MK-677 — Research Evidence & Community Data
Also known as: Ibutamoren, MK-0677, oral secretagogue
Research & educational use only. This content is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide compound.
What Is MK-677?
MK-677 (ibutamoren) is an orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor to raise growth hormone and IGF-1. Despite extensive clinical investigation it has never received FDA approval, and recognized effects include increased appetite and reduced insulin sensitivity. It is included here as a widely discussed secretagogue although it is a small molecule rather than a peptide.
Is MK-677 FDA Approved?
MK-677 is investigational. It is treated as a research compound in the United States with no approved human clinical applications.
What Does the Research Show?
As of 2026, there are 5 human randomized controlled trials with a combined 600 subjects, and 20 animal model studies. Multiple human trials show sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 and changes in body composition, but functional-benefit endpoints were often not met.
Trials for indications such as hip-fracture recovery and frailty did not establish functional efficacy, and long-term outcome benefit was not demonstrated.
| Study | Type | Subjects | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adultsNass R, et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2008 | RCT | 65 | Increased GH/IGF-1 and lean mass; functional benefit not established | — |
What Do Community Logs Show?
1 community protocol logs include MK-677. Browse community logs →
How Is MK-677 Used in Research?
Mechanism of action. Agonism of the ghrelin / GHS-R1a receptor, increasing pulsatile GH and IGF-1.
Half-life. Long half-life supporting once-daily oral dosing.
Storage. Small-molecule powder; store cool and dry.
Reconstitution. Orally active; reconstitution is generally not applicable. Math tools are for injectable lyophilized peptides only. See the reconstitution calculator — a math tool only, not dosing guidance.
What Does MK-677's Evidence Tier Mean?
MK-677 is rated Tier 2 · Observational. Supported by human observational or clinical reports. Evidence tiers are a shorthand for how strong the human data is — Tier 1 reflects human randomized controlled trials, while lower tiers rest on observational, animal, or theoretical evidence. A higher tier means more confidence that observed effects are real and caused by the compound rather than by chance or bias. For how to weigh each tier, see our guide to understanding peptide evidence tiers.
How Do You Evaluate MK-677 Sourcing and Quality?
Because research-chemical MK-677 is unregulated, sourcing quality varies widely between sellers. Before trusting any supplier, check its reputation and enforcement history in the ranked list of trusted peptide sellers, and look for a batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA) showing third-party HPLC or LC-MS purity testing. Purity claims without a named lab, a batch number, and a method are marketing, not data. If you are reconstituting lyophilized material, the reconstitution calculator handles the arithmetic — it is a math tool only and not dosing guidance.
Where to Buy MK-677: Trusted & Verified Sellers
MK-677 is supplied by specialist research-chemical sellers rather than pharmacies, so where you buy it matters as much as what you buy. The sellers below have published moderator-approved third-party lab results for MK-677, ranked by overall reputation score. Always confirm a current batch-specific COA before purchasing.
No seller has published a lab result for MK-677 yet. Browse the ranked directory of trusted peptide sellers and check each one's lab testing and enforcement record before buying.
PeptidesHub does not sell MK-677 or facilitate transactions — this list is for research transparency only.
How Are Adverse Reactions to MK-677 Reported?
Structured adverse-event reports help the whole community spot safety signals early. You can browse approved reports on the adverse events page or submit one yourself. For a serious or life-threatening reaction, seek medical care and report it to FDA MedWatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
MK-677 is investigational. It is treated as a research compound in the United States.