MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Research Compound
Research Use Only
This product is intended for laboratory research purposes only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, food, cosmetic, household, or agricultural applications. Not for human consumption.
Overview
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is a potent, orally-active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics the GH-stimulating action of ghrelin. Developed by Merck, MK-677 is technically not a peptide but a peptidomimetic—a small molecule designed to mimic peptide action. It binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus, promoting sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 levels without affecting cortisol.
Molecular Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C27H36N4O5S |
| Molecular Weight | 528.67 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 159752-10-0 |
| Chemical Name | 2-amino-2-methyl-N-[1-(1-methylsulfonylspiro[2H-indole-3,4'-piperidine]-1'-yl)-1-oxo-3-phenylmethoxypropan-2-yl]propanamide |
| Type | Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
Mechanism of Action
MK-677 stimulates GH release through ghrelin receptor activation:
Ghrelin Receptor Agonism
- High-affinity binding to GHS-R1a
- Oral bioavailability (~60%)
- Long half-life (~24 hours)
- Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation
GH Axis Effects
- Increases GH pulse amplitude
- Elevates IGF-1 levels
- No significant cortisol increase
- Preserved negative feedback
Additional Effects
- Appetite stimulation (ghrelin-like)
- Sleep quality effects (SWS increase)
- Nitrogen retention
- Potential neuroprotective actions
Research Applications
Oral GH Secretagogue Studies
- Bioavailability research
- Dose-response characterization
- Chronic administration studies
- Comparative efficacy analysis
Body Composition Research
- Lean mass studies
- Fat distribution research
- Elderly muscle wasting models
- Cachexia research
Sleep Research
- Slow-wave sleep enhancement
- Sleep architecture analysis
- GH pulsatility during sleep
- Recovery protocol studies
Metabolic Studies
- IGF-1 pathway research
- Glucose metabolism effects
- Lipid profile changes
- Long-term metabolic impact
Available Formats
| Size | Format | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1g | Powder | MK-1 |
| 5g | Powder | MK-5 |
| 10g | Powder | MK-10 |
Handling & Storage
- Store powder at room temperature or 2-8°C
- Protect from moisture
- Stable as powder for 2+ years
- Soluble in DMSO, ethanol
- Limited water solubility (requires co-solvents)
- Weigh using analytical balance
Quality Specifications
- Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
- Appearance: White to off-white powder
- Solubility: DMSO (freely), Ethanol (soluble)
- Identity: Confirmed by MS
- Certificate of Analysis provided
Key Research Findings
| Study | Duration | Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Chapman et al. (1996) | 2 weeks | Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation |
| Murphy et al. (1998) | 12 months | Maintained efficacy without tachyphylaxis |
| Nass et al. (2008) | 2 years | Safety and tolerability in elderly |
Peptide vs. MK-677
| Property | Injectable Peptides | MK-677 |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Injection | Oral |
| Half-life | Minutes to hours | ~24 hours |
| Dosing | Multiple daily | Once daily |
| GH Pattern | Pulsatile | Sustained elevation |
References
- Chapman IM, et al. "Stimulation of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis by daily oral administration of a GH secretagogue (MK-677)." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996.
- Murphy MG, et al. "MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998.
- Nass R, et al. "Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in elderly adults." Ann Intern Med. 2008.