Cortexin vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
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 | Cortexin | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–20 mg | 10 mg–25 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 8–24 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | oral |
| Mechanism | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. | 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 protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. | 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
Cortexin, MK-677 (Ibutamoren) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cortexin:
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cortexin | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Cortexin
- [Cortexin in the comprehensive therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2026
- Cortexin modulates OPG/RANK/RANKL and TRPC1 expression in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Neurological research, 2026
- Neurotropic Effects of Cortexin on Models of Mental and Physical Developmental Delay.
Biomedicines, 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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