MK-677 vs Pitavastatin
Well Studied vs FDA Approved
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both MK-677 and Pitavastatin carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
MK-677 Pitavastatin
Weight 624.77 Da 421.46 Da
Half-life ~24 hours ~12 hours
Type Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist Synthetic statin (C25H24FNO4)
Key Benefits
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Pitavastatin
01 Minimal CYP450 metabolism — does not interact with CYP3A4, making it ideal for users taking multiple compounds
02 Lowest risk of new-onset diabetes among all statins, supported by the LIVES study and J-PREDICT trial data
03 LDL reductions of 38-45% at standard doses (2-4 mg/day)
04 More robust HDL-raising effect (5-15%) compared to other statins in the class
05 12-hour half-life supports convenient once-daily dosing
06 Favorable safety profile with low incidence of muscle-related side effects
07 Compatible with CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers that would alter levels of other statins
08 Effective at counteracting AAS-induced lipid disturbances without adding to drug interaction burden
Side Effects
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Pitavastatin
Myalgia and muscle discomfort (approximately 3-5% of users) — generally mild and less frequent than with lipophilic statins
Headache
Minimal liver enzyme elevation — typically transient and clinically insignificant
Back pain
Constipation or diarrhea
Contraindications
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminases
Known hypersensitivity to pitavastatin or any excipients
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (Category X — statins are teratogenic)
Concomitant use with cyclosporine (significantly increases pitavastatin levels via OATP1B1 inhibition)
Concomitant use with lopinavir/ritonavir or atazanavir/ritonavir combinations
Research Evidence
MK-677 Pitavastatin
Status Well Studied FDA Approved
References 7 studies 5 studies
Latest July 2024 2023
FDA Approved No Yes
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.