Ipamorelin vs VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
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 →VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects throughout the body. It acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and immune regulator with particular importance in gut and lung function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Ipamorelin | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–300 mcg | 100 mcg–200 mcg |
| Frequency | 2x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 2–8 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | intranasal |
| 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. | Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to modulate immune responses, regulate circadian rhythms, promote vasodilation, and support barrier function in gut and lungs. Has potent anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | Intranasal: 50-200mcg 1-3 times daily for chronic inflammatory conditions. Some protocols use subcutaneous administration. Dosing varies by condition. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Intranasal is most common for inflammatory conditions. Subcutaneous injection also used. Must be stored cold and protected from light. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | May cause nasal irritation, flushing, headache, or temporary diarrhea. Generally well-tolerated at standard doses. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Ipamorelin, VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Unique to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Sleep Quality: Ipamorelin has stronger research support.
| Goal | Ipamorelin | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality | high | low |
Key Studies
Ipamorelin
- The influence of ghrelin agonist ipamorelin acetate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a cichlid fish, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Animal reproduction science, 2024
- The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism.
Physiology & behavior, 2024
- Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients.
International journal of colorectal disease, 2014
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
- Distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity in the rat pallial and subpallial amygdala and colocalization with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007), 2024
- Increased Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing IVF.
Frontiers in endocrinology, 2024
- Therapeutic Potential of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and its Derivative Stearyl-Norleucine-VIP in Inflammation-Induced Osteolysis.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021
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