Ipamorelin is a synthetic five-amino-acid peptide in the growth-hormone-releasing-peptide family. Its defining feature in the research literature is selectivity: it activates the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) to evoke GH release while, in preclinical studies, producing minimal release of cortisol, prolactin, or other pituitary hormones — a contrast with earlier, less selective GHRPs.
This selectivity is the central research interest, making ipamorelin a useful tool for isolating GHS-receptor-driven GH release from confounding hormonal effects. It is an investigational compound, not an approved medicine.