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MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

peptide · headlineResearch use only

Acts 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: mg
    low dose: 10
    frequency: Once daily, typically in the evening
    high dose: 30
    standard dose: 20
    administration 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.