Back to Peptide Pedia
Growth Hormone
Well Researched

MK-677

MK-677

Orally active growth-hormone secretagogue.

Also known as: Ibutamoren, Ibutamoren Mesylate

Research dose range10–25 mg daily (research models)
Route studiedOral
Study durationDaily, multi-week to multi-month studies
StorageRoom temperature (dry)

Overview

MK-677 (ibutamoren) is an orally active, non-peptide growth-hormone secretagogue studied for sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 in research models.

Key research findings

A rare orally active, non-peptide GH secretagogue with a long half-life supporting once-daily dosing. Research reports sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1; its small-molecule structure resists digestive breakdown, unlike injectable peptide secretagogues.

Mechanism of action

Mimics ghrelin at the GH-secretagogue receptor as a small molecule, increasing GH and IGF-1 with oral bioavailability.

Molecular information

Weight624.78 Da
LengthNon-peptide small molecule
TypeOrally active GH secretagogue (ghrelin mimetic)

Ibutamoren is a spiropiperidine small molecule, not a peptide — hence oral stability.

Pharmacokinetics

Peak: ~1–2 hoursHalf-life: ~24 hoursCleared: ~5 days
Peak · 0.1dHalf-life · 1d

Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.

Research applications

  • Oral GH-secretagogue research
  • IGF-1 elevation studies
  • Body-composition investigations

Research protocols

Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.

Conservative referenceAmount: 10 mgFrequency: Once dailyRoute: Oral
Standard referenceAmount: 25 mgFrequency: Once dailyRoute: Oral

Observed effects timeline

Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.

  1. Week 1–2

    Onset of elevated GH/IGF-1; increased appetite and sleep changes commonly reported.

  2. Week 4–8

    Sustained IGF-1 elevation and body-composition changes reported in studies.

  3. Ongoing

    Some water retention reported; effects reverse after discontinuation.

Research compatibility

Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.

Ipamorelin

Overlapping secretagogue activity; monitor in research designs.

Use caution

CJC-1295 (with DAC)

Both elevate GH/IGF-1 by different routes.

Use caution

HGH

Redundant GH-axis stimulation.

Use caution

BPC-157

Distinct pathways; no documented interference.

Compatible

Quality indicators

Consistent oral form

Research material is typically a capsule, tablet, or solution; verify labeled concentration.

Dry storage

As a stable small molecule, MK-677 does not require cold-chain handling like peptides.

Slight clumping

Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.

Collapsed or melted appearance

Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.

Cloudy after reconstitution

Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.

Reported observations & safety

Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.

  • Increased appetite is among the most commonly reported effects (ghrelin-receptor activity).
  • Transient water retention, mild fatigue, and changes in fasting glucose/insulin are reported.
  • IGF-1 and glucose monitoring are standard in research designs.

References & further reading

MK-677 (ibutamoren) sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation (JCEM)

HumanoralGH/IGF-1 increase

Study reporting that oral ibutamoren increased GH and IGF-1 with once-daily dosing in research participants.

View study

Topics

secretagogueoraligf-1

This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.

Research level
Well Researched

Substantial peer-reviewed research across multiple models.

Quick reference
Dose range10–25 mg daily (research models)
RouteOral
DurationDaily, multi-week to multi-month studies
StorageRoom temperature (dry)
Half-life~24 hours
Catalogue status

This compound is part of our educational reference and is not currently stocked. Browse the catalogue for available research-grade peptides.

Browse catalogue