Ibutamoren MK-677

Ibutamoren (MK-677) description

Ibutamoren (also known as MK-677) is a potent, synthetic, long-acting, orally-active, selective, and non-peptide agonist of the Ghrelin receptor, Ghrelin mimetic and a Growth hormone secretagogue. Ibutamoren has chemical formula C₂₇H₃₆N₄O₅S and molar mass 528.662 g/mol. The elimination half-life of Ibutamoren is approximately 4-6 hours, but IGF-1 levels in humans remain elevated at a single oral dose of up to 24 hours.

Mechanism of action

Ibutamoren mimics the action of the endogenous hormone Ghrelin in the body: In the hypothalamus binds to Ghrelin receptors (also known as Growth hormone secretagogue receptors), stimulates the release of Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), enhances GHRH signaling in GHRHRs (Growth hormone releasing hormone receptors) in the pituitary gland, inhibits the amount of Somatostatin (Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone; GHIH) and also suppresses the activity of Somatostatin by inhibiting Somatostatin receptor signaling. Thus, Ibutamoren stimulates Growth hormone secretion in all to date known ways, making it one of the most effective, potent and strongest known Growth hormone secretagogues ever. The action of ibutamoren MK-677 results in significantly increased plasma levels of GH (Growth hormone) and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) in the body without affecting cortisol and prolactin levels.

Ibutamoren, Clinical trials and possible medical use

Ibutamoren is being studied as a potential treatment for low levels of Growth hormone and IGF-1, for example, in children or older adults with Growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Human studies have shown a strong ability of Ibutamoren to increase both muscle mass and bone mineral density, making it a promising potential therapy in the treatment of bone fragility in the elderly. According to some recent research, there is also concern that its particularly prolonged half-life may over-stimulate ghrelin receptors in the brain and lead to harmful psychological side effects.

Ibutamoren prevents muscle wasting, has anti-catabolic effect

In a clinical study of 8 food-deprived healthy volunteers, ibutamoren reversed protein loss that could cause muscle wasting. In 123 elderly patients with hip fracture, ibutamoren improved gait speed and muscle strength and reduced the number of falls. These studies have shown that ibutamoren has a great ability to prevent muscle loss and strong anti-catabolic effects. Because of these abilities, ibutamoren is a promising candidate for the treatment of muscle wasting diseases (muscular dystrophy etc).

Ibutamoren is effective in the treatment of GH deficiency

Ibutamoren may increase levels of growth hormone, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in children with growth hormone deficiency. In addition, these effects are achieved without changing the concentration of prolactin (PRL), glucose, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropin, cortisol or insulin. In severely ill men with GH deficiency, ibutamoren increase IGF-1 and growth hormone, without significant changes in cortisol, prolactin and thyroid hormones. However, an increased amount of insulin and glucose has been reported.

Ibutamoren increases bone density

Growth hormone increases bones mineral absorption and eventually bones density. But it takes time more than 1 year to see a statistically significant increase in bone density. In 24 healthy, obese male volunteers, ibutamoren increased bone density. In 187 older adults (aged 65 and more), ibutamoren increased bone formation, measured by osteocalcin, and a bone density marker in many studies. In study with 292 postmenopausal women, ibutamoren increased bone mineral density, which helps to increase bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. These results demonstrate that the use of MK-677 may have significant results in increasing bone mineral density.

Ibutamoren May Support Wound Healing & Tissue Regeneration

Growth hormone increases tissue regeneration and wound healing, so ibutamoren may be useful in this respect as well. There are individual reports of the usefulness of ibutamoren in wound healing and tissue repair, but there is a lack of scientific studies confirming these positive effects.

Ibutamoren Improves Sleep Quality

Performed scientific study showed that both in younger and older people, ibutamoren improved the quality of sleep and increased REM sleep time phase (rapid eye movement). In addition to scientific research, there have been many reports about subjective improvement of sleep quality in various internet forums.

Ibutamoren May Promote Longevity

Both growth hormone secretion (GH) and IGF-1 levels decrease with age. It is believed that IGF-1 may have beneficial effects on longevity. In a study of 65 elderly men and women, daily supplementation with ibutamoren increased the levels of GH and IGF-1 without serious side effects. In another study with 24 obese males (double-blind randomized controlled trial), ibutamoren rejuvenated the growth hormone profile.

