ibutamoren

Ibutamoren (MK-0677) is an orally active, non-peptide small molecule that acts as a potent and selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), also known as the ghrelin receptor. By mimicking the action of the endogenous hormone ghrelin, ibutamoren stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn increases levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Originally developed by Merck & Co., it was investigated for various conditions including growth hormone deficiency, muscle wasting, and Alzheimer's disease. In the field of rheumatology, Dr. Robert Bennett sponsored a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate its efficacy in treating female patients with primary fibromyalgia who exhibited low IGF-1 levels, based on the rationale that GH deficiency may contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.

Brand names

OratropeCrescendoNutrobal

Other names

ibutamoren mesylate