MK-677 15mg — Vial Spec, Reconstitution Math & COA
MK-677 (Ibutamoren mesylate) is a non-peptidic, orally active ghrelin receptor agonist investigated in preclinical models for its ability to stimulate growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) secretion. This technical guide outlines the physical specifications, concentration calculations, aliquot management, and lot-matched analytical testing protocols for a 15mg laboratory reference format. Researchers evaluating growth axis modulators can review verified batch documentation and explore our full catalog of research compounds.
Quick answer
MK-677 (Ibutamoren mesylate) is a non-peptidic, orally active ghrelin receptor agonist investigated in preclinical models for its ability to stimulate growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) secretion. This technical guide outlines the physical specifications, concentration calculations, aliquot management, and lot-matched analytical testing protocols for a 15mg laboratory reference format. Researchers evaluating growth axis modulators can review verified batch documentation and explore our full catalog of research compounds.
Key takeaways
- A 15mg vial of MK-677 contains high-purity Ibutamoren mesylate designed for controlled laboratory assays, cell culture preparations, or quantitative receptor-binding studies.
- MK-677 operates as a potent, selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a), the endogenous receptor for ghrelin.
- Preclinical studies suggest that administration of MK-677 results in sustained elevation of circulating plasma GH and IGF-1 concentrations without significantly altering baseline cortisol, prolactin, or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in animal models.
- Accurate solubilization is critical for maintaining uniform concentration across experimental assays.
15mg Vial Specifications & Inventory Format Availability
A 15mg vial of MK-677 contains high-purity Ibutamoren mesylate designed for controlled laboratory assays, cell culture preparations, or quantitative receptor-binding studies. This specific mass standard provides sufficient active material for multi-day in vitro titration series or targeted animal model protocols without requiring large-scale solvent volume preparations. Principal investigators select a 15mg unit size when evaluating mid-range dosing schedules or when preparing concentrated stock solutions for automated liquid handling systems.
Please note that while PX1 Research provides comprehensive reference documentation for 15mg formulations, standard catalog availability may vary by product format. For standardized oral solid assays, PX1 provides MK-677 Capsules 12.5mg alongside custom bulk options. Researchers seeking alternative mass specifications or complementary growth axis reagents can examine our full inventory via /all-peptides or contact our technical team for institutional custom fills.
Molecular Mechanism: Ghrelin Receptor (GHSR-1a) Agonism
MK-677 operates as a potent, selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a), the endogenous receptor for ghrelin. Unlike peptide secretagogues that undergo rapid enzymatic cleavage in serum, MK-677 possesses a non-peptidic spiropiperidine structure that maintains molecular stability across variable laboratory conditions. Binding to GHSR-1a initiates a conformational change that activates the G-protein subunit Gαq/11, triggering intracellular phospholipase C (PLC) signaling.
In vitro data indicate that this PLC activation downstream leads to inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular calcium mobilization. The resulting transient rise in cytosolic Ca2+ stimulates the exocytosis of growth hormone storage vesicles from pituitary somatotrophs. Because MK-677 targets the ghrelin receptor rather than the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor, it mimics the pulsatile amplification of endogenous GH release without disrupting basal somatostatin feedback control mechanisms.
Preclinical Observations: Somatotropic Axis Dynamics
Preclinical studies suggest that administration of MK-677 results in sustained elevation of circulating plasma GH and IGF-1 concentrations without significantly altering baseline cortisol, prolactin, or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in animal models. The pharmacokinetics of MK-677 in rodent models reveal an extended biological half-life relative to traditional secretagogue peptides, permitting single-daily administration protocols in long-term physiological experiments.
In research settings focused on anabolic signaling pathways, elevated systemic IGF-1 levels driven by GHSR activation correlate with increased phosphorylation of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) downstream. Experimental models evaluating nitrogen retention, lean tissue accretion, and bone mineral density utilize MK-677 to isolate the downstream transcriptional targets of sustained IGF-1 receptor activation. Researchers exploring these pathways can find expanded mechanistic literature in our central /research database.
Reconstitution & Diluent Concentration Math (15mg Basis)
Accurate solubilization is critical for maintaining uniform concentration across experimental assays. Although raw MK-677 powder exhibits low water solubility in neutral aqueous buffers, it readily dissolves in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, or specialized bacteriostatic vehicles depending on the final assay parameters. When working with a 15mg vial, researchers must calculate total volume addition precisely to achieve desired working concentrations. To verify your laboratory dilution calculations, utilize the PX1 reconstitution calculator.
Adding 1.0 mL of compatible solvent to a 15mg vial yields a stock concentration of exactly 15.0 mg/mL (15.0 µg/µL). Introduce 2.0 mL of diluent to produce a working solution of 7.5 mg/mL (7.5 µg/µL). Diluting with 3.0 mL of solvent achieves a final concentration of 5.0 mg/mL (5.0 µg/µL). For micro-titration assays requiring sub-milligram dosing in vitro, a two-step serial dilution scheme starting from a 15.0 mg/mL primary stock is recommended to minimize pipetting margin of error.
Aliquot Planning & Cryogenic Storage Protocols
To prevent degradation caused by repeated freeze-thaw cycles or atmospheric humidity exposure, raw material and reconstituted solutions must follow rigorous storage protocols. Lyophilized or solid reference standards should be stored at -20°C in a desiccated container sealed against moisture ingress. Under these conditions, the chemical integrity of the compound remains stable for up to 24 months from the manufacturing date.
