Ibutamoren is an investigational drug that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone and is currently being studied for use in growth hormone deficiency. There’s no evidence that ibutamoren is beneficial in people without growth hormone deficiency. Furthermore, there is concern that it worsens the risk of heart problems in older adults.
Ibutamoren is most often used for
Last Updated:May 7, 2024
Ibutamoren is a substance that increases growth hormone secretion, particularly in older adults. However, despite changes in biomarkers, there is no evidence of functional benefits from its use.
Ibutamoren may benefit people with growth hormone deficiency and has been designated as an orphan drug for this condition by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. It may also provide modest metabolic benefits, such as slight improvements in LDL cholesterol and fat-free mass, but does not enhance strength or physical function, and its effects do not persist after discontinuation.
Ibutamoren's main drawbacks include common side effects, such as increased blood sugar, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased appetite, muscle pain, and mild swelling, as well as rare reports of hypertension and heart failure in older adults.
Ibutamoren is a synthetic compound that mimics ghrelin; it activates calcium channels and stimulates the release of growth hormone and IGF-1, which can increase hunger and reduce nitrogen wasting. This reduction in nitrogen wasting is believed to contribute to an increase in fat-free mass.
New page created
We created a new page for the investigational drug ibutamoren, which is being studied for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency. Currently, there's no evidence that it's beneficial for people without growth hormone deficiency, and shouldn't be taken outside of the context of medical treatment.
