Ipamorelin vs Retatrutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →Retatrutide
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 trials showed unprecedented weight loss of up to 24% at 48 weeks, making it potentially the most effective obesity treatment studied.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Ipamorelin | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. | Triple receptor activation provides complementary metabolic effects: GLP-1 and GIP reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity, while glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure and promotes hepatic fat oxidation. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | Clinical trials used doses from 1mg to 12mg weekly. Optimal dosing still being determined in ongoing Phase 3 trials. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available through clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | Similar GI effects to other incretin-based therapies: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation. Dose-dependent severity. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Ipamorelin and Retatrutide are commonly used for: