MK-677 (Ibutamoren) vs VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
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 →VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects throughout the body. It acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and immune regulator with particular importance in gut and lung function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–25 mg | 100 mcg–200 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 8–24 weeks | 2–8 weeks |
| Route | oral | intranasal |
| 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. | Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to modulate immune responses, regulate circadian rhythms, promote vasodilation, and support barrier function in gut and lungs. Has potent anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 10-25mg taken orally once daily. Often taken at night due to sleep benefits and appetite increase. | Intranasal: 50-200mcg 1-3 times daily for chronic inflammatory conditions. Some protocols use subcutaneous administration. Dosing varies by condition. |
| Administration | Oral administration (capsule or liquid). Can be taken with or without food. Long half-life allows once-daily dosing. | Intranasal is most common for inflammatory conditions. Subcutaneous injection also used. Must be stored cold and protected from light. |
| 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 nasal irritation, flushing, headache, or temporary diarrhea. Generally well-tolerated at standard doses. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
MK-677 (Ibutamoren), VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MK-677 (Ibutamoren):
Unique to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Sleep Quality: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) has stronger research support.
| Goal | MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality | high | 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
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
- Distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity in the rat pallial and subpallial amygdala and colocalization with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007), 2024
- Increased Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing IVF.
Frontiers in endocrinology, 2024
- Therapeutic Potential of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and its Derivative Stearyl-Norleucine-VIP in Inflammation-Induced Osteolysis.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021
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