Mecasermin (IGF-1, Increlex)
Lab-made IGF-1, FDA-approved for children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency who don't respond to growth hormone.
- Evidence
- Extensive clinical research
- Half-life
- ~6 hours
- Sources
- 2 cited
Is mecasermin (IGF-1) FDA-approved?
FDA-approved since 2005.
Is mecasermin (IGF-1) banned in sport?
Banned in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Overview
Mecasermin is identical to the IGF-1 your liver makes in response to growth hormone. It treats a rare condition where children have plenty of growth hormone but can't make IGF-1 from it. Because IGF-1 acts a lot like insulin, low blood sugar is its main risk.
How it works
It acts directly on IGF-1 receptors in bone, muscle and other tissues, skipping the growth hormone step.
How long does mecasermin (IGF-1) stay in the body?
About 6 hours in children with IGF-1 deficiency.
What it's studied for
- Severe primary IGF-1 deficiency in children
Reported side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Enlarged tonsils
- Injection-site fat changes
- Headache
Related: MK-677 (Ibutamoren), IGF-1 LR3, Hexarelin, MGF (Mechano Growth Factor).
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Mecasermin. BioDrugs, 2008 PubMed
- Managing the child with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. Drugs R D, 2014 PubMed
