Humanin vs MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with potent cytoprotective effects. Discovered in 2001, it has shown promise in protecting against age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
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 | Humanin | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–500 mcg | 10 mg–25 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 8–24 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | oral |
| Mechanism | Binds to IGFBP-3 and BAX, inhibiting apoptosis. Activates STAT3 signaling and enhances cellular survival under stress. Protects mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. | 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 | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used doses from micrograms to milligrams depending on the analog and route. HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a more potent analog. | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | 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 |
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Key Studies
Humanin
- Humanin Mitigates Aβ-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelium Injury via AMPK-Beclin1-Dependent Mitophagy.
Aging cell, 2026
- HUMANIN produced by human efferocytic macrophages promotes the resolution of inflammation.
Cell death & disease, 2025
- The neuroprotective role of Humanin in Alzheimer's disease: The molecular effects.
European journal of pharmacology, 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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