Also known as: Not a peptide; oral ghrelin mimetic
An oral pill that raises GH and IGF-1 around the clock. Grouped with peptides because it acts on the same receptor.
Educational reference, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved, and products sold as research chemicals are not checked for purity. Plan any use with a licensed clinician.
How it works
Long-acting ghrelin receptor agonist. Raises GH pulses and IGF-1 into young-adult ranges.
Evidence by goal
| Goal | Grade | What the grade means |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle & growth hormone | B | Human trials (smaller, mixed, or approved outside the US) |
| Sleep | B | Human trials (smaller, mixed, or approved outside the US) |
| Bone density | B | Human trials (smaller, mixed, or approved outside the US) |
At a glance
- Route
- Oral daily
- Half-life
- About 24 hours
Reported dosing
10 to 25 mg once daily (trials used 25 mg).
Timing: Bedtime is common, so hunger peaks while asleep and deep sleep improves.
Cycle: Some use continuously; others cycle 8 to 12 weeks on.
From approved labels where they exist, otherwise from published trials and practitioner reports.
Side effects
- Increased hunger
- Water retention, swollen feet, numb hands
- Higher fasting glucose and lower insulin sensitivity
Who should avoid it
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Heart failure
- Cancer history
Often combined with
Rarely stacked with injectable GH peptides because effects overlap.
Key findings
2-year trial in older adults (Ann Intern Med 2008) increased lean mass but raised glucose. A hip-fracture trial was stopped early after more heart-failure cases. Improved deep and REM sleep in a 1997 study.
Where it is legal (Oct 2026)
| US | Not approved |
|---|---|
| Canada | Not approved |
| Mexico | Not approved |
| EU | Not approved |
Sources
Open MK-677 (Ibutamoren) in the Peptide Guide Compare all peptides by goal
Last reviewed November 2026. Regulatory status reflects the US unless noted and changes often.