MK-677 vs Elamipretide

Head-to-head comparison of MK-677 (Ibutamoren Mesylate (MK-677)) and Elamipretide (Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertyMK-677Elamipretide
CategoryGrowth HormoneMuscle & Performance
Full NameIbutamoren Mesylate (MK-677)Elamipretide (MTP-131, SS-31)
Molecular Weight528.662 g/mol639.8 Da
Half-Life~24 hours1-4 hours
Amino AcidsNon-peptide compound4
Typical Dose0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day
RouteSubcutaneous/Intravenous
Purity>99%≥98%
Studies Count120120
Research StatusActive ResearchClinical

MK-677 Benefits

  • Oral GH secretagogue, 24-hour GH elevation, increases IGF-1, improves sleep quality, increases lean mass, does not suppress natural GH

Elamipretide Benefits

  • mitochondrial protection
  • reduced oxidative stress
  • improved fatigue resistance
  • may support exercise tolerance

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.

Elamipretide Dosing

0.01-0.25 mg/kg/day SC (clinical research)|daily dosing in trials|alternative IV protocols in some studies

MK-677 Side Effects

  • Increased appetite, mild water retention, drowsiness, transient numbness, mild increase in fasting blood glucose with long-term use.

Elamipretide Side Effects

  • nausea
  • injection-site reactions
  • diarrhea
  • headache

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.

Elamipretide

Clinical and translational studies show elamipretide can improve mitochondrial function and some functional endpoints in mitochondrial disorders. Skeletal muscle research suggests benefits are driven by energy metabolism rather than direct muscle-building effects.

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Common Stacking Partners

MK-677 stacks with:

CJC-1295IpamorelinRAD-140

Elamipretide stacks with:

creatinecoenzyme-q10protein
growth-hormone-secretagogueoralghrelin-mimeticIGF-1muscle-growthsleepmitochondriafatigueenergy-metabolismperformance