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MK-677 vs Ipamorelin
Side-by-side comparison of evidence, mechanisms, dosing, safety, and regulatory status.
MK-677: CIpamorelin: D
| Attribute | MK-677 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Secretagogue | Growth Hormone Secretagogue |
| Evidence Rating | C — Phase I–II Clinical Trials | D — Preclinical |
| Clinical Status | Multiple Phase II trials completed. Not FDA-approved. Investigational. | Research-only / Not approved for human use |
| Mechanism | MK-677 binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, mimicking the hunger hormone ghrelin. This activates the GH secretagogue pathway, amplifying the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone and subsequently IGF-1, without suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary ... | Ipamorelin (sequence: Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) selectively binds to the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHS-R1a) on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, increasing cAMP and activating protein kinase A to promote pulsatile GH secretion. Its structural specificity means it fits only the GH... |
| Half-Life | ~4–6 hours (plasma); functional activity ~24 hours | ~2 hours |
| Bioavailability | Orally bioavailable | High SC bioavailability |
| Molecular Weight | ~528.7 g/mol (624.8 as mesylate salt) | ~711.9 g/mol |
| WADA Status | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Dosing | 10–25 mg/day orally, Once daily (Oral (capsule or liquid)) | 100–300 mcg per injection, 2–3x daily, 2–3 times daily (typically before meals and before bed) (Subcutaneous) |
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| Regulatory (US) | Not FDA-approved. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026. Investigational compound. Available as a research chemical. Not a controlled substance. | Not FDA-approved. Research chemical only. WADA-banned (S2 growth factor). |
Research Disclaimer: This comparison is provided for educational purposes only. All products are sold exclusively for in vitro research use. The information presented is based on published preclinical and clinical research and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding peptide use.
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