MK-677 for Hip Fracture Recovery: Increased IGF-1 and GH But Mixed Functional Results
MK-677 successfully increased GH and IGF-1 in elderly hip fracture patients and showed some functional improvement trends, but the primary endpoint of functional independence was not significantly improved in this pilot trial.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
MK-677 increased GH and IGF-1 in elderly hip fracture patients with functional improvement trends, but the primary endpoint of functional independence was not statistically significant in this pilot RCT.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind pilot study. Elderly hip fracture patients received MK-677 or placebo. GH, IGF-1, functional recovery (ADL independence, walking, stair climbing), and safety measured.
Why This Research Matters
Hip fractures are devastating for the elderly — many never regain independence. While MK-677 didn't achieve the primary endpoint, the hormonal effects and safety data support larger studies.
The Bigger Picture
Recovery from hip fracture is one of geriatric medicine's greatest challenges. GH secretagogues' ability to boost anabolic hormones in this frail population remains promising despite the mixed primary result.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Pilot study — underpowered for functional endpoints. Elderly hip fracture patients are heterogeneous. The dose and timing may not have been optimal.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would a larger trial or longer treatment duration show functional benefit?
- ?Is earlier MK-677 initiation (pre-surgery) more effective?
- ?Could MK-677 combined with rehabilitation produce synergistic recovery?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Hormones up, function mixed MK-677 successfully boosted GH/IGF-1 in frail elderly patients but functional recovery improvement didn't reach statistical significance — hormonal effect confirmed, clinical benefit needs more data
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate evidence from a well-designed pilot RCT with clear hormonal effects but underpowered for the functional primary endpoint.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2004. MK-677 for fracture recovery has been further studied, with the concept of GH secretagogues for geriatric recovery remaining active.
- Original Title:
- The effects of MK-0677, an oral growth hormone secretagogue, in patients with hip fracture.
- Published In:
- Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(4), 516-23 (2004)
- Authors:
- Bach, Mark A(2), Rockwood, Kenneth, Zetterberg, Carl, Thamsborg, Gorm, Hébert, Réjean, Devogelaer, Jean-Pierre, Christiansen, Jens Sandahl, Rizzoli, René, Ochsner, J Lockwood, Beisaw, Norman, Gluck, Oscar, Yu, Leisure, Schwab, Thomas, Farrington, Jeanne, Taylor, Alice M, Ng, Jennifer, Fuh, Vivian
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00882
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MK-677 help elderly people recover from hip fractures?
It boosted growth hormone and IGF-1, with trends toward better walking and function, but didn't significantly improve overall independence in this pilot study. It's promising but needs larger trials.
Is it safe for elderly fracture patients?
Yes — MK-677 was safe and well-tolerated in this frail elderly population. The safety confirmation is important even if the functional benefit wasn't proven.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00882APA
Bach, Mark A; Rockwood, Kenneth; Zetterberg, Carl; Thamsborg, Gorm; Hébert, Réjean; Devogelaer, Jean-Pierre; Christiansen, Jens Sandahl; Rizzoli, René; Ochsner, J Lockwood; Beisaw, Norman; Gluck, Oscar; Yu, Leisure; Schwab, Thomas; Farrington, Jeanne; Taylor, Alice M; Ng, Jennifer; Fuh, Vivian. (2004). The effects of MK-0677, an oral growth hormone secretagogue, in patients with hip fracture.. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(4), 516-23.
MLA
Bach, Mark A, et al. "The effects of MK-0677, an oral growth hormone secretagogue, in patients with hip fracture.." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2004.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "The effects of MK-0677, an oral growth hormone secretagogue,..." RPEP-00882. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/bach-2004-the-effects-of-mk0677
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.