Research compound

This compound is primarily studied in research/clinical settings & may not be widely available as a regulated over-the-counter supplement. Information is provided for educational purposes only — not as a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

MK-677 is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue that increases GH and IGF-1 levels, supporting muscle mass preservation and improving sleep architecture, particularly in elderly and obese populations.

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Evidence last reviewed: 19 Apr 2026

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Biomarkers studied

Outcomes directly measured across the evidence records below

Hormonal

IGF-1

Evidence

5 records

Nitrogen balance

Healthy volunteers, ages 24-39 • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

MK-677 reversed diet-induced protein catabolism, improving nitrogen balance.

Dose: 25 mgDuration: 14 daysForm: OralTiming: Once daily

Citation: Murphy et al. (1998). MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Functional recovery

Elderly hip fracture patients • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

MK-677 improved gait speed but not stair climbing power in hip fracture patients.

Dose: 25 mgDuration: 24 weeksForm: OralTiming: Once daily

Citation: Adunsky et al. (2011). MK-0677 (ibutamoren mesylate) for the treatment of patients recovering from hip fracture: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIb study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

GH and IGF-1 levels

Obese males, ages 18-50 • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

MK-677 significantly increased serum IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 levels.

Dose: 25 mgDuration: 8 weeksForm: OralTiming: Once daily

Citation: Svensson et al. (1998). Two-month treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone (GH) secretagogue MK-677 increases GH secretion, fat-free mass, and energy expenditure. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Bone metabolism

Obese young males • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

MK-677 increased markers of bone formation and resorption.

Dose: 25 mgDuration: 8 weeksForm: OralTiming: Once daily

Citation: Svensson et al. (1998). Treatment with the oral growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 increases markers of bone formation and bone resorption in obese young males. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

GH and IGF-1 axis stimulation

Healthy elderly subjects • RCT

PUBMEDModerate

MK-677 increased GH pulse frequency and IGF-I levels without affecting cortisol.

Dose: 25 mgDuration: 7 daysForm: OralTiming: Bedtime

Citation: Chapman et al. (1996). Stimulation of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis by daily oral administration of a GH secretogogue (MK-677) in healthy elderly subjects. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Forms

Oral

Commonly available as tablets or capsules.

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