Ibutamoren can have a nootropic effect

Two indirect mechanisms by which ibutamoren may improve brain function include:

• • Increasing IGF-1, which improves memory and learning
  • Boosting REM sleep duration and sleep quality, which is essential for cognitive function

One study questioned the association of low IGF-1 and Alzheimer’s disease, and whether ibutamoren could help. However, in this study, ibutamoren was ineffective at slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in humans.

Scientifically investigated possible benefits of Ibutamoren

• • Significantly increases serum levels of IGF-1 and growth hormone
  • Can be promising treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and bone fragility in the elderly
  • Helps reduce excess body fat, stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides and oxidation in adipocytes
  • Promotes lean muscle growth, can increase performance and endurance
  • Has a strong anti-catabolic effect and the ability to maintain muscle mass / prevents muscle wastage
  • Supports overall regeneration of the whole body (including internal organs), anti-aging effects
  • Helps increase calcium retention and increases bone density
  • Can help in healing wounds, bones, tendons and ligaments
  • Can help reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease
  • Can help strengthen the immune system
  • Can help improve the quality of skin, nails and hair
  • Promotes a sense of energy and vitality
  • Improves sleep and its quality
  • Nootropic effects, indirectly (by increasing IGF-1 – which improve memory and learning; and by increasing REM sleep duration and sleep quality – which is essential for cognitive functions)

Ibutamoren possible side-effects

• • Slight tingling sensation in the arms and legs (this should subside in a few days)
  • Edema in limbs (swelling of hands and feet, especially near ankles)
  • Significantly increased hunger
  • Decreased insulin sensitivity
  • Lucid dreams
  • Lethargy
  • Joint pain

Ibutamoren FAQ

What is Ibutamoren (MK-677)?

Ibutamoren (also known as MK-677) is a potent, synthetic, long-acting, orally-active, selective, and non-peptide agonist of the Ghrelin receptor, Ghrelin mimetic and a Growth hormone secretagogue.

What does Ibutamoren do?

Ibutamoren mimics the action of the endogenous hormone Ghrelin in the body, it stimulates growth hormone production by the pituitary and significantly increases plasma levels of GH (Growth hormone) and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1). 

Does ibutamoren have strong side effects?

In a conducted scientific study adult subjects well tolerated daily administration of MK-677 for the two-year period. The most frequent side effects were mild, transient, lower extremity edema, transient muscle pain, and increased appetite which subsided within a few months.

What time of day should I take Mk 677?

Most users seem to prefer taking it at night, because ibutamoren improves the quality of sleep and increased REM sleep time phase. 

Does ibutamoren MK-677 build muscle?

Yes, MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is known to effectively boost human growth hormone as well as Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). And both of these hormones play a very important role in building muscle mass and strength.

Is MK 677 use legal in USA?

Since MK-677 is still a investigational new compound, it has not yet been approved to be marketed for consumption by humans in the United States. However, it has been used experimentally by some in the bodybuilding community.

Does ibutamoren lower testosterone?

Ibutamoren does not suppress the testosterone levels. In fact, it has got nothing to do with the primary and secondary sex organs.

Does ibutamoren make you tired?

Ibutamoren may cause lethargy. So taking it in the morning might make you feel sleepy throughout the day. Therefore, many people tend to take ibutamoren before sleep at night.

Ibutamoren dosage

In the scientific and clinical studies conducted, the optimal dose of Ibutamoren MK-677 is often reported as 20-30 mg once a day.

Conclusion

Ibutamoren is a potent, orally-active and selective Growth hormone secretagogue, that significantly increases plasma levels of GH (Growth hormone) and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) in the body without affecting cortisol and prolactin levels. It may be a potential future treatment for children or older adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and therapy for the treatment of bone fragility in the elderly. Ibutamoren is also a promising candidate for the treatment of muscle wasting diseases. In addition to scientific research, there have been numerous reports on various Internet forums, about other possible positive effects and benefits of ibutamoren. However, it is still an experimental compound that requires further intensive scientific and clinical research.