MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
An oral growth hormone booster for sleep, muscle, and recovery — no injections needed. MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate GH and IGF-1 release. Unlike injectable peptides, it's taken orally and has a long duration of action. Known for increasing appetite, improving sleep, and supporting muscle/recovery.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- Type: Non-peptide(Small molecule, not an amino acid chain.)
- Administration: Oral(Taken as capsule or liquid.)
- Half-life: ~24 hours(Once-daily dosing sufficient.)
- Primary Use: GH elevation(Increases GH and IGF-1 levels.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
Oral GH Secretagogue — Non-Peptide Ghrelin MimeticTarget → Signal → Effect → Outcomes
GHS-R1a (Ghrelin Receptor) — Oral Bioavailability
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) targets the same ghrelin receptor as Ipamorelin and other GHRPs, but it's a non-peptide small molecule with oral bioavailability. No injection needed — it's taken as a capsule or liquid.
Sustained Ghrelin Pathway Activation
Like injectable GHRPs, MK-677 triggers the IP3/DAG cascade at the pituitary. However, its long half-life (24+ hours) means sustained GH elevation rather than discrete pulses. This is similar to the DAC version of CJC-1295 — convenient but non-pulsatile.
Sustained GH/IGF-1 + Significant Appetite Increase
Consistently elevated GH and IGF-1 levels. Significant appetite increase (ghrelin effect). Potential for water retention and blood sugar changes with extended use. The sustained, non-pulsatile pattern differs from natural GH secretion.
Strong Hunger → Sleep → Body Composition (Gradual)
Significant appetite increase and improved sleep quality are the most immediate effects. Body composition changes develop over months. Water retention is common. Convenience of oral dosing is the primary advantage over injectable GHRPs.
What Makes This Peptide Different
MK-677's defining advantage is oral bioavailability — no injections required. It achieves GH/IGF-1 elevation through the same receptor as injectable GHRPs but with sustained (non-pulsatile) activation. The tradeoff is increased appetite, potential blood sugar effects, and the non-physiological sustained GH pattern. Not technically a peptide, but commonly categorized with them.
Dosing Protocol
Growth Hormone (Oral)Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why before bed? Taking MK-677 before sleep takes advantage of the natural nighttime GH window and helps manage the appetite increase (you sleep through the hunger spike).
Why daily? The 24+ hour half-life means once-daily dosing maintains consistent blood levels. No cycling within the week is needed.
Why 8-12 weeks max? Extended use can cause insulin resistance and sustained IGF-1 elevation. Cycling with off-periods helps manage these effects.
Diagrams
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MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Pricing
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Reconstitution calculator
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Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
Is MK-677 a peptide?
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is technically not a peptide but a non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue. However, it's often discussed alongside peptides because it mimics ghrelin and stimulates GH release. Its key advantage is oral bioavailability — it's taken as a pill rather than injected.
What are MK-677's main effects?
MK-677 increases GH and IGF-1 levels, promotes deeper sleep, stimulates appetite, and may support muscle growth and recovery. Effects can last 24 hours from a single dose. Common side effects include increased hunger, water retention, and potential effects on blood sugar.
How does MK-677 work?
MK-677 mimics the hormone ghrelin, binding to ghrelin receptors (GHSR) in the brain. This stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Unlike injected GH, it works through the body's natural feedback mechanisms. It also doesn't suppress natural GH production like exogenous GH can.
What is the typical MK-677 dosage?
Common dosages range from 10-25 mg per day, taken orally. Many start at 10 mg to assess tolerance due to appetite and water retention effects. It has a long half-life (~24 hours), so once-daily dosing is sufficient. Evening dosing is popular due to its sleep-enhancing effects.
Does MK-677 affect blood sugar?
Yes, MK-677 can increase blood glucose and reduce insulin sensitivity, similar to growth hormone itself. This effect is more pronounced at higher doses and in those predisposed to insulin resistance. Monitoring blood glucose is recommended, especially for longer-term use. Some users cycle it or combine with berberine/metformin.
How long can you take MK-677?
MK-677 doesn't cause pituitary desensitization like some GHRPs, so it can theoretically be used long-term. However, due to effects on insulin sensitivity and water retention, many users cycle it (e.g., 3 months on, 1 month off). Consistent IGF-1 elevation may also warrant periodic breaks.
What are the side effects of MK-677?
Common side effects include: increased appetite (can be significant), water retention/bloating, lethargy initially, vivid dreams, and numbness/tingling in extremities. More concerning: elevated blood sugar, potential prolactin increase, and joint pain from water retention. Most side effects are dose-dependent.
Can MK-677 be stacked with peptides?
Yes, MK-677 is commonly stacked with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295 for synergistic GH release — GHRH increases GH production while MK-677 (via ghrelin mimicking) amplifies the pulse. It's less commonly stacked with other GHRPs (like Ipamorelin) since they work on the same receptor.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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