MK-677
Ghrelin Receptor Agonist | Oral Growth Hormone Secretagogue
Oral compound activating ghrelin receptors to trigger growth hormone release while preserving natural production. Achieves superior oral bioavailability exceeding 60% with a 24-hour half-life, making it unique among GH secretagogues for its convenient once-daily oral dosing.
Mechanism of Action
Selectively binds GHS-R1a receptors in hypothalamus and pituitary, triggering pulsatile growth hormone release while maintaining natural circadian patterns.
Key Benefits
- 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
- 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
- Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
- Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
- 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
- Oral administration (no injections required)
Growth Hormone
- GH Restoration
Restores youthful growth hormone levels in elderly subjects with 97% increase in 24-hour secretion.
- IGF-1 Enhancement
Sustained 40-72% IGF-1 elevation over extended periods.
- Sleep Enhancement
20% REM increase in younger adults; 50% improvement in elderly.
Body Composition
- Muscle Preservation
Demonstrates +2.69g/day nitrogen retention versus -8.97g/day placebo, protecting lean mass during caloric restriction.
- Fat-Free Mass
Increases fat-free mass with preferential lean tissue accrual.
- Metabolic Rate
15% basal metabolic rate elevation documented at 2 weeks.
Bone Health
- Bone Formation
39-45% increase in bone formation markers within 6-8 weeks.
Optimal bioavailability eliminates injection requirements with convenient daily dosing. Take at bedtime on empty stomach for best results.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body composition/anti-aging | 25mg | 1x daily | Oral (bedtime, empty stomach) |
| Sleep quality improvement | 25mg | 1x nightly | Oral (30 minutes before bed) |
| Conservative initiation | 12.5mg | 1x daily | Oral (assess tolerance) |
Complementary GH pathways providing combined pulsatile and baseline elevation.
Both stimulate GH release through different mechanisms.
MK-677 baseline elevation combines with GHRP-2 pulsatile spikes.
Non-competing mechanisms enhancing recovery effects.
Systemic growth factors complement localized healing.
Redundant effects without proportional benefits.
MK-677 decreases insulin sensitivity; requires blood glucose monitoring.
Case report documents 85.7% testosterone suppression and significant liver enzyme elevation when combined.
Improved sleep quality, vivid dreams, possible appetite increase
Enhanced recovery, better sleep architecture, initial body composition changes
Noticeable lean mass gains, continued sleep benefits
Maximum body composition improvements, sustained GH elevation
Common Side Effects
- Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
- Water retention (30-40%)
- Lethargy (20-30%)
- Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual fatigue
- Blood glucose levels >100mg/dL or diabetes symptoms
- Liver enzyme elevation (ALT/AST >2x upper normal)
- Severe fluid retention or unexplained swelling
- Any concerning cardiovascular symptoms
Contraindications
- Heart disease or congestive heart failure
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Active cancer
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Good Signs
- Pharmaceutical-grade capsules with professional labeling
- Batch numbers and expiration dates
- Third-party testing documentation
- Certificate of analysis showing >98% purity
Warning Signs
- Products labeled 'for research only' may lack quality control
Bad Signs
- Dietary supplement claims (FDA prohibits MK-677 in supplements)
- Unknown purity or source without certificates of analysis
- Unusually low prices suggesting counterfeit product
- Growth Hormone Stimulation in Elderly(1996)
25mg oral daily for 2 weeks showed 97% increase in 24-hour GH secretion in elderly adults.
- Body Composition in Obese Subjects(1998)
25mg oral daily for 2 months increased fat-free mass and energy expenditure in obese adults.
- Reversal of Diet-Induced Catabolism(1998)
25mg oral daily for 7 days showed nitrogen retention of +2.69g/day versus placebo -8.97g/day.
- Sleep Quality Improvement Study(1997)
25mg oral daily for 1 week showed 20% REM increase in young adults; 50% in elderly.
- Bone Turnover Markers Study(1999)
25mg oral daily for 2 months showed 39-45% increase in bone formation markers in elderly adults.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.