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Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol and other corticosteroids.
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol and other corticosteroids. Used for Adrenocortical insufficiency, Infantile spasms (West syndrome), Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Adrenocorticotrophic hormone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ACTH |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa |
| Drug class | Peptide hormone |
| Target | Melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology / Immunology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
ACTH is a peptide hormone that binds to melanocortin-2 receptors on adrenocortical cells, triggering a cascade that increases synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and adrenal androgens. This endogenous hormone replacement or supplementation approach restores or enhances the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in conditions of adrenal insufficiency or immune dysregulation.
Approved indications
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
Common side effects
- Hypertension
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Fluid retention
- Mood changes
Key clinical trials
- Pharmacokinetic (PK), Pharmacodynamic (PD) and Tolerability of Osilodrostat in Pediatric Patients With Cushing's Syndrome (PHASE2)
- Use of Acthar in Patients With FSGS That Will be Undergoing Renal Transplantation (PHASE3)
- FET PET/CT Imaging To Localize Pituitary Adenomas In Cushing Disease (EARLY_PHASE1)
- A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Effects of ASP5541 in Participants With Prostate Cancer (PHASE2)
- AuriculoTherapy NeuroImaging (NA)
- CRF2 Agonist for the Treatment of Worsening Heart Failure (PHASE2)
- Use of Acthar in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Related Flares (PHASE4)
- ACTH Stability on Whole Blood (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:
- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Adrenocorticotrophic hormone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Ottawa portfolio CI