What is the Origin of MK-677?

The compound MK-677 was developed in the 1990s by Merck & Co. as part of a research effort to find an orally bioavailable agent that could safely stimulate the growth hormone axis. Its designation as a "growth hormone secretagogue" reflects its mechanism of action, which is to induce the pituitary to secrete growth hormone. The name MK-677 is the internal research code assigned during its development phase.

What is the Mechanism of MK-677?

MK-677 mimics the action of the endogenous hormone ghrelin by binding to the ghrelin receptor (also known as the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor 1a or GHSR-1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus. This activation stimulates the release of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and directly enhances the pituitary's sensitivity to GHRH, thereby increasing the amplitude of GH pulses. The resulting sustained elevation in circulating GH then signals the liver to increase its production of IGF-1, mediating the compound's downstream anabolic effects on tissues.

MK-677

Meaning

MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is a non-peptidic, potent, and orally active selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor, which functions as a growth hormone secretagogue. Its clinical significance lies in its ability to stimulate the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone (GH) in a sustained, pulsatile manner, leading to elevated Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. This compound is currently an investigational agent, not an FDA-approved drug, and is primarily studied for its potential effects on muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic function.

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