MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an orally active small-molecule GH secretagogue that mimics ghrelin by binding GHSR-1a, stimulating pulsatile GH release and secondarily raising IGF-1. Unlike peptide GHRPs, it has high oral bioavailability and a plasma half-life of approximately 4-6 hours. Multiple clinical studies in young adults and older subjects have documented increases in GH and IGF-1, improved sleep quality, and lean mass effects.
Raises GH and IGF-1 within hours; increased appetite is often noticed early; body-composition effects over weeks.
Store in a cool, dry place away from light, per the product or compounding-pharmacy directions.
Clinical Evidence
What the literature says
Scientific Overview
MK-677 signals the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. It acts as a potent, orally active growth hormone secretagogue.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life (t½)
- 5 h
- Approximate plasma half-life
- Bioavailability
- 0.62%
- Estimated systemic absorption
- Routes
- Oral
t½ 1.0 d · ~3% remaining at 5.0 d
Citations (6)
- Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy agingPubMed 2026
- Effects of a 7-day treatment with a novel, orally active, growth hormone (GH) secretagogue, MK-677, on 24-hour GH profiles, insulin-like growth factor I, and adrenocortical function in normal young menPubMed
- MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolismPubMed
- Oral administration of the growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 increases markers of bone turnover in healthy and functionally impaired elderly adults. The MK-677 Study GroupPubMed
- Treatment with the oral growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 increases markers of bone formation and bone resorption in obese young malesPubMed
- Growth hormone secretagogue MK-677: no clinical effect on AD progression in a randomized trialPubMed
Last reviewed: 2026-05-09
Research Guide
How users approach this compound
The following reflects patterns observed in research literature and community protocols. This is not medical advice and does not constitute a clinical recommendation.
Typical Dose Range Observed
Research Protocols
Common DosagesOral Support
“Orally active; best at night to avoid hunger spikes”
Dosages listed are common research protocols found in peer-reviewed literature and clinical trials. Individual results and requirements may vary significantly in a research context.
Reported Uses
- Studied for oral GH secretagogue activity in adults and elderly subjects
- Investigated for potential lean mass preservation and sleep architecture improvements
- Explored for bone mineral density effects in older populations
Key Research Benefits
- Increases muscle mass
- Improves bone density
- Improves sleep quality
- Oral administration
Potential Side Effects
Considerations and Cautions
- Not FDA-approved; classified as research-only
- Decreased insulin sensitivity reported with chronic use; caution in prediabetes
Labs to monitor
Educational context only, not a testing mandate. Any bloodwork decisions belong with your clinician.
- IGF-1: Primary downstream marker of growth-hormone-axis activity.
- Fasting glucose / HbA1c: Ibutamoren can raise fasting glucose and reduce insulin sensitivity.
Dose Calculator
Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
Total amount of peptide in the vial.
Volume of water used to mix.
Draw to this mark
or 0.10 mL on a U-100 syringe
Quick Explainer
Stack MK-677 (Ibutamoren)with…
Curated stacking partners researched alongside MK-677 (Ibutamoren). Each link opens a dedicated stack page with combined benefits, side-effect overlap, and half-life considerations.
- Recovery stackMK-677 (Ibutamoren) + BPC-157The recovery king; speeds up tendon, muscle, and gut healing for faster training turnarounds.
- Recovery stackMK-677 (Ibutamoren) + TB-500Boosts tissue repair and reduces inflammation, perfect for injury-prone athletes.
- Recovery stackMK-677 (Ibutamoren) + KPVAnti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from α-MSH; gut and skin healing without sedation.
- Recovery stackMK-677 (Ibutamoren) + Pentadeca Arginate (PDA)Arginate-salt analog of BPC-157 developed for improved injection stability and tissue repair.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) by goal
Read MK-677 (Ibutamoren)'s profile filtered through specific research goals.
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Not medical advice
Information on DoseVault is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.