MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
A pill (not a peptide) that mimics ghrelin to raise growth hormone and IGF-1. Studied in older adults but never approved.
- Evidence
- Limited human research
- Half-life
- Not known
- Sources
- 2 cited
Is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) FDA-approved?
Not FDA-approved.
Is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) banned in sport?
Banned in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Overview
Ibutamoren was developed by Merck. In a year-long trial in healthy older adults, it raised growth hormone and IGF-1 to young-adult levels and added lean mass, but didn't improve strength or function, and it raised blood sugar and appetite. A trial in older adults recovering from hip fracture was stopped early because of a heart failure safety signal.
How it works
It switches on the ghrelin receptor, so the pituitary releases more growth hormone, which raises IGF-1.
How long does MK-677 (Ibutamoren) stay in the body?
Not well established. Its effect on IGF-1 lasts about a day.
What it's studied for
- Growth hormone and IGF-1 in older adults
- Recovery after hip fracture
- Bone turnover
Reported side effects
- More hunger (usually fades after a few months)
- Mild swelling and muscle pain
- Higher blood sugar and lower insulin sensitivity
- Heart failure signal in frail older adults
Related: Hexarelin, Mecasermin (IGF-1), GHRP-6, IGF-1 LR3.
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults. Ann Intern Med, 2008 PubMed
- MK-0677 for patients recovering from hip fracture: a phase IIb study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2011 PubMed
