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Acthar high dose (80 U)
Acthar is a synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol and other corticosteroids.
Acthar is a synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol and other corticosteroids. Used for Infantile spasms (West syndrome), Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acthar high dose (80 U) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Repository Corticotropin Injection |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health |
| Drug class | ACTH analog |
| Target | Melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Rheumatology / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acthar binds to melanocortin-2 receptors on adrenocortical cells, triggering the release of endogenous glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. This endogenous steroid production provides anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The high-dose formulation (80 U) is used for acute exacerbations of conditions requiring rapid corticosteroid elevation.
Approved indications
- Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
- Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Hyperglycemia
- Insomnia
- Mood changes / irritability
- Increased infection risk
- Hypokalemia
- Fluid retention / edema
Key clinical trials
- Acthar SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) (PHASE4)
- Acthar on Proteinuria in IgA Nephropathy Patients (PHASE4)
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:
- Acthar high dose (80 U) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Acthar high dose (80 U) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- NYU Langone Health portfolio CI