← Compounds
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
peptide · headlineResearch use onlyActs as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist
Summary
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is a long-acting, orally active ghrelin mimetic that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by binding to the GHS-R1a receptor. It has been studied in preclinical and clinical research for its potential to support GH/IGF-1 axis signaling, muscle mass retention, and metabolic regulation in aging and disease models.
How it works
- Acts as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist
- Stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release
- Increases circulating IGF-1 without elevating cortisol or prolactin significantly
- Promotes sleep-related GH secretion and deep wave sleep
Dosing
- unit: mglow dose: 10frequency: Once daily, typically in the eveninghigh dose: 30standard dose: 20administration route: Oral
Cycling
- Take once daily for 8–12 weeks. Breaks of 2–4 weeks recommended to monitor insulin sensitivity. Best taken pre-sleep or fasted in AM.
Side effects
common: ["Water retention","Increased appetite","Mild lethargy or fatigue"]
warnings: ["Can exacerbate insulin resistance and cause transient blood sugar elevation","Use caution in diabetics or those with metabolic syndrome"]
long term: ["Long-term use may affect insulin sensitivity; monitoring is advised"]
Chemistry & PK
sequence: Non-peptide mimetic (ghrelin receptor agonist)
half life: 24 hours
degradation: Metabolized in liver; maintains stable GH elevation throughout day
molecular weight: 528.7
molecular formula: C27H36N4O5S
tissue specificity: Acts on pituitary GH axis, hypothalamus, and metabolic tissues
Verified citations
2 · PubMed-checked- MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism.clinicalPMID 9467534 ↗
- The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues.reviewPMID 28400207 ↗
Used for
No condition evidence rows yet.
Legal / compounding
Research use only
Legal status is a hard gate: non-compoundable or delisted agents cannot be filled and are blocked from protocol export. Keep 503A status current.