What is MK-677 (ibutamoren)?
Ibutamoren is not a peptide but an orally active small molecule that activates the ghrelin receptor. It thereby raises growth hormone and IGF-1 and markedly increases appetite.
How well studied is MK-677 (ibutamoren)?
There are several randomised trials, including in older adults, after hip fracture and in Alzheimer's disease (no clinical benefit there). GH/IGF-1 and lean mass rose in some trials, but a clear benefit for strength or function was not shown; one trial was stopped early because of a heart failure signal.
What side effects and risks does MK-677 (ibutamoren) have?
Strong hunger, fluid retention and joint/muscle pain are common. Ibutamoren raises fasting blood glucose and worsens insulin sensitivity – critical with prediabetes or during diabetes/GLP-1 therapy. The FDA warns of a possible risk of heart failure; grey-market products (often sold as “SARMs”) are frequently mislabelled.
Is MK-677 (ibutamoren) approved in Germany?
In short: no. Not approved as a medicine anywhere; not legally marketable as a supplement in the EU. Prohibited in sport (WADA S2, GH secretagogues); may fall under the German AntiDopG. The FDA has issued warning letters to sellers – high quality and counterfeit risk.
Sources
- OPSS: Performance Enhancing Substance – MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
- PubMed: Growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 – no clinical effect on AD progression in a randomized trial (Neurology 2008)
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.