Comparison
Ipamorelin vs. Lixisenatide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Metabolic
CAS no.
170851-70-4
320367-13-3
Molecular weight
711.86 g/mol
4858.5 g/mol
Half-life
2 h
3 h
Sequence
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPSKKKKKK-NH2Mechanism of action
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective agonist at the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a). Compared to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 its selectivity for the growth-hormone axis is higher; ACTH, cortisol and prolactin are not significantly stimulated in clinical studies. This selectivity was the main reason for its development over older GHRPs.
Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is a 44-amino-acid peptide based on exendin-4 (see exenatide) with six additional lysine residues at the C-terminus. This modification increases stability against DPP-4 degradation. The short half-life (~3 hours) and plasma peak around mealtime explain the predominantly prandial effect — stronger postprandial glucose action, weaker fasting glucose effect than weekly GLP-1 RAs.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
3
5
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1