Cagrilintide vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog in development, showing promising results when combined with semaglutide (CagriSema). Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety.
Full details →MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue. Unlike peptides, it can be taken orally and has a long half-life, providing 24-hour GH elevation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cagrilintide | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 300 mcg–4.5 mg | 10 mg–25 mg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 26–68 weeks | 8–24 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | oral |
| Mechanism | Activates amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor with RAMP proteins) to slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon secretion, and reduce food intake through central satiety mechanisms distinct from GLP-1. | Acts as a potent, selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Increases GH and IGF-1 levels without affecting cortisol. Mimics ghrelin's GH-releasing effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical trials: 2.4mg weekly as monotherapy or in combination with semaglutide 2.4mg (CagriSema). Optimal dosing still being determined. | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available in clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation similar to other incretin-based therapies. Combination with semaglutide may increase GI effects initially. | Increased appetite and water retention are most common. May cause lethargy, vivid dreams, and mild numbness. Can affect blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cagrilintide, MK-677 (Ibutamoren) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: Cagrilintide has stronger research support.
| Goal | Cagrilintide | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | high | medium |
Key Studies
Cagrilintide
- Efficacy and safety of co-administered cagrilintide and semaglutide versus semaglutide alone in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes in Japan and Taiwan (REDEFINE 5): a multicentre, randomised, active-controlled, phase 3a trial.
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology, 2026
- A cross-species atlas of the dorsal vagal complex reveals neural mediators of the effects of cagrilintide on energy balance.
Nature metabolism, 2026
- Cagrilintide-Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
The New England journal of medicine, 2025
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
- Knowing the minimal detectable dose can facilitate the interpretation of a hair test result: II. Case example with ibutamoren (MK-677), a growth hormone secretagogue.
Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry, 2026
- Hepatotoxicity induced by MK-677.
BMJ case reports, 2025
- Investigating the P53-dependent anti-cancer effect of ibutamoren in human cancer cell lines.
Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 2025
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