Overview of MK-677
MK-677, also known as ibutamoren mesylate, is a synthetic, non-peptidic compound classified as a growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) agonist. It is a sulfonamide derivative originally developed in the context of pharmaceutical research to probe the ghrelin receptor’s role in neuroendocrine signaling. This laboratory tool is employed exclusively in controlled research environments to investigate the mechanisms that regulate pulsatile growth hormone release, as well as the downstream metabolic effects associated with ghrelin receptor activation. MK-677 bulk powder for research is supplied solely to qualified institutions and is not intended for human or veterinary application. All handling must comply with relevant safety and regulatory standards for research chemicals.
化学和物理性质
Molecular Structure and Formula
The active entity in MK-677 bulk powder for research is the mesylate salt of ibutamoren. The free base is structurally described by the IUPAC name (R)-2-amino-2-methyl-N-[(R)-1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)ethyl]propanamide. As the methanesulfonate salt, the full systematic name is (R)-2-amino-2-methyl-N-[(R)-1-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)ethyl]propanamide methanesulfonate. The molecular formula of the mesylate salt is C28H40N4O8S2, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 624.8 g/mol. The compound features a chiral center and is supplied as a single enantiomer, the active conformation for GHS-R binding studies. The lipophilic tetrahydronaphthalene moiety and the polar sulfonamide group contribute to the molecule’s binding affinity and solubility profile.
Purity and Form
MK-677 is routinely manufactured as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Typical purity specifications for research-grade material exceed 98% as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Residual solvents and water content are controlled to levels consistent with safe laboratory handling. The powder is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, and other common organic solvents, facilitating its preparation as stock solutions for 体外 experiments. It demonstrates limited solubility in aqueous buffers without the addition of co-solvents, a consideration that researchers address during assay development.
Applications in Research
The primary utility of MK-677 bulk powder for research lies in the study of the ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a, GHS-R1a). Because MK-677 acts as a potent, orally bioavailable agonist of this receptor, it enables researchers to examine GHS-R signaling cascades without the peptide instability that complicates experiments with native ghrelin. In cell-based models, MK-677 has been used to trigger intracellular calcium mobilization and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, confirming Gq/11-mediated pathway activation. These assays help elucidate the molecular pharmacology of ghrelin mimetics.
Beyond receptor-level studies, MK-677 is applied in whole-animal models to dissect the physiological regulation of the somatotropic axis. Rodent studies have utilized MK-677 to elevate circulating growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations, providing a controlled means to investigate the endocrine feedback loops that govern energy homeostasis. Such models are informative for understanding metabolic adaptation during caloric restriction, the neuroendocrine control of feeding behavior, and the interplay between GH secretion and insulin sensitivity.
In preclinical research on muscle and body composition, MK-677 has been employed to explore pathways related to protein turnover and lean mass maintenance. For instance, investigations using aged rodent models have examined how sustained GHS-R agonism influences skeletal muscle fiber characteristics and markers of proteolysis, contributing to fundamental knowledge about sarcopenia. Similarly, studies on bone metabolism have assessed the compound’s effect on osteoblast activity markers in cell cultures. All such applications are strictly limited to laboratory settings and do not extend to any disease-modifying or clinical use.
Quality Control and Analytical Data
Each batch of MK-677 bulk powder for research undergoes a rigorous series of analytical tests to confirm identity, purity, and stability. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the primary method for quantifying the active compound; typical chromatograms show a single main peak with a relative retention time and purity exceeding 98.0%. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (both 1H and 13C) verifies the molecular structure and confirms the absence of significant isomeric or synthetic impurities. Mass spectrometry (MS), often performed as LC-MS or direct infusion, provides the exact mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) corresponding to the protonated molecular ion of ibutamoren mesylate, further confirming identity.
Additional quality checks may include Karl Fischer titration for water content, headspace gas chromatography for residual solvents, and infrared spectroscopy to match reference standards. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is generated for each lot and is made available to institutional purchasers upon request. The COA includes batch number, date of manufacture, retest date, and results for appearance, solubility, purity, and any other validated test parameters. These documents support traceability and compliance with good laboratory practice (GLP) documentation requirements.
Sourcing and Supply Options
MK-677 bulk powder for research is supplied in quantities ranging from grams to kilograms to meet the diverse needs of academic laboratories, contract research organizations (CROs), and pharmaceutical development programs. Standard packaging consists of light-resistant, sealed foil bags or airtight high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers, both of which protect the material from moisture and oxidative degradation. Smaller aliquots can be repackaged into sterile glass vials under inert gas upon customer request. All packaging is labeled with product name, batch number, net weight, storage condition, and appropriate hazard and precautionary statements in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
International shipping is conducted with full adherence to applicable chemical import and export regulations. Shipments typically include a commercial invoice, packing list, and a safety data sheet (SDS). Customs documentation clearly states that the material is for laboratory research use only and contains no substances controlled under the single convention on narcotic drugs or analogous national laws. Buyers are responsible for confirming that the import of this research chemical is permissible under their local regulations before ordering.
Storage and Handling Guidelines
To preserve the integrity of MK-677 bulk powder for research, long-term storage should be at temperatures between −20 °C and 0 °C, protected from light and moisture. For short-term use, the powder can be stored at 2–8 °C, provided that the container remains tightly sealed. It is advisable to allow the container to reach ambient temperature before opening it to avoid condensation on the powder surface. Stock solutions prepared in DMSO or ethanol should be aliquoted into single-use portions, overlaid with an inert gas such as argon, and stored at −20 °C or below to minimize solvent evaporation and oxidation.
Handling should always be carried out inside a chemical fume hood by personnel wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes nitrile gloves, a laboratory coat, and safety goggles. A respirator may be necessary if particulate generation is anticipated, such as when weighing large quantities. Spills should be cleaned immediately using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter or by wet methods, and waste must be disposed of according to institutional chemical hygiene plans. The safety data sheet (SDS) provides detailed toxicological and ecological information and should be consulted before any procedure.
Regulatory and Safety Information
MK-677 bulk powder for research is classified as a research chemical and is subject to the hazard communication requirements that apply to laboratory reagents. It is not listed in any pharmacopoeia for human or veterinary medicine, nor has it been approved by authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or other regulatory bodies for any form of clinical use. The product carries hazard statements related to skin and eye irritation (GHS07) and may pose risks if inhaled or ingested; the SDS offers full guidance on GHS classification and precautionary measures.
Institutions must ensure that only personnel with adequate training in chemical safety handle this compound. The material must be stored in a secure area accessible only to authorized laboratory staff. Any transfer or sale of MK-677 for purposes other than bona fide laboratory research is strictly prohibited and may violate local controlled substances or research chemical legislation. Researchers should verify that their intended experimental protocols align with institutional biosafety and ethical review board approvals where applicable.
仅限研究用途的说明： This product is intended exclusively for laboratory research purposes and may not be used for any diagnostic, therapeutic, or other application involving humans or animals. Handling and disposal must conform to all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations. No statement in this document should be interpreted as a recommendation for uses outside controlled research environments.
仅限研究用途。不得用于人类或兽医用途。.
