MK-677 vs AICAR
Head-to-head comparison of MK-677 (Ibutamoren Mesylate (MK-677)) and AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Ribonucleotide (Acadesine)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | MK-677 | AICAR |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone | Performance |
| Full Name | Ibutamoren Mesylate (MK-677) | 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Ribonucleotide (Acadesine) |
| Molecular Weight | 528.662 g/mol | 338.21 g/mol |
| Half-Life | ~24 hours | ~2-3 hours |
| Amino Acids | Non-peptide compound | Nucleoside analog |
| Typical Dose | — | — |
| Route | — | — |
| Purity | >99% | >99% |
| Studies Count | 120 | 180 |
| Research Status | Active Research | Active Research |
MK-677 Benefits
- ✓Oral GH secretagogue, 24-hour GH elevation, increases IGF-1, improves sleep quality, increases lean mass, does not suppress natural GH
AICAR Benefits
- ✓Increases endurance capacity, enhances fatty acid oxidation, promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, improves glucose uptake, cardioprotective effects
MK-677 Dosing
10-25 mg orally once daily before bedtime. 25 mg is the most studied dose. Can be used long-term without cycling.
AICAR Dosing
Research doses: 50-150 mg subcutaneously. Typically administered 30-60 minutes before physical activity in research settings.
MK-677 Side Effects
- ⚠Increased appetite, mild water retention, drowsiness, transient numbness, mild increase in fasting blood glucose with long-term use.
AICAR Side Effects
- ⚠Potential hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis at high doses, injection site reactions. Banned by WADA as a metabolic modulator.
Research Overview
MK-677
A landmark 2-year study in elderly adults demonstrated significant increases in lean mass, GH pulsatility, and IGF-1 to youthful ranges. Selectively agonizes GHS-R1a without increasing cortisol or prolactin.
AICAR
Salk Institute researchers demonstrated AICAR could increase endurance in sedentary mice by 44% without exercise training. Activates AMPK, triggering PGC-1α expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation.
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