MK-677 (Ibutamoren) vs TB-500
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 →TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500) is a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all human and animal cells. It plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–25 mg | 2 mg–2.5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | Less than 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. | TB-500 promotes cell migration and differentiation, regulates actin (a cell-building protein), and reduces inflammation. It supports the formation of new blood vessels and wound healing. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. | Research protocols typically use 2-2.5mg twice weekly during the loading phase, followed by maintenance dosing of 2mg every 2 weeks. |
| Administration | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. | Administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Some protocols suggest injection near injury sites. |
| 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. | May cause temporary fatigue, headache, or localized irritation at injection sites. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
MK-677 (Ibutamoren), TB-500 are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Muscle Growth: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has stronger research support.
- Recovery & Healing: TB-500 has stronger research support.
| Goal | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | medium |
| Recovery & Healing | medium | high |
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
TB-500
- Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study.
Joint diseases and related surgery, 2026
- Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 2024
- Adsorption effects of the doping relevant peptides Insulin Lispro, Synachten, TB-500 and GHRP 5.
Analytical biochemistry, 2017
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