Researcher organizing samples for a receptor assay

Growth Axis · Laboratory protocol

Ipamorelin

Selective GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor) agonist, a pentapeptide. Its experimental signature is receptor selectivity: published work reports little ACTH or cortisol release relative to earlier secretagogues.

For laboratory research use only. Material is supplied as a research reference standard and is not approved by Health Canada. Protocols below are compiled from published literature and supplier documentation; they are reference information, not medical advice. Anyone with a health condition or on medication should speak to a physician first.

Before you begin

• Lot-matched certificate and laboratory notebook
• Calibrated pipettes, low-binding tubes and suitable PPE
• Validated solvent, assay reagents and model-specific SOP
• Appropriate positive, negative and vehicle controls

Workflow

1Review the lot-matched COA and record identity, purity, batch number and received condition.
2Let the sealed vial equilibrate to room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
3Calculate the target stock concentration with C = mass / volume. Use only a solvent validated for the planned assay.
4Add solvent slowly down the vial wall, mix gently and avoid vortexing unless the validated method permits it.
5Prepare a log-spaced pilot concentration series; determine the usable range empirically instead of assuming a biological dose.
6Run the defined controls and technical replicates alongside every plate or experiment.
7Record preparation time, temperature, equipment, deviations and raw-data file locations.

Assay design

A GHS-R1a reporter system or a validated pituitary-cell secretion model, with an antagonist or receptor-null condition included so selectivity is demonstrated rather than assumed.

Required controls

Vehicle-only negative control
Receptor-null or antagonist condition
Validated reference ligand
Untreated viability control

Reported protocol

Standard: 100 mcg per injection, paired 1:1 with CJC-1295 in the blend protocol
Frequency: 1 to 3 times daily (morning, post-workout, pre-bedtime)
Fasting requirement: Administer on an empty stomach: no food 2 h before, 30 min after
Route: Subcutaneous

Diluent

Sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi-withdrawal stock, or sterile water for injection where a preservative-free stock is required by the assay.

Reconstitution concentrations

Solvent volume sets the stock concentration for this 10 mg vial. Lower volume gives a more concentrated stock and smaller working aliquots; higher volume gives a more dilute stock that is easier to measure accurately.

Stock concentration by solvent volume for a 10 mg vial
Solvent added	Stock concentration	Per 0.1 mL	Per unit (U-100)
1 mL	10 mg/mL	1 mg	100 mcg
2 mL	5 mg/mL	500 mcg	50 mcg
3 mL	3.33 mg/mL	333.33 mcg	33.33 mcg

Working range

GHS-R1a reporter and secretion models generally work in the nanomolar band. Start with a broad log-spaced series and narrow after the first curve.

A GHS-R1a reporter system or a validated pituitary-cell secretion model, with an antagonist or receptor-null condition included so selectivity is demonstrated rather than assumed.

Stability

Lyophilized: Stable sealed and dry at the certificate temperature.
In solution: Establish empirically for your solvent and container.

Handling notes

Include a receptor-null or antagonist arm. Selectivity is the entire claim being tested, so it needs its own control.
If profiling against GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, run them concurrently; cross-study comparison of secretagogue potency is unreliable.
Swirl to dissolve; do not vortex.

Documentation checklist

Record lot and COA, mass balance, solvent and concentration, preparation timestamp, storage history, plate map, replicate plan, instrument settings, exclusions and deviations. Preserve raw data and analysis code with the experiment record.