Comparison
Ipamorelin vs. Retatrutide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Metabolic
CAS no.
170851-70-4
2381089-83-2
Molecular weight
711.86 g/mol
4731.6 g/mol
Half-life
2 h
144 h
Sequence
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Y-Aib-EGTFTSDYSIYLDKQAAQDFVQWLLDTGPSSGAPPPSMechanism 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.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with agonism at three incretin/energy-balance receptors: GLP-1R (insulin secretion, satiety), GIPR (insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism) and the glucagon receptor (energy expenditure, lipolysis). The added glucagon activation is intended to raise catabolic energy expenditure while concurrent GLP-1/GIP action compensates the hyperglycaemic effect. Albumin binding via a fatty-acid side chain enables weekly dosing.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
3
4
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
2