MK-677 (Ibutamoren) vs Teriparatide
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 →Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–25 mg | 20 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–24 weeks | 52–104 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. | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. |
| Administration | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. | Subcutaneous injection in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. |
| 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. | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
MK-677 (Ibutamoren), Teriparatide are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Recovery & Healing: Teriparatide has stronger research support.
| Goal | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Teriparatide
- Teriparatide Plus Zoledronic Acid for Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA, 2026
- The Effectiveness and Safety of Romosozumab and Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis.
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 2025
- Clinical effects of teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Journal of bone and mineral metabolism, 2025
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