Supplement Scholar
GH Secretagogue

MK-677

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

MK-677. Orally active ghrelin mimetic that produces sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation.

How it works. Binds GHS-R1a like the GHRPs but is orally bioavailable and long-acting, producing sustained nightly GH and IGF-1 elevation.

What the research supports. 3 graded claims. Strongest: Sleep-quality improvements (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on Growth hormone, IGF-1, Cortisol, Insulin sensitivity.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Glucose dysregulation.

Stacking. Pairs well with Resistance training and adequate protein. Avoid combining with Heart failure or active cancer.

Common forms. Available as Oral capsule or solution.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried MK-677. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

MK-677. Orally active ghrelin mimetic that produces sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation.

Molecular structureC28H40N4O8S2 · 624.8 g/mol

What it is

MK-677 is a small-molecule ghrelin-receptor agonist developed by Merck. It is technically a peptidomimetic rather than a true peptide, but it shares mechanism with the GHRPs.

Also called

Ibutamoren

How it works

Binds GHS-R1a like the GHRPs but is orally bioavailable and long-acting, producing sustained nightly GH and IGF-1 elevation.

Pathways

  • GHS-R1a activation
  • Somatostatin suppression

Effects

  • ↑Nightly GH / IGF-1 exposure increases
  • ↑Appetite increases
  • ↓Insulin sensitivity decreases
  • +Sleep depth supports

What the research supports

Sleep-quality improvementspreclinical
Increased recovery markerspreclinical
Bone-density signals in trialspreclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↑Growth hormoneincreases
↑IGF-1increases
↑Cortisolincreases
↓Insulin sensitivitydecreases

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Hunger
  • Water retention
  • Tingling

Serious

  • Glucose dysregulation
  • Heart-failure exacerbation in elderly trial subjects

Medication interactions

Insulin or sulfonylureasmoderate

Glucose handling shifts; monitor closely.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Resistance training and adequate proteinAnabolic context for sustained IGF-1.

Avoid combining

  • Heart failure or active cancerDocumented worsening / theoretical risk.

Common forms

  • Oral capsule or solution

Discussion

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