What has ibutamoren been studied for but shown no benefit?

    Last Updated: May 7, 2024

    There have been a few negative studies with ibutamoren. For example, there was interest in using ibutamoren for Alzheimer’s disease, because its ability to increase levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may theoretically reduce brain amyloidosis and slow down disease progression. However, a large randomized controlled trial in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease found that taking 25 mg of ibutamoren daily for 12 months is no different than a placebo for slowing down cognitive or physical decline.[1] Additionally, there is interest in the use of ibutamoren for hypogonadism; however, ibutamoren has not been shown to increase testosterone levels.[2] Ibutamoren has also not been shown to improve bone mineral density even though it seemed to activate biomarkers signaling bone resorption (breaking down).[3]

    References

    1. ^Sevigny JJ, Ryan JM, van Dyck CH, Peng Y, Lines CR, Nessly ML, MK-677 Protocol 30 Study GroupGrowth hormone secretagogue MK-677: no clinical effect on AD progression in a randomized trial.Neurology.(2008 Nov 18)
    2. ^Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, Rivera-Mirabal J, Yu J, Kovac J, Pastuszak AW, Lipshultz LIBeyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males.Transl Androl Urol.(2020 Mar)
    3. ^Svensson J, Lall S, Dickson SL, Bengtsson BA, Rømer J, Ahnfelt-Rønne I, Ohlsson C, Jansson JOEffects of growth hormone and its secretagogues on bone.Endocrine.(2001 Feb)