GHR-2 (MK-677)
M-K six-seventy-seven
An oral growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor — taken as a pill, not an injection.
Also known as: MK-677, Ibutamoren, Nutrobal
Last reviewed: April 2026
What It Does
MK-677 is a non-peptide compound that mimics ghrelin and stimulates growth hormone release. Its main advantage: it's orally active — no injection needed. It produces sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation for up to 24 hours from a single dose.
Why People Take It
How It's Administered
Oral
Capsule taken at bedtime
Frequency
Daily
Pain Level
○○○ None
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
10mg – 25mg
What To Expect
Week 1
Improved sleep. Increased appetite (ghrelin effect).
Month 1
IGF-1 levels elevate. Better recovery.
Month 3+
Body composition changes. Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation.
Side Effects
Overall: Mild
Very Common (>10%)
Increased appetite
Strong hunger — this is a ghrelin mimetic.
Common (1–10%)
Water retention
Bloating and puffy appearance.
Blood sugar elevation
Can impair glucose tolerance. Monitor if prediabetic.
Numbness/tingling
In hands and feet from GH effects.
Who Should NOT Take This
• Diabetes (raises blood sugar)
• Active cancer
• Heart failure
• Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
• Insulin/diabetes medications — may counteract
• Glucocorticoids — may blunt GH response
Pregnancy: Not studied. Avoid during pregnancy.
Clinical Details
Compare With Similar Peptides
MK-677 is oral (no injection) but less selective — increases appetite and blood sugar more than ipamorelin. Trade-off between convenience and side effects.
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone releaser that works through the 'hunger hormone' pathway — clean GH stimulation with fewer side effects.
Sermorelin
A peptide that tells your pituitary gland to make more growth hormone naturally — supports sleep, recovery, and body composition.
Frequently Asked Questions
This compound is in early research stages. We do not currently offer it.
Looking for something similar? See what we offer for Muscle & Recovery.
This compound is in early research stages. It has not been FDA-approved and may not be available through compounding pharmacies. The information below is for educational purposes only. Do not attempt to self-administer research compounds.