§ 01 Overview
Overview
Once-daily oral ghrelin-receptor agonist that raises GH/IGF-1; Phase 3 Alzheimer's trial failed and frailty program was halted.
Phase 3 Alzheimer's negative; frailty program halted. No approved indication.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
MK-677 is a non-peptide orally active GHS-R1a agonist. It produces sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation with a single daily dose by mimicking ghrelin at the pituitary.
- 01Convenience of oral daily dosing
- 02Sustained IGF-1 elevation
- 03Popularized in bodybuilding communities
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Dose Range
- 10 – 25 mg daily (off-label)
- Route
- Oral
- Timing
- Before bed
- Frequency
- Daily
- Cycle
- 8–12 weeks
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Phase 3 Alzheimer's negative; frailty program halted. No approved indication.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved.
§ 06 News
In the news
6 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Pharmatech MK-677 capsules contain metandienone - Springer Nature Link
Pharmatech MK-677 capsules contain metandienone Springer Nature Link
MK 677 Erectile Dysfunction: What the Evidence Shows About Ibutamoren and Sexual Function - Portal CNJ
MK 677 Erectile Dysfunction: What the Evidence Shows About Ibutamoren and Sexual Function Portal CNJ
Umbrella Labs Introduces Research-Use-Only MK-677 Ibutamoren Program To Support High-Rigor Endocrine And Metabolic Bench Science - ACCESS Newswire
Umbrella Labs Introduces Research-Use-Only MK-677 Ibutamoren Program To Support High-Rigor Endocrine And Metabolic Bench Science ACCESS Newswire
SARMs RAD 140 (Testolone) and IBUTAMOREN MK-677 SARMS Stack: Crazy Bulk Lunch Rad 140 Effective Sarms for Bulking and Muscle Growth in 2025 - Yahoo Finance
SARMs RAD 140 (Testolone) and IBUTAMOREN MK-677 SARMS Stack: Crazy Bulk Lunch Rad 140 Effective Sarms for Bulking and Muscle Growth in 2025 Yahoo Finance
Agebox iKids Growth Day Formula may be harmful due to hidden ingredient - fda.gov
Agebox iKids Growth Day Formula may be harmful due to hidden ingredient fda.gov
Men are risking their health taking latest underground gym pills – I'm one of them - Metro.co.uk
Men are risking their health taking latest underground gym pills – I'm one of them Metro.co.uk
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Restricted from compounding
Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales.
Research-use-only · 3
Swiss Chems
Established SARMs/peptide vendor. FDA warning letter Dec 2024 for GLP-1s. Weaker peptide QC than SARMs QC.
Limitless Life Nootropics
'Only BBB-accredited peptide company' (since 2020). Claims three-lab third-party testing. Broad catalog.
Core Peptides
Broad catalog, widest payment range. Mid-credibility: Knoji 2.5/5 and one scam-impersonation report.
Listings are informational, not endorsement. Verify credentials and flags against FDA and PCAB databases before purchasing. Full directory & how to verify →
§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Increased appetite and water retention
- 02Insulin resistance over time
- 03Lethargy in some users
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) FAQ
- What is MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
- Once-daily oral ghrelin-receptor agonist that raises GH/IGF-1; Phase 3 Alzheimer's trial failed and frailty program was halted. MK-677 is a non-peptide orally active GHS-R1a agonist. It produces sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation with a single daily dose by mimicking ghrelin at the pituitary.
- What is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) used for?
- Reported uses include convenience of oral daily dosing, sustained igf-1 elevation, and popularized in bodybuilding communities. Evidence strength is rated Clinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 10 – 25 mg daily (off-label), administered Oral. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- What are the side effects of MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?
- Commonly reported side effects include increased appetite and water retention, insulin resistance over time, and lethargy in some users. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is MK-677 (Ibutamoren) legal?
- Placed on the FDA's 503A Category 2 list and cannot be lawfully compounded in the US. No brand pharmacy alternative exists. US buyers encounter only research-use-only (RUO) channels, which the FDA's Intended Use Doctrine treats as unapproved drug sales. FDA status: Not FDA-approved..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
Nass — frailty RCT
PMID: 18981485
- 02
Murphy — pharmacology
PMID: 11238496