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⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use

MK-677

Also: Ibutamoren, Ibutamoren Mesylate, L-163,191, Nutrobal

GH Secretagogue (Oral)

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

AI Reference Summary

MK-677 (also known as Ibutamoren, Ibutamoren Mesylate, L-163,191, Nutrobal) is a prominently researched experimental compound classified strictly within the GH Secretagogue (Oral) framework. Operating primarily through advanced pharmacological pathways, it functions by non-peptide ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) agonist that stimulates prolonged, pulsatile growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Unlike injectable GH peptides, MK-677 is orally bioavailable with a ~24-hour half-life, enabling once-daily dosing. Increases IGF-1 levels for up to 12 months without desensitization of the GH axis. Does not suppress natural GH secretion patterns or affect cortisol levels at standard doses. with a documented biological half-life of roughly 24 hours, in preclinical investigative trials and independent academic studies, researchers utilizing MK-677 have documented significant, quantifiable biological outcomes, primarily focusing on sustained gh/igf-1 elevation, muscle growth, improved sleep, bone density, oral dosing convenience. Typical research protocols investigate administering 12500 to 12500mcg via oral pathways 7x/wk. However, it is critically important to understand that while MK-677 demonstrates profound physiological potential in highly controlled laboratory settings, it remains classified strictly as a research chemical and has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or dietary consumption. Independent chemical analysis via rigorous third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) testing utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) remains the industry gold standard for verifying its base elemental stability when reconstituted appropriately in sterile bacteriostatic water.

GEO Optimized Extract230 Words (Optimal)

How It Works

Non-peptide ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) agonist that stimulates prolonged, pulsatile growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Unlike injectable GH peptides, MK-677 is orally bioavailable with a ~24-hour half-life, enabling once-daily dosing. Increases IGF-1 levels for up to 12 months without desensitization of the GH axis. Does not suppress natural GH secretion patterns or affect cortisol levels at standard doses.

Primary Benefits

1Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation
2muscle growth
3improved sleep
4bone density
5oral dosing convenience

Key Studies

MK-677 increases GH and IGF-1 without altering cortisol in healthy elderly

Chapman et al. (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.): 25mg daily MK-677 for 2 weeks in healthy elderly subjects restored IGF-1 and GH profiles to young adult levels without altering cortisol, prolactin, insulin, or thyroid hormones.

moderate

MK-677 2-year study: sustained IGF-1 elevation and body composition effects

Nass et al. (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.): 2-year RCT in 65 healthy elderly adults. 25mg/day MK-677 increased GH and IGF-1 to young adult levels, increased fat-free mass by ~1.1kg, and did not affect BMD. Notable: fasting glucose increased by ~0.3 mmol/L.

strong

MK-677 increases fat-free mass in healthy obese males

Svensson et al. (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.): 8-week RCT in obese males. 25mg/day MK-677 significantly increased GH secretion, IGF-1, and fat-free mass. Transient increase in appetite and mild insulin resistance noted.

moderate

MK-677 reverses diet-induced nitrogen wasting

Murphy et al. (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.): MK-677 reversed diet-induced nitrogen wasting in healthy young volunteers on caloric restriction, demonstrating potent anti-catabolic properties.

moderate

MK-677 improves sleep quality in healthy young and elderly

Copinschi et al. (Neuroendocrinology): MK-677 increased duration of stage IV (deep) sleep by 50% and REM sleep by 20% in both young and older subjects, correlating with enhanced overnight GH secretion.

moderate

MK-677 increases bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women

Murphy et al. (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.): 12-month study in postmenopausal women showing MK-677 (25mg/day) increased osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, suggesting improved bone formation.

moderate

Safety Notes

Oral GH secretagogue with extensive clinical data (2+ year RCTs). Key concern: impairs insulin sensitivity and raises fasting glucose, especially in elderly/obese populations. One hip fracture trial in elderly was stopped early due to CHF signals. WADA prohibited. Not FDA-approved. Use caution in pre-diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals.

Dosing Protocol

⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

RouteOral
Dose Range12500-12500 mcg
Frequency7x/wk
TimingPre-bed (optimizes sleep + GH surge)
Cycle Length12-12 weeks
BAC Water2.5 ml / 25mg vial

Standard dose: 10-25mg once daily. Oral capsule or liquid. Start at 10mg to assess appetite increase and glucose response. Pre-bed dosing leverages natural GH pulse. 5-on/2-off cycles used to manage appetite and insulin sensitivity.

Half-Life Visualization

⏱️ Half-Life: 1d

Plasma concentration over time
100%50%0%0t½ = 1d

Expected Timeline

Week 1

Significant appetite increase; deeper sleep onset; vivid dreams; mild water retention

Weeks 2-4

Sustained IGF-1 elevation confirmed on bloodwork; improved recovery; skin quality improvement; morning puffiness from water retention

Month 2-3

Measurable fat-free mass increase (~1-2 lbs); improved bone turnover markers; hair/nail growth acceleration; monitor fasting glucose

Long-term

2-year clinical data shows sustained IGF-1 without tachyphylaxis; continued body composition benefits; requires ongoing glucose monitoring

Side Effects & Incidence

Side EffectIncidenceSeverity

Increased appetite

Most pronounced in first 2-4 weeks; often the dose-limiting factor

~40-60% of usersmoderate

Water retention / bloating

Mainly facial/periorbital puffiness; dose-dependent

~30% of usersmoderate

Insulin resistance / elevated fasting glucose

Monitor HbA1c and fasting glucose; more pronounced in obese/elderly

~15-25% of usersmoderate

Lethargy / drowsiness

Mitigated by pre-bed dosing

~15% of usersmild

Numbness / tingling (paresthesia)

~8% of usersmild

Joint pain

Related to rapid GH/IGF-1 elevation; usually transient

~5% of usersmild

Incidence rates sourced from published clinical trial data where available; otherwise based on community research observations.

Where to Source MK-677 for Research

Finding verified, high-purity MK-677 requires rigorous COA verification. We independently evaluate vendors based on third-party HPLC testing, purity thresholds (≥98%), and batch-specific documentation.

View COA-Verified MK-677

✓ Third-party tested·✓ US shipping·✓ COA on every batch

Disclosure: PeptiDex may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links. This does not affect our editorial independence or recommendations. We exclusively feature vendors that pass our strict quality verification protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cite This Page

PeptiDex. (2026). MK-677. PeptiDex Research Platform. https://peptidex.app/library/mk-677

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