These three peptides are discussed together because all relate to the growth-hormone axis, but they act at two different receptors. Ipamorelin and Hexarelin are ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonists; Sermorelin is a GHRH-receptor agonist.
| Property | Ipamorelin | Sermorelin | Hexarelin (examorelin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue; GHS-R1a agonist | 29-amino-acid N-terminal fragment of human growth hormone-releasing hormone; GHRH-receptor agonist | Synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP); GHS-R1a agonist |
| Molecular formula | C38H49N9O5 [1] | C149H246N44O42S [2] | C47H58N12O6 [3] |
| Molecular weight (g/mol) | 711.9 [1] | 3357.9 [2] | 887.0 [3] |
| CAS number | 170851-70-4 | 86168-78-7 | 140703-51-1 |
| PubChem CID | 9831659 [1] | 16132413 [2] | 6918297 [3] |
| Sequence | Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 | YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSR-NH2 | His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 |
| FDA | Not approved; "Ipamorelin acetate" is in Category 2 (may present significant safety risks) and also listed among withdrawn nominations [4][5] | Not on FDA's compounding safety-risk list [4] | Not approved; not on FDA's compounding safety-risk list [4] |
| Health Canada | "Ipamorelin" named among unauthorized peptide drugs seized by Health Canada [6] | Not named in the advisory [6] | Not named in the advisory [6] |
| WADA 2026 | Prohibited at all times, S2.2.4 growth hormone secretagogues [7] | Prohibited at all times, S2.2.4 GHRH analogues [7] | Prohibited at all times, S2.2.4 GH-releasing peptides, listed as "examorelin (hexarelin)" [7] |
| Supplied by Ageless Peptides | Yes | Yes | No |
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin (NNC 26-0161) is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and selective GHS-R1a agonist. It is not FDA-approved and has no identified EMA, MHRA or TGA marketing authorization in the reviewed evidence. FDA lists ipamorelin acetate in Category 2, substances that may present significant safety risks in compounding. [4][5]
Full reference: Ipamorelin research reference
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a 29-amino-acid N-terminal fragment of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and a GHRH-receptor agonist. It does not appear on FDA's compounding safety-risk list. [4]
Full reference: Sermorelin research reference
Hexarelin
Hexarelin, also called examorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone-releasing peptide and GHS-R1a agonist. It is not FDA-approved and does not appear on FDA's compounding safety-risk list. [4] Ageless Peptides does not supply Hexarelin.
Lot documentation
Each lot of each compound has its own Certificate of Analysis. Compare compounds only against the COA for the exact lot used.
Research use only
Ageless Peptides supplies these compounds as lyophilized material for laboratory research only. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, are not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or a statement of safety or effectiveness for any human or veterinary use.
