Research library
Growth Hormone AxisPlausible but unproven in humans
Ibutamoren (non peptide GH secretagogue)
MK-677, Oral ghrelin receptor agonist
An orally active non peptide ghrelin receptor agonist that reliably raises GH and IGF-1, studied across GH deficiency, sarcopenia, and aging, with a notable cardiac safety flag.
40-70%
CHF signal
How MK-677 works
An oral, non peptide ghrelin receptor agonist that reliably raises GH and IGF-1, though the biomarker rise hasn't translated into the outcomes users want.
MK-677
Ghrelin receptor
↑ GH / IGF-1
Body comp
Research applications
GH / IGF-1 elevation
Biomarker rise
Sarcopenia / frailty
Muscle & function
Alzheimer's
Disease progression
Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.
Molecular profile
Key studies
MK-0677 (ibutamoren mesylate) for patients recovering from hip fracture: a multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled phase IIb study
Adunsky A, et al.
IGF-1 rose 84% vs 17% placebo, but the trial was halted early on a congestive heart failure signal (4/62 vs 1/61).
Evidence, safety & status
Claimed benefits & evidence
Studied for nearly 30 years across GH deficiency, sarcopenia/frailty, hip fracture recovery, obesity, and Alzheimer's, never approved for any indication. An Alzheimer's RCT showed no clinical benefit. The biomarker (IGF-1) rise does not translate to the functional outcomes users want.
Safety & dangers
A Phase IIb hip fracture trial was halted early on a congestive heart failure signal (Adunsky et al., 2011): CHF in 4/62 (6.5%) on MK-677 vs 1/61 (1.7%) on placebo. Also causes insulin resistance, raised fasting glucose/HbA1c, increased appetite, fluid retention/edema, and raised blood pressure.
Contraindications
Heart failure history/risk; diabetes/prediabetes; active malignancy; elderly with cardiac vulnerability.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved; investigational. 2024 PCAC recommended against bulks list inclusion. WADA prohibited (S2, ibutamoren named).
Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. For medical questions, consult a qualified physician.
For research use only
For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.