Oral MK-677 Increases Bone-Building Markers in Both Healthy Elderly and Hip Fracture Patients | Research

The takeaway

MK-677 increased bone formation markers in healthy elderly adults and elderly hip fracture patients, with sustained effects at 2 and 12 months, suggesting long-term bone-building potential.

12-month sustained effect
Bone formation markers remained elevated after a year of MK-677 treatment, showing the bone-building effect doesn't wear off quickly

What the researchers found

MK-677 increased bone formation markers at 2 and 12 months in healthy elderly and in hip fracture patients, with sustained IGF-1 elevation, demonstrating prolonged bone-building potential in age-related bone loss.

Why it matters

Osteoporosis and hip fractures are devastating in the elderly. An oral medication that stimulates bone formation for at least a year could help prevent fractures and improve recovery after hip surgery.

How the study worked

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies: (1) healthy elderly subjects treated with MK-677 for up to 12 months, (2) elderly hip fracture patients during recovery. Bone turnover markers and IGF-1 measured.

What this study cannot tell us

Bone markers are surrogates for bone density. Actual fracture prevention was not assessed. Sample sizes and specific population details limited in abstract. Long-term safety of IGF-1 elevation in elderly needs monitoring.

How to read the evidence

Strong evidence from two placebo-controlled studies in clinically relevant elderly populations with sustained effects up to 12 months.

When this study was published

Published in 1999. MK-677's bone effects in elderly populations have been studied further, with the 12-month data being particularly influential.

The bigger picture

Current osteoporosis drugs mainly prevent bone loss (anti-resorptives). A drug that actively builds new bone through GH/IGF-1 stimulation represents a fundamentally different approach that could complement existing treatments.

Questions still open

Does the bone marker increase translate to higher bone density and fewer fractures?
What is the optimal MK-677 duration for bone benefits in elderly?
Does combining MK-677 with anti-resorptives produce additive bone effects?

Common questions

Can MK-677 help prevent osteoporosis?

This study shows MK-677 stimulates bone-building markers for up to a year in elderly people. While promising, actual bone density and fracture prevention studies are needed to confirm it prevents osteoporosis.

Could MK-677 help after a hip fracture?

The study in hip fracture patients showed increased bone formation markers during recovery, suggesting it might help bones heal. However, direct fracture healing outcomes weren't measured.

Read the original research

Oral administration of the growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 increases markers of bone turnover in healthy and functionally impaired elderly adults. The MK-677 Study Group.

Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 14(7), 1182-8

View on PubMed ↗

Citation

Murphy, M G; Bach, M A; Plotkin, D; Bolognese, J; Ng, J; Krupa, D; Cerchio, K; Gertz, B J. (1999). Oral administration of the growth hormone secretagogue MK-677 increases markers of bone turnover in healthy and functionally impaired elderly adults. The MK-677 Study Group.. Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 14(7), 1182-8.