MK-677 / Ibutamoren
aka Ibutamoren · L-163191 · MK-677
MK-677 / Ibutamoren in brief
MK-677 / Ibutamoren (L-163191) is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics the action of ghrelin. Non-peptide small molecule. Amino Axiom rates its evidence base strong, drawing on 12 PubMed results (8 human studies) and 8 registered trials listed below. Its reported half-life is 4-6 hours. It is filed under Growth Hormone in the Amino Axiom compound index.
Research data
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Long-form breakdowns
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Overview
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that acts as a potent agonist at the ghrelin receptor. Unlike peptides that require injection, MK-677 can be taken orally. It has been studied in clinical trials for growth hormone deficiency, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis.
PubMed results: 12 · Human studies: 8 · Animal studies: 12
Dosing Ranges
Ranges reflect protocols studied in published research and animal-model extrapolation. Presented for research purposes only, not a recommendation or instruction for human use.
Based on clinical trial data
- Oral — standard range 25 mg, Once daily. 12-16 weeks
Half-Life
4-6 hours (high confidence)
Observed Benefits
- Growth hormone elevation (Human clinical data): Sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 levels demonstrated in clinical trials
Side Effects
- Increased appetite — Mild, Common
- Mild edema — Mild, Common
Contraindications
- Active malignancy / GH–IGF-1 axis concerns (Theoretical / Preclinical): As an orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist that elevates growth hormone and IGF-1, MK-677 (ibutamoren) raises theoretical concern in active cancer research settings where GH/IGF-1 pathway stimulation is undesirable
- Uncontrolled diabetes or significant insulin resistance (Clinical): Clinical and research literature on growth hormone secretagogues notes that GH elevation can antagonize insulin action and affect glucose homeostasis; protocols often exclude or closely monitor subjects with uncontrolled hyperglycemia
Storage
Lyophilized (powder): Refrigerated (2-8°C), Up to 24 months (solid oral research material; follow supplier certificate of analysis). Light sensitive: yes, store dark
Reconstituted (solution): Refrigerated (2-8°C), Per manufacturer if compounded liquid form is used; solid oral material is typically stored dry. Solvent: Not typically reconstituted as a peptide; oral research formulations are solid or solution per supplier
Clinical Trials
- NCT05364684 — The Impact of Ibutamoren on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (PHASE2), status: COMPLETED. Indications: NAFLD, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver, NASH - Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
- NCT00395291 — Growth Hormone Secretagogue MK-0677 Effect on IGF-1 Levels in ESRD Patients (NA), status: COMPLETED. Indications: Chronic Kidney Disease, End Stage Renal Disease
- NCT00474279 — Effects of an Oral GH Secretagogue (MK-677) on Body Composition and Functional Ability of Older Adults (PHASE1 / PHASE2), status: COMPLETED. Indications: Aging
- NCT00116129 — Efficacy and Safety of an Oral Growth Hormone Drug in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia (PHASE2), status: COMPLETED. Indications: Fibromyalgia
- NCT01343641 — Growth Hormone Secretagogue MK-0677's Effect on Lean Body Mass in Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4/5 Subjects (PHASE2), status: WITHDRAWN. Indications: Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Disease
- NCT00128115 — Treatment of Sarcopenia in Post-Hip Fracture Patients (0677-032) (PHASE2), status: TERMINATED. Indications: Hip Fracture
- NCT00074529 — Study of MK0677 for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (0677-030)(COMPLETED) (PHASE2), status: COMPLETED. Indications: Alzheimer's Disease
- NCT06948214 — Phase 3 Study of LUM-201 in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency (PHASE3), status: RECRUITING. Indications: Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)