# MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

> Orally bioavailable non-peptide ghrelin mimetic.

Source: https://peptides.cafe/peptide/mk-677
Category: Growth Hormone Axis · Small Molecule
Tag: Growth hormone · Oral

## Mechanism
Technically a small-molecule ghrelin receptor agonist (not a peptide), often grouped with peptide GH research. Orally bioavailable, it elevates GH and IGF-1 over 24 hours and increases appetite.

## Research areas
- GH/IGF-1 elevation in adults
- Lean mass and bone density in elderly
- Sleep quality (slow-wave sleep)

## Common research protocols
- Daily oral research dosing: Once-daily oral administration in long-running clinical pharmacology trials.

## Study summaries
- "MK-677 increases GH and IGF-1 in elderly adults" — Annals of Internal Medicine (2008): Two-year RCT showing sustained IGF-1 elevation and lean mass increase.

## Considerations
- Not FDA-approved.
- Insulin resistance and fluid retention reported.
- Banned by WADA.

## Disclaimer
Educational content only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Most research peptides are not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. Consult a licensed clinician before any use.