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.
Hormones up, function mixedMK-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
What the researchers 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.
Why it 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.
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
Pilot study — underpowered for functional endpoints. Elderly hip fracture patients are heterogeneous. The dose and timing may not have been optimal.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence from a well-designed pilot RCT with clear hormonal effects but underpowered for the functional primary endpoint.
When this study was published
Published in 2004. MK-677 for fracture recovery has been further studied, with the concept of GH secretagogues for geriatric recovery remaining active.
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.
Questions still open
- 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?
Common questions
Can MK-677 help elderly people recover from hip fractures?
Is it safe for elderly fracture patients?
Read the original research
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
Citation
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.