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Macimorelin
open-in-new
<p>Macimorelin (<a href="/facts/International_Nonproprietary_Name/wYL655x6">INN</a>) – or Macrilen (trade name) – is a drug that was <a href="/facts/Drug_development/k34jgV4B">developed</a> by Aeterna Zentaris for use in the diagnosis of adult <a href="/facts/Growth_hormone_deficiency/H2R9x3UU">growth hormone deficiency</a>. Macimorelin acetate, the salt formulation, is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist. It is a <a href="/facts/Growth_hormone_secretagogue_receptor/H3V37SDA">growth hormone secretagogue receptor</a> (ghrelin receptor) agonist, causing release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Macimorelin acetate is described chemically as D-Tryptophanamide, 2-methylalanyl-N-[(1R)-1-(formylamino)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-acetate. </p><p>Macimorelin (Macrilen) was invented and first synthesized at <a href="/facts/University_of_Montpellier/3S5tWSeW">University of Montpellier</a>, Centre National de la Recherche Scientitifique (<a href="/facts/French_National_Centre_for_Scientific_Research/z8RBcY1j">CNRS</a>), France. This transpired from a long-lasting research collaboration with Aeterna Zentaris. Aeterna Zentaris later in-licensed macimorelin as a development candidate from the CNRS and proceeded with the pre-clinical and clinical development of the compound. </p><p>As of January 2014, it was in <a href="/facts/Phase_III_clinical_trials/o8hEodVu">Phase III clinical trials</a>. The phase III trial for growth hormone deficiency is expected to be complete in December 2016. </p><p>As of December 2017, it was FDA-approved as a method to diagnose growth hormone deficiency. Traditionally, growth hormone deficiency was diagnosed via means of <a href="/facts/Insulin_tolerance_test/QlVIUnMB">insulin tolerance test</a> (IST) or glucagon stimulation test (GST). These two means are done parenterally, whereas Macrilen boasts an oral formulation for ease of administration for patients and providers. </p><p>The US <a href="/facts/Food_and_Drug_Administration/rCEnh9WB">Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA) considers it to be a <a href="/facts/First-in-class_medication/ksvbEbS4">first-in-class medication</a>. </p>