Macimorelin (Macrilen)
Overview
An orally bioavailable growth hormone secretagogue approved as a diagnostic agent for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). Macimorelin stimulates GH release via GHS-R1a agonism, and the GH response to a standardized oral dose is used to confirm or exclude AGHD.
Mechanism of Action
It offers a simpler, better-tolerated alternative to the insulin tolerance test and GHRH-arginine test for GH deficiency diagnosis.
Research Summary & Key Findings
FDA-approved in 2017 as a diagnostic test for AGHD. Demonstrated 87% sensitivity and 96% specificity in clinical validation studies compared to the insulin tolerance test. Single oral dose produces measurable GH peak within 30-90 minutes. Well-tolerated with dysgeusia being the most common side effect (Garcia et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2018).
Clinical Status
Macimorelin (Macrilen) has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.
Administration Routes
References
Primary literature
- PubMed — "Macimorelin"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov — "Macimorelin"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem — "Macimorelin"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Study-level citations for this compound are being verified against the primary sources before publication. The database queries above return the current indexed literature in the meantime.
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