MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Ibutamoren · Oratrope · MK-0677

Rank#999
Growth HormoneNot ApprovedPhase IIIResearchOral

Popular for:Oral GH secretagogue, sleep quality, muscle preservation

0

Total Studies

0

Human Studies

Phase III

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is a non-peptide, orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH and IGF-1 release. Unlike injectable GHRPs, MK-677 is taken orally and has a long duration of action (approximately 24 hours), allowing once-daily dosing.

Developed by Merck, MK-677 has been through Phase II clinical trials for various conditions including growth hormone deficiency, muscle wasting, and osteoporosis. It is technically not a peptide but is commonly grouped with GH secretagogues in the peptide research community.

Mechanism of Action

MK-677 is a ghrelin mimetic that binds to GHS-R1a receptors, stimulating GH release from the pituitary. Its non-peptide structure allows oral bioavailability and a long half-life (~24 hours). It elevates GH and IGF-1 levels for sustained periods, and notably increases appetite through ghrelin receptor activation in the hypothalamus.

Key Research Benefits

Oral administration (no injection required)
Long-acting — once daily dosing
Studied for sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation
Researched for improved sleep quality and deep sleep
Clinical trial data for muscle wasting and bone density

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

0

Total Studies

0

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Completed Phase II clinical trials (Merck). Research compound. Not scheduled by DEA.

Key Studies / PubMed References

Hepatotoxicity induced by MK-677.

Review

Cobani E, Amin MS, Hasso M, et al. · BMJ case reports · 2025

PMID: 40675653

A GH Secretagogue Receptor Agonist (LUM-201) Elicits Greater GH Responses than Standard GH Secretagogues in Subjects of a Pediatric GH Deficiency Trial.

Human Study

Bright GM, Thorner MO · Hormone research in paediatrics · 2022

PMID: 35354138

LGD-4033 and MK-677 use impacts body composition, circulating biomarkers, and skeletal muscle androgenic hormone and receptor content: A case report.

Review

Cardaci TD, Machek SB, Wilburn DT, et al. · Experimental physiology · 2022

PMID: 36303408

Characterization of growth hormone secretagogue small molecule ibutamoren (MK-0677) and its possible metabolites in thoroughbred horses for doping control.

Review

Philip M, Karakka Kal AK, Subhahar MB, et al. · Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM · 2022

PMID: 35716382

Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males.

Review

Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, et al. · Translational andrology and urology · 2020

PMID: 32257855

Side Effects & Safety

Increased appetite and hunger
Water retention and bloating
Potential insulin resistance with prolonged use
Lethargy and drowsiness
Numbness/tingling in extremities

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for MK-677 (Ibutamoren) yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.