status
Under clinical review
Under clinical review
Admin Routes
subcutaneous
subcutaneous
Availability
Research Only
Prescription
Providers
517 listed
473 listed
FDA Update
Under clinical review
Under clinical review
Avail. Notes
Selective GH secretagogue pentapeptide. Phase 2 by Helsinn (postoperative ileus) discontinued for lack of efficacy. No FDA approval. Not on FDA 503A bulks list. Research chemical.
Previously FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency (Geref); approval withdrawn 2008. Its bulk substance appears on the FDA 503B outsourcing-facility list (Category 1) but not the 503A pharmacy bulk-substances list; compounded-product availability historically rested on the former approved-drug status.
Research Evidence

Ipamorelin

RCT · 5 key studies · most recent 2026

Sermorelin

RCT · 3 key studies · most recent 2026
Research Citations

About Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) and stimulates dose-dependent GH release with a clean hormonal profile. Unlike GHRP-6 or hexarelin, it does not significantly stimulate appetite-related pathways or cortisol secretion at standard research doses. This selectivity makes it a frequently studied peptide for protocols where hormonal side-effect profiles are a consideration.

Research Areas
selective GH release without cortisol or prolactin co-stimulationpulsatile GH secretion — synergistic with CJC-1295 in combination protocolslean mass support and fat metabolism via GH/IGF-1 axis modulationsubcutaneous injection 100–300 mcg; minimal receptor desensitization vs other GHRPs

About Sermorelin

Sermorelin is a synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating pulsatile GH secretion in a physiological pattern that preserves the natural hypothalamic-pituitary feedback axis — contrasting with direct GH administration. Downstream IGF-1 elevation mediates many of its body composition, tissue-repair, and sleep quality effects.

Research Areas
pulsatile GH release via direct GHRH receptor agonism at the pituitaryendogenous GH axis restoration — preserves natural pulse patterns unlike exogenous GHlean mass, sleep quality, and metabolic improvements in anti-aging clinical researchsubcutaneous injection — widely available through telehealth anti-aging providers
Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

Ipamorelin

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Suggested Monitoring
IGF-1Fasting glucoseHbA1cInsulin

Research protocols routinely measure IGF-1 to track GH axis activity before and during use. Fasting glucose and insulin are monitored because GH elevation can reduce insulin sensitivity over time.

Regulatory Notes

global — WADA

This compound falls under WADA Prohibited List category S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics), prohibited at all times for competing athletes.

source

Sermorelin

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Suggested Monitoring
IGF-1Fasting glucoseHbA1cInsulin

Sermorelin clinical protocols measure IGF-1 as the primary marker of GH axis response. Fasting glucose and insulin are standard baseline assessments given GH's effect on insulin sensitivity.

Used Together?

Commonly stacked

Emerging

Ipamorelin and Sermorelin are reported to work together. Research suggests Sermorelin and Ipamorelin may produce complementary growth hormone release effects when combined. Sermorelin acts as a GHRH analogue via pituitary receptors, while Ipamorelin acts via ghrelin receptors — dual-pathway stimulation studied in GH optimization research.

Ipamorelin

  • CJC-1295

    Research suggests Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 may produce enhanced growth hormone release effects when combined. CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH receptor stimulation while Ipamorelin provides pulsatile ghrelin receptor stimulation — complementary pathways studied in GH secretion research.

  • Sermorelin

    Research suggests Sermorelin and Ipamorelin may produce complementary growth hormone release effects when combined. Sermorelin acts as a GHRH analogue via pituitary receptors, while Ipamorelin acts via ghrelin receptors — dual-pathway stimulation studied in GH optimization research.

  • GLP-1 agonists

    Research notes metabolic pathway overlap between growth hormone-releasing peptides and GLP-1 agonists. Both compound classes influence metabolic signaling; limited research has studied their combined effects. Consult your prescriber before combining.

Sermorelin

  • Ipamorelin

    Research suggests Sermorelin and Ipamorelin may produce complementary growth hormone release effects when combined. Sermorelin acts as a GHRH analogue via pituitary receptors, while Ipamorelin acts via ghrelin receptors — dual-pathway stimulation studied in GH optimization research.

Price (per mg)

Ipamorelin

$6.00/mg

$5.00 – $8.59 range

72 vendors

Sermorelin

$8.40/mg

$6.92 – $10.57 range

63 vendors

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

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Educational research tools — not medical advice.

Cite this page

Data last updated October 26, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/ipamorelin/sermorelin

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