Mk677 has been shown to sustain activation of the GH–IGF-1 axis, increasing growth hormone secretion by up to 97%,[9] and to increase lean body mass with no change in total fat mass or visceral fat. It is under investigation as a potential treatment for reduced levels of these hormones, such as in children or elderly adults with growth hormone deficiency,[3][10][11][12] and human studies have shown it to increase both muscle mass and bone mineral density,[13][14] making it a promising potential therapy for the treatment of frailty in the elderly.[15][16] As of June 2017, mk677 is in the preclinical stage of development for growth hormone deficiency.[3]