MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Muscle & Strength · Oral ghrelin receptor agonist
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades MK-677 (ibutamoren) as C (4.9/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a med-high-risk safety profile.
The only orally active ghrelin/GH-secretagogue used widely in biohacker circles.
Typical use: Typical illicit: 10-25 mg PO daily — Research chemical (not scheduled); banned sport.
What this is
The only orally active ghrelin/GH-secretagogue used widely in biohacker circles. Merck halted development after Adunsky 2011 hip fracture trial showed excess heart failure events in elderly subjects. Hunger and water retention well-documented in short-term use. Strong insulin resistance signal.
Mechanism
Non-peptide ghrelin mimetic; orally bioavailable GHS-R1a agonist; raises GH and IGF-1 sustainably for ~24 hr per dose; Merck-originated, abandoned after Ph2/3 hip fracture study showed elevated HF risk
Dose & route
Typical illicit: 10-25 mg PO daily
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18541703/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21576340/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9467553/
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Common questions
- Does MK-677 (ibutamoren) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for MK-677 (ibutamoren) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C (4.9/10). The only orally active ghrelin/GH-secretagogue used widely in biohacker circles.
- Is MK-677 (ibutamoren) safe?
- MK-677 (ibutamoren) has a med-high risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Research chemical (not scheduled); banned sport. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for MK-677 (ibutamoren)?
- Typical illicit: 10-25 mg PO daily
- How does MK-677 (ibutamoren) work?
- Non-peptide ghrelin mimetic; orally bioavailable GHS-R1a agonist; raises GH and IGF-1 sustainably for ~24 hr per dose; Merck-originated, abandoned after Ph2/3 hip fracture study showed elevated HF risk
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.