MK-677 (Ibutamoren) vs SHLP2
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →SHLP2
SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–25 mg | 1 mg–5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–24 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | oral | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | 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. | Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. | Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established. |
| Administration | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties. |
| Side Effects | Increased appetite and water retention are most common. May cause lethargy, vivid dreams, and mild numbness. Can affect blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. | Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
MK-677 (Ibutamoren), SHLP2 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Unique to SHLP2:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Fat Loss: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has stronger research support.
| Goal | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Loss | medium | low |
Key Studies
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
SHLP2
- Mitochondrial Peptide SHLP2 Limits Poly(I: C)-Induced Alveolar Epithelial Injury by Modulating Redox, Apoptotic, Inflammatory, and Inflammasome Responses.
Cytotechnology, 2026
- SHLP2 restores pre-osteoblastic cells against oxidative stress-induced inflammaging.
Scientific reports, 2025
- SHLP2 alleviates allergic asthma by inhibiting ETV5/GSDMD signaling pathway-mediated pyroptosis.
Cellular signalling, 2025
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