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ACTH
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol and other corticosteroids.
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol and other corticosteroids. Used for Adrenocortical insufficiency (primary and secondary), Infantile spasms (West syndrome), Rheumatoid arthritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | ACTH |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Acthar Gel, Repository Corticotropin Injection, Acthar, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Corticotropin |
| Sponsor | Providence Health & Services |
| Drug class | Corticotropin; peptide hormone |
| Target | Melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology; Immunology; Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
ACTH is a peptide hormone that binds to melanocortin-2 receptors on adrenocortical cells, triggering the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol) and mineralocorticoids. This endogenous hormone replacement or supplementation is used therapeutically to restore cortisol production in adrenal insufficiency or to exploit the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of elevated cortisol in certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Approved indications
- Adrenocortical insufficiency (primary and secondary)
- Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Acne
- Fluid retention
Key clinical trials
- DDAVP for Pituitary Adenoma (NA)
- Pharmacokinetic (PK), Pharmacodynamic (PD) and Tolerability of Osilodrostat in Pediatric Patients With Cushing's Syndrome (PHASE2)
- Study of Adrenal Gland Tumors
- Adrenal Function in Critical Illness
- Use of Acthar in Patients With FSGS That Will be Undergoing Renal Transplantation (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) With [18F]FET for the Detection of ACTH-Secreting Corticotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors.
- FET PET/CT Imaging To Localize Pituitary Adenomas In Cushing Disease (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Stress Reduction Program for Iraqi Medical Students (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- ACTH CI brief — competitive landscape report
- ACTH updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Providence Health & Services portfolio CI