Once solubilized into liquid stock, the compound should be aliquoted into single-use, polypropylene low-binding microcentrifuge tubes. Stock solutions diluted in organic solvents such as DMSO are stable at -80°C for extended periods. Reconstituted aqueous or ethanol-based working solutions should be shielded from direct light exposure and maintained at 2°C to 8°C for short-term handling, or frozen at -20°C for up to 90 days. Avoid using frost-free freezers, as temperature fluctuation cycles compromise structural integrity.
Lot-Matched COA Verification & Quality Assurance
PX1 Research enforces strict quality assurance protocols for all catalog materials. Every batch of reference compound undergoes independent testing at an ISO 17025-accredited analytical laboratory within the USA. Each lot is verified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm chemical purity standards exceeding 99.0%, alongside Mass Spectrometry (MS) analysis to validate molecular weight and structural identity.
In addition to purity verification, analytical reports confirm low background endotoxin levels via Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing, ensuring suitablity for sensitive cell culture and in vivo animal models. Researchers can independently access and download lot-specific documentation prior to study initiation through our centralized /coa portal.
Comparative Analysis: MK-677 vs. Peptide GH Secretagogues
When designing protocols to investigate somatotropic signaling, researchers often evaluate MK-677 alongside alternative secretagogue compounds to compare receptor binding kinetics and half-life dynamics. While MK-677 acts as a non-peptidic oral GHSR agonist with prolonged bioavailability, synthetic peptide options exhibit distinct pharmacokinetics and receptor specificity.
For instance, Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide GHSR agonist known for eliciting rapid, high-amplitude GH spikes with minimal ghrelin-induced hyperphagic signaling. Conversely, CJC-1295 No DAC acts via the GHRH receptor rather than the GHSR, providing a complementary pathway for somatotroph stimulation. Combining GHSR activation with GHRH receptor stimulation—such as evaluating MK-677 in parallel with GHRP-6—allows researchers to examine synergistic somatotropic responses in preclinical models.
Selecting Sizing: 15mg vs. Alternative Mass Formats
Selecting the appropriate package size depends on protocol duration, sample size, and analytical sensitivity. The 15mg vial format serves as an intermediate standard, optimal for mid-scale pilot studies, multi-concentration cell viability assays, or brief rodent treatment schedules where batch consistency across samples is required without risking solution degradation over long storage periods.
For small-scale screening or single-concentration analytical assays, smaller vial sizes minimize open-container exposure and solvent waste. Conversely, high-throughput research facilities conducting large-cohort animal trials benefit from larger batch sizes or bulk institutional ordering. Academic institutions and commercial laboratories scaling their experimental pipelines can explore customized supply contracts through our /wholesale program.
Handling Protocols & Laboratory Safety Procedures
MK-677 is supplied strictly as a chemical reagent for in vitro laboratory research and preclinical testing. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, medical therapy, or clinical application. Standard laboratory safety practices must be maintained at all times when handling dry powder or concentrated solutions.
Personnel must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including nitrided gloves, eye protection, and a certified lab coat. Solubilization procedures involving volatile or organic solvents (e.g., DMSO, ethanol) should be executed inside a certified chemical fume hood to prevent inhalation of vapors. Dispose of liquid waste, contaminated tips, and empty vials in accordance with local environmental health and safety regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mechanism of action of MK-677?
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) acts as a selective, non-peptidic agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a). In preclinical research, it mimics ghrelin to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) and subsequent synthesis of IGF-1.
How do I calculate diluent volumes for a 15mg MK-677 vial?
To prepare a 15 mg/mL solution, reconstitute the 15mg contents with 1.0 mL of solvent. Adding 2.0 mL yields 7.5 mg/mL, while 3.0 mL yields 5.0 mg/mL. Use our online reconstitution calculator to verify custom concentration math.
Is MK-677 soluble in pure sterile water?
MK-677 mesylate exhibits limited solubility in pure water at neutral pH. For high-concentration stock solutions, organic solvents such as DMSO or ethanol are recommended before downstream dilution into aqueous assay buffers.
How should reconstituted MK-677 stock solutions be stored?
Reconstituted stock solutions should be divided into single-use aliquots to avoid freeze-thaw cycles. Store aliquoted DMSO or ethanol stocks at -80°C for long-term stability or at 2°C to 8°C for short-term handling.
What testing standard does PX1 Research use for lot verification?
Every lot is verified via HPLC for purity (>99.0%), Mass Spectrometry (MS) for identity confirmation, and LAL assays for endotoxin quantification at an independent ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
Does PX1 Research sell MK-677 for human consumption?
No. All products sold by PX1 Research are strictly designated for laboratory research use only. They are not for human, clinical, or veterinary administration under any circumstances.
What is the difference between MK-677 and peptide secretagogues like Ipamorelin?
MK-677 is a non-peptidic, orally active GHSR agonist with an extended biological half-life in preclinical models. In contrast, Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide that requires parental delivery in animal studies and exhibits faster systemic clearance.
Can PX1 Research provide bulk custom fills for large institutional studies?
Yes. Institutional accounts requiring specialized fill sizes, custom mass specifications, or bulk volume arrangements can coordinate directly through the PX1 wholesale department.
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All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.