Ibutamoren Research Reference

Catalog classification, reference sizes, lab math links, and source-backed data. Educational use only — not medical advice.

Researched for: ibutamoren human efficacy and safety

Growth Signal Research compound PowderCapsuleLiquid verified

Also known as: MK-677, MK677

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Quick Facts

Reference Sizes

100 mg, 500 mg, 1 g

Storage

Investigational formulation and supplier specific

Solubility

Free base mesylate and liquid formulations are not interchangeable

Catalog Description

Ibutamoren (MK-677) is a non-peptide, orally bioavailable ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. In a randomized trial in healthy older adults, MK-677 25 mg/day increased serum IGF-1 by 60.1% at 6 weeks and 72.9% at 12 months, enhanced pulsatile GH secretion, and significantly increased fat-free mass over 12 months; it was generally well tolerated but was associated with a mild increase in insulin resistance and HbA1c versus placebo. In a separate double-blind trial of 563 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, MK-677 25 mg/day for 12 months showed clear IGF-1 target engagement but did not slow AD progression on cognitive measures.

Catalog descriptions reflect research context only. Not a medical claim or treatment recommendation.

Research Profile

Half-Life

Pharmacodynamic GH and IGF-1 effects support once-daily dosing; the prior blanket 24-hour compound half-life was not sufficiently sourced

Onset

GH and IGF-1 rise within days to weeks

Administration Routes (Research)

Oral

Reported Research Effects

Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation (RCT-confirmed)
Increases fat-free mass over 12 months
No cognitive benefit shown in AD trial despite target engagement

Reported Research Side Effects

Increased appetite
Edema
Muscle pain
Increased fasting glucose and reduced insulin sensitivity
Congestive-heart-failure safety signal in a hip-fracture trial

Data source: Randomized human trials across older adults hip fracture and Alzheimer disease

Reflects preclinical/research literature context only. Not a medical claim, dosing instruction, or treatment recommendation.

Research Protocols Reported in the Literature

25 mg once daily [Oral; Up to 2 years in a randomized older-adult trial; Daily]Source: PMID 18981485
25 mg once daily [Oral; 24 weeks in a hip-fracture trial; Daily]Source: PMID 21067829

Research Interactions

Flagged Avoid / Caution Combinations (Research)

Other GH secretagogues
Heart failure or uncontrolled glucose intolerance without specialist oversight

Reflects patterns reported in research/community literature only. Not a safety guarantee, medical advice, or interaction warning for human use.

Research Notes

Ibutamoren or MK-677 remains investigational and is not an approved anti-aging or muscle-building drug. A 12-month Alzheimer trial showed target engagement but no slowing of clinical progression.

Supplementary research context only. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

Sources

Two-year older-adult randomized trial — PubMed (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18981485/

Hip-fracture Phase 2b safety study — PubMed (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21067829/

Alzheimer randomized trial — PubMed (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19015485/

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Research Use Only. All content is for educational and research reference only. Not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or guidance on human use. Compounds are not FDA-approved drugs unless specifically noted.