Effect of alendronate and MK-677 (a growth hormone secretagogue), individually and in combination, on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Murphy MG, Weiss S, McClung M, Schnitzer T, Cerchio K, Connor J, Krupa D, Gertz BJ

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism1 Mar 2001Cited by 60 (Europe PMC)

PMID11238495DOI10.1210/jcem.86.3.7294PepBankPUB-11238495

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study12

9 results from studies that gave the peptide. 9 results from people.

01HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 alone increased IGF-I from baseline, significantly versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 alone increased IGF-I from baseline more than placebo.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseIGF-I with MK-677 alone
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
IGF-I change from baseline
39%
MK-677 with or without alendronate; the source does not say which arm has 39% and which has 45%
IGF-I change from baseline
45%
MK-677 with or without alendronate; the source does not say which arm has 39% and which has 45%
P value for IGF-I
< 0.05
MK-677 alone versus placebo, month 12
Source sentences
Summary
MK-677, with or without alendronate, increased insulin-like growth factor I levels from baseline (39% and 45%; P < 0.05 vs. placebo).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849501
02HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 increased osteocalcin by 22%, significantly versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 increased osteocalcin more than placebo.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseOsteocalcin with MK-677 alone
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Osteocalcin change
22%
MK-677 group versus placebo, on the average
P value for osteocalcin
< 0.05
MK-677 versus placebo, month 12
Source sentences
Summary
MK-677 increased osteocalcin and urinary NTx by 22% and 41%, on the average, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. placebo).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849503
03HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 increased urinary NTx by 41%, significantly versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 increased urinary NTx more than placebo.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseUrinary NTx with MK-677 alone
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Urinary NTx change
41%
MK-677 group versus placebo, on the average
P value for urinary NTx
< 0.05
MK-677 versus placebo, month 12
Source sentences
Summary
MK-677 increased osteocalcin and urinary NTx by 22% and 41%, on the average, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. placebo).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849504
04HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, adding MK‑677 to alendronate reduced osteocalcin less than alendronate alone.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, adding MK‑677 to alendronate reduced osteocalcin less than alendronate alone.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseOsteocalcin with combination
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Alendronate alone
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Osteocalcin relative change
−40%
MK-677 plus alendronate
Osteocalcin relative change
−54%
alendronate alone
P value for osteocalcin relative change
< 0.05
MK-677 plus alendronate versus alendronate alone, month 12
Source sentences
Summary
MK-677 and alendronate mitigated the reduction in bone formation compared with alendronate alone based on mean relative changes in serum osteocalcin (-40% vs. -54%; P < 0.05, combination vs. alendronate)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849505
05HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, adding MK‑677 to alendronate reduced NTx less than alendronate alone.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, adding MK‑677 to alendronate reduced NTx less than alendronate alone.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseNTx with combination
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Alendronate alone
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 12 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
NTx relative change
−52%
MK-677 plus alendronate
NTx relative change
−61%
alendronate alone
P value for NTx relative change
< 0.05
MK-677 plus alendronate versus alendronate alone, month 12
Source sentences
Summary
and reduced the effect of alendronate on resorption (NTx) as well (-52% vs. -61%; P < 0.05, combination vs. alendronate).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849506
06HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate increased femoral neck BMD more than alendronate alone.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate increased femoral neck bone density more than alendronate alone.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseFemoral neck BMD
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Alendronate alone
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 18 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Femoral neck BMD increase
4.2%
MK-677 plus alendronate
Femoral neck BMD increase
2.5%
alendronate alone
P value for femoral neck BMD increase
< 0.05
MK-677 plus alendronate versus alendronate alone, BMD assessment
Source sentences
Summary
MK-677 plus alendronate increased BMD at the femoral neck (4.2% vs. 2.5% for alendronate; P < 0.05).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849507
07HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate did not similarly enhance lumbar spine BMD versus alendronate alone.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate did not similarly improve lumbar spine bone density versus alendronate alone.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
No significant changeLumbar spine BMD
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Alendronate alone
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 18 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
However, similar enhancement was not seen with MK-677 plus alendronate in BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, or total body compared with alendronate alone.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849508
08HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate did not similarly enhance total hip BMD versus alendronate alone.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate did not similarly improve total hip bone density versus alendronate alone.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
No significant changeTotal hip BMD
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Alendronate alone
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 18 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
However, similar enhancement was not seen with MK-677 plus alendronate in BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, or total body compared with alendronate alone.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849509
09HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate did not similarly enhance total body BMD versus alendronate alone.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 plus alendronate did not similarly improve total body bone density versus alendronate alone.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
No significant changeTotal body BMD
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Alendronate alone
Outcome group
Bone and joint · Musculoskeletal
Studied dose
25 mg daily · oral · 18 monthsAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
However, similar enhancement was not seen with MK-677 plus alendronate in BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, or total body compared with alendronate alone.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
Report a problemFND-1123849510

Studies that did not test the peptide alone3

In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).

10HumanNot a test of MK-677 (ibutamoren) aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 with alendronate increased IGF-I from baseline, significantly versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, MK‑677 with alendronate increased IGF-I from baseline more than placebo.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
IncreaseIGF-I with combination
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
IGF-I change from baseline
39%
MK-677 with or without alendronate; the source does not say which arm has 39% and which has 45%
IGF-I change from baseline
45%
MK-677 with or without alendronate; the source does not say which arm has 39% and which has 45%
P value for IGF-I
< 0.05
MK-677 plus alendronate versus placebo, month 12
Source sentences
Summary
MK-677, with or without alendronate, increased insulin-like growth factor I levels from baseline (39% and 45%; P < 0.05 vs. placebo).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).
Report a problemFND-1123849502
11HumanNot a test of MK-677 (ibutamoren) aloneRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, GH-mediated side effects occurred in pooled MK‑677-containing groups.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, pooled MK‑677-containing groups had growth hormone-related side effects.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
Not applicableGH-mediated side effects
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
GH-mediated side effects were noted in the groups receiving MK-677, although adverse events resulting in discontinuation from the study were relatively infrequent.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).
Report a problemFND-1123849511
12HumanNot a test of MK-677 (ibutamoren) aloneRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In postmenopausal osteoporotic women, adverse-event discontinuations were relatively infrequent in pooled MK‑677-containing groups.
In plain wordsIn postmenopausal osteoporotic women, adverse-event discontinuations were relatively infrequent in pooled MK‑677-containing groups.
Peptide
MK-677 (ibutamoren)
Outcome
Not applicableAdverse-event discontinuations
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
GH-mediated side effects were noted in the groups receiving MK-677, although adverse events resulting in discontinuation from the study were relatively infrequent.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months.
Summary · context
In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD
In this study, MK-677 (ibutamoren) was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking MK-677 (ibutamoren).
Report a problemFND-1123849512

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
14 Oct 2026, 05:02 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
14 Oct 2026, 01:46 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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Effect of alendronate and MK-677 (a growth hormone secretagogue), individually and in combination, on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Summary

Results from this study12

Studies that did not test the peptide alone3

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms