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MK-677 – Ibutamoren
$109.99
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is the benchmark oral growth-hormone secretagogue for Canadian research, a single daily dose that mimics ghrelin to lift GH and IGF-1 toward youthful ranges. Third-party-tested, research-grade, and shipped fast across Canada.
Description
When a research programme needs a dependable, orally active growth-hormone secretagogue, MK-677 – Ibutamoren is the reference compound Canadian laboratories reach for first. A single daily dose mimics the body’s own ghrelin signal to amplify pulsatile growth hormone release and lift IGF-1 toward young-adult ranges. No injections, no testosterone suppression, and a pharmacology characterised in peer-reviewed literature since 1995.1 Helixx supplies research-grade MK-677 – Ibutamoren Canada-wide for laboratory and educational use only.
What Is MK-677 – Ibutamoren?
MK-677 (ibutamoren, formerly designated MK-0677 or L-163,191; PubChem CID 178024) is an orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue. It is often grouped with the LGD-4033 – Ligandrol and RAD 140 – Testolone family in the Canadian SARMs market, but it is not a true selective androgen receptor modulator and does not bind the androgen receptor at all. Instead it acts on the somatotropic (GH) axis by imitating the hormone ghrelin, which is why it sits alongside secretagogues such as Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 in most research stacks. It is an investigational compound and is not FDA-approved.
How MK Works
MK-677 is a potent agonist of the ghrelin receptor (the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R1a), binding with high affinity (Ki ~0.4 nM) and releasing growth hormone from pituitary cells at low nanomolar concentrations (EC50 ~1.3 nM).1 By mimicking endogenous ghrelin at GHS-R1a in the hypothalamus and pituitary, it amplifies pulsatile GH secretion through two complementary routes: it enhances growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) drive while blunting inhibitory somatostatin tone. The downstream result is a sustained rise in circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). The original characterisation showed MK-677 to be specific for GH release, with no meaningful effect on aldosterone, luteinising hormone, thyroxine, or prolactin in animal models.1 Because it is orally bioavailable with an elimination half-life of roughly 24 hours, one daily dose maintains elevated GH/IGF-1 while preserving the natural pulsatile pattern of secretion. And because it works through the GH axis rather than the androgen receptor, it does not suppress endogenous testosterone.
What the Research Shows
- Body composition in older adults. A two-year double-blind randomized controlled trial in 65 healthy adults aged 60-81 found that 25 mg/day enhanced pulsatile GH secretion and raised GH and IGF-1 into the young-adult range, significantly increasing fat-free mass over 12 months (+1.1 kg vs -0.5 kg placebo, P<0.001); it was generally well tolerated but did not improve strength or function and modestly raised fasting glucose.2
- Durable IGF-1 elevation. A 12-month placebo-controlled trial in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease confirmed MK-677 reliably raises serum IGF-1 (~60% by 6 weeks, ~73% at 12 months). Yet it produced no slowing of cognitive decline, a reminder that raising IGF-1 is not a proxy for clinical benefit.3
- Functional endpoints in frail patients. A randomized phase IIb study in 123 elderly hip-fracture patients (25 mg/day vs placebo) did not reach significance on functional measures such as stair-climb power, and was terminated early over a cardiac safety signal.4
Researchers benchmarking secretagogue pathways often compare MK-677 against injectable peptides such as Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and the fragment AOD9604 to map differences between oral and peptide GH stimulation.
Chemical Properties
| Research Name | MK-677 – Ibutamoren (MK-0677 / L-163,191) |
| CAS Number | 159752-10-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C27H36N4O5S |
| Molecular Weight | 528.65 g/mol |
| Classification | Orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue (ghrelin/GHS-R1a agonist), not a true SARM |
Research Protocols & Handling
This material is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and educational use only; it is not for human consumption and not for veterinary use. MK-677 is available as a stable oral-format research chemical and does not require reconstitution in the way lyophilised peptides do. Store away from direct light, heat, and humidity. A cool, dry environment is ideal, with refrigeration recommended for long-term storage. Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment, record lot numbers and reference IGF-1/GH assay endpoints in your protocol, and keep the compound clearly labelled and segregated from any materials intended for human or animal use. It is prohibited in sport by WADA and should be handled only by qualified research personnel.
