Catalog11 refs
MK-677
Growth Hormone SecretagogueGrowth HormoneResearch use only
Educational use only. Not medical advice. Verify all information with primary sources and a licensed clinician before use.
Body Map
Muscles
Overview
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is a selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the same receptor ghrelin binds. By activating that receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus, it triggers pulses of growth hormone release, which raises IGF-1 from the liver. It is an orally active non-peptide molecule that mimics ghrelin. Investigational - Phase II trials halted due to safety concerns. FDA enforcement escalated 2025-2026 with product recalls, warning letters, and public safety alerts about congestive heart failure risk.
Primary Uses
Increasing growth hormone and IGF-1 levels
Improving sleep quality (REM and stage IV deep sleep)
Improving body composition (increasing lean body mass, reducing fat mass)
Increasing bone mineral density
Supporting muscle protein synthesis in catabolic states
Enhancing recovery and cognitive function
Osteoporosis research
GH/IGF-1 axis studies
Sleep and recovery research
Appetite signaling
Body-composition research
Somatic growth
Bone turnover and bone mineral density in osteoporosis
Muscle mass gain in elderly
Sarcopenia and cachexia
GH restoration in elderly subjects
IGF-1 enhancement
Sleep quality improvement
Muscle preservation during caloric restriction
Fat-free mass increase
Metabolic rate elevation
Bone formation enhancement
Muscle growth and lean tissue increase
Recovery
Raising IGF-1 levels
Increasing growth hormone levels
Alzheimer's disease (studied but failed to slow cognitive decline)
Age-related frailty in older adults (studied)
Protocol Reference
Dose
5–25mg oral daily
Frequency
1x Daily
Half-life
Approximately 24 Hours
Route
Oral
Evidence
Phase 2 / Well Studied / Phase II (trials halted) (disputed)
Research References· 18
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19015485/
PubMedPMID 19015485- [https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-149-9-200811040-00003](https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-149-9-200811040-00003)
Pharmatech MK-677 capsules contain metandienone↗
DOIReactions Weekly2026
Research Models
HumanRat
Also in Growth Hormone Secretagogue