Side-by-side · Research reference
MK-677vsPinealon
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
APhase 2Reviewed13/45 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft12/36 cited
MK-677
Oral GHS · Ibutamoren
Oral capsule · 1×/day
Pinealon
Pineal-derived · Neuroprotective
SQ or IM · Daily for 10 days · 1-2×/year
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
MK-677
Pinealon
Primary target
Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)Murphy 1998
Antioxidant defense + neuronal gene expression (proposed)Khavinson 2014
Pathway
GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → sustained GH pulses across 24 hrNass 2008
Modulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) + neurotrophic factor expressionKhavinson 2014
Downstream effect
Sustained GH + IGF-1 elevation; appetite stimulation; lean mass preservationNass 2008
Reduced oxidative stress in neurons; improved cognitive function in age-related declineKhavinson 2014
Origin
Non-peptide spiroindane-piperidine small molecule designed at MerckMurphy 1998
Synthetic 4-AA peptide derived from pineal gland extractKhavinson 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
MK-677
Pinealon
Standard dose
10–25 mg / day oralNass 2008
25 mg used in Nass 2008 elderly trial; 10–15 mg common community dose.
5–10 mg / day for 10 daysKhavinson 2014
Frequency
Once daily, oral
Once daily during cycle
Lower / starter dose
5 mg / day
2.5 mg / day
Evidence basis
Phase 2 trials (Nass 2008, Murphy 1998)Nass 2008Murphy 1998
Russian clinical trials + in vitroKhavinson 2014
Duration
8–16 weeks per cycle (off-cycle to reset receptor sensitivity)
10-day cycles, 1–2× per year
Reconstitution
Oral, no reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
Pre-sleep preferred for natural GH pulse alignment
No specific time
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
MK-677
Pinealon
Increased appetite
Strong appetite increase via ghrelin agonism
—
Water retention
Mild edema, paresthesias
—
Cancer risk
Contraindicated in active malignancy (GH/IGF-1 axis)
—
Cardiovascular
No clear adverse signal in trials; congestive heart failure caution
—
Drowsiness
Common, especially during initial weeks
—
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Avoid
Injection site reaction
—
Mild irritation
Long-term safety
—
Limited Western data
Absolute Contraindications
MK-677
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis
- ·Congestive heart failure (caution)
Pinealon
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Relative Contraindications
MK-677
- ·Untreated diabetes
- ·Pre-diabetes
- ·Severe insulin resistance
Pinealon
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical via gene expression modulation)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
MK-677
Pinealon
1. Form
Capsule or oral solution. No injection.
Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial.
2. Site
Oral. Take with or without food.
SQ — abdomen preferred.
3. Timing
Pre-sleep preferred — aligns with natural GH pulse.
Daily during cycle, any time.
4. Storage
Capsule: room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Caveat
Monitor HbA1c every 8–12 weeks during chronic use.
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
06Stack Synergy
MK-677
— no documented stacks
Pinealon
+ Epitalon
ModeratePinealon (neuroprotection) + Epitalon (telomerase activation) form the canonical Khavinson "longevity stack" — both pineal-derived bioregulators with complementary axes. Pinealon supports neuronal antioxidant defense; Epitalon supports telomere maintenance. Anecdotally cycled together 1–2× per year.
- Pinealon
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days
- Epitalon
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days (overlap or alternate)
- Primary benefit
- Neuroprotection + telomere preservation