Potential Side Effects & Safety
The documented adverse-effect profile deserves as much attention as the upside. The following effects have been reported in the peer-reviewed literature or are predictable from the compound’s mechanism:
- Increased appetite. Because MK-677 activates the ghrelin receptor, marked hunger is among the most consistently reported effects.
- Fluid retention and peripheral edema. Elevated GH/IGF-1 commonly drives water retention and swelling of the extremities.
- Muscle or joint pain. Mild arthralgia and muscle aches are frequently noted alongside GH elevation.
- Impaired glucose control. MK-677 raises fasting blood glucose (on the order of +5 mg/dL) and reduces insulin sensitivity;3 the older-adult trial similarly recorded a modest rise in fasting glucose.2
- Worsened glycemic markers. Elevated HbA1c and deteriorating glycemic control are possible, with a theoretical risk of overt hyperglycemia or diabetes on prolonged use.
- Elevated IGF-1. Sustained IGF-1 elevation carries a theoretical concern for tissue or tumour growth with chronic exposure.
- Lethargy, fatigue, and blood-pressure changes. Some reports note tiredness and transient increases in blood pressure.
- Cardiac safety signal. A hip-fracture trial was halted early because of an imbalance in congestive heart-failure events, indicating an unfavourable cardiac safety profile in vulnerable or elderly subjects.4
MK-677 is not FDA-approved, its long-term safety is unknown, and it is prohibited in sport by WADA. Not approved for human consumption in Canada or elsewhere; research and educational use only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MK legal in Canada?
MK-677 – Ibutamoren is not an approved drug in Canada and is not authorised by Health Canada for human consumption. It is legal to buy and possess as a research chemical for laboratory and educational use only. Helixx sells MK-677 – Ibutamoren Canada-wide strictly on that basis, never for human or veterinary use.
Is MK-677 a SARM?
No. Although it is marketed within the SARMs Canada category and often stacked with compounds like MK2866 – Ostarine, MK-677 does not bind the androgen receptor. It is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue that works by mimicking ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor.1
Does MK-677 suppress testosterone?
Because it acts on the growth-hormone axis rather than the androgen receptor, MK-677 does not suppress endogenous testosterone. That is a key pharmacological distinction from true androgen modulators such as RAD 140 – Testolone.
How is MK-677 different from GH-releasing peptides?
MK-677 is orally active with a roughly 24-hour half-life, so a single daily dose sustains elevated GH and IGF-1, whereas injectable secretagogues like CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are typically administered more frequently. All work upstream on the somatotropic axis to stimulate the body’s own GH release.
References
Peer-reviewed and authoritative sources cited above. Helixx supplies research materials for laboratory and educational use only; citations are provided for independent verification, not as medical guidance.
- Patchett AA, Nargund RP, Tata JR, et al. Design and biological activities of L-163,191 (MK-0677): a potent, orally active growth hormone secretagogue. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1995;92(15):7001-7005. PMID: 7624358.
- Nass R, Pezzoli SS, Oliveri MC, et al. Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149(9):601-611. PMID: 18981485.
- Sevigny JJ, Ryan JM, van Dyck CH, et al. Growth hormone secretagogue MK-677: no clinical effect on AD progression in a randomized trial. Neurology. 2008;71(21):1702-1708. PMID: 19015485.
- Adunsky A, Chandler J, Heyden N, et al. MK-0677 (ibutamoren mesylate) for the treatment of patients recovering from hip fracture: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIb study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2011;53(2):183-189. PMID: 21067829.
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