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Acthar Injectable Product
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), Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Acthar Injectable Product |
|---|---|
| Also known as | repository corticotropin injection, H.P. Acthar Gel |
| Sponsor | Attune Health Research, Inc. |
| Drug class | ACTH analog |
| Target | Melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Rheumatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
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. Unlike exogenous corticosteroids, Acthar stimulates the body's own steroid synthesis, which may offer different pharmacodynamic properties and potentially preserve some aspects of adrenal function.
Approved indications
- Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
- Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypokalemia
- Mood changes / psychiatric effects
- Insomnia
- Increased infection risk
- Fluid retention / edema
Key clinical trials
- Hormonal Mechanisms of Sleep Restriction - Axis Study in Older Men and Postmenopausal Women (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Hormonal Mechanisms of Sleep Restriction - Axis Study (PHASE1)
- Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Tolerance of Tetracosactide Synacthen® in the Treatment of Post Dural Puncture Headaches (ESYBRECHE) (PHASE2)
- Use of Acthar Gel Single-Dose Pre-Filled SelfJectTM Injector in Patients With Moderate-Severe Keratitis and Autoimmune Disease (PHASE4)
- A Study of SNP-ACTH (1-39) Gel in Patients With Primary Membranous Nephropathy (PHASE3)
- The Effects of Acthar on Synovial Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE3)
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) for Post-op Inflammation in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (EARLY_PHASE1)
- A Study of Acthar Gel Alone or With Tacrolimus to Reduce Proteinuria in Fibrillary Glomerulopathy 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 |