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Growth hormone

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Not authorized in Canada Evidence 2/4
MK-677 peptide structure illustration (abstract amino-acid chain)
In short

MK-677 is often lumped in with peptides, but it is an oral non-peptide drug that acts on the ghrelin receptor. A hip-fracture trial was stopped early for a heart-failure signal. Not authorized in Canada.

Reviewed November 10, 2026 · 5 sources cited below

Also known asibutamoren mesylate — not a peptide
CategoryGrowth hormone
Canada statusNot authorized in Canada
Human evidence Limited: small or low-quality human studies; one trial stopped for a safety signal
Sport (WADA)WADA's Prohibited List bans growth hormone releasing factors and secretagogues (S2) at all times.
Last reviewedNovember 10, 2026

How strong is the human evidence?

Limited: small or low-quality human studies; one trial stopped for a safety signal. How we rate evidence

What is MK-677?

Ibutamoren is a small-molecule growth hormone secretagogue taken by mouth; a 2001 trial paper calls it "a nonpeptide growth hormone secretagogue".

It is sold online as capsules or liquid, often alongside peptides and SARMs.

Is MK-677 legal in Canada?

Not authorized: no product found in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.

See how Health Canada regulates peptides.

What the research shows

  • It raises IGF-1. In a 123-patient hip-fracture trial (Adunsky 2011), IGF-1 rose but most physical function measures didn't improve.

What it doesn't show

  • A 2008 randomized trial found no effect on Alzheimer's disease progression (Sevigny et al.).
  • No approved use anywhere that we found.

Common questions

Is MK-677 a peptide?

No. It is a non-peptide small molecule that acts on the same receptor as some GH-releasing peptides.

Is MK-677 a SARM?

No. SARMs act on androgen receptors; MK-677 acts on the ghrelin (GH secretagogue) receptor.

Is MK-677 legal in Canada?

It is not authorized by Health Canada, so it cannot legally be sold or promoted as a health product.

Sources

  1. Adunsky A et al. MK-0677 for patients recovering from hip fracture: phase IIb. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2011
  2. Sevigny JJ et al. MK-677: no clinical effect on AD progression. Neurology 2008
  3. Codner E et al. Oral ibutamoren, a nonpeptide GH secretagogue. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2001
  4. Health Canada Drug Product Database (searched Nov 10, 2026)
  5. World Anti-Doping Agency — Prohibited List

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