Head to head
Hexarelin against Ipamorelin
Potency against selectivity within the same class. Hexarelin produces strong growth hormone release and has been studied for direct cardioprotective effects; ipamorelin was engineered to leave cortisol and prolactin alone.
Column A
HexarelinHexarelin (growth hormone secretagogue)
A potent synthetic GH-releasing hexapeptide studied for growth hormone release and direct cardioprotective effects.
Column B
IpamorelinIpamorelin Acetate
A selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates pulsatile GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | Hexarelin | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Growth Hormone |
| FDA status | Not FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved |
| Half-life | ~55 minutes | ~2 hours |
| Molecular weight | 887.0 Da | 711.85 Da |
| Mechanism | Agonizes the ghrelin/GH secretagogue receptor to release growth hormone, and binds cardiac CD36 receptors implicated in its cardioprotective effects. | Agonizes the ghrelin/GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) on the pituitary, stimulating pulsatile growth hormone secretion. |
| Human studies cited | 3 | 1 |
| Legal status, US | Not approved; research use only | Not approved; research use only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Hexarelin and Ipamorelin?
Hexarelin: A potent synthetic GH-releasing hexapeptide studied for growth hormone release and direct cardioprotective effects. Ipamorelin: A selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates pulsatile GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.
Which has stronger research evidence, Hexarelin or Ipamorelin?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 3 of the 5 studies cited on the Hexarelin profile were human work, against 1 of 3 for Ipamorelin. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are Hexarelin and Ipamorelin FDA-approved?
Hexarelin: Not FDA-approved. Ipamorelin: Not FDA-approved.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover Hexarelin or Ipamorelin, newest first.
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.