Corticotropin
FDA approved · RxPituitary peptide hormone
Also known as: ACTH, Acthar Gel, Cortrophin, Acthar, Purified Cortrophin Gel, Corticotrophin, Adrenocorticotropin, Adrenocorticotrophin, H.P. Acthar gel, Corticotrofina
Strong, human-grade evidence
- Regulatory standing. FDA-approved prescription medicine
- Human trials. Backed by controlled human studies
- Registered human trials. 223 registered studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced Phase 4
- 2 cited sources. Includes primary / regulatory sources
Computed with the same four public criteria as every profile. The human-evidence grade on an indexed profile is set automatically and may change when it is hand-reviewed. It is not a safety score, not a purity rating, and not medical advice, and not a claim that this compound treats, cures, or prevents any condition.
What it is
Corticotropin, also called ACTH, is a peptide hormone normally made by the pituitary gland that signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol and related steroids. Prescription forms such as Acthar and Purified Cortrophin Gel are long-acting repository preparations, and ACTH is also thought to act on melanocortin receptors elsewhere in the body.
What the evidence shows
Corticotropin gel products are FDA-approved prescription drugs, approved for conditions including infantile spasms (Acthar) and certain flares of multiple sclerosis, rheumatic, and other inflammatory disorders, with over 200 registered human trials. For several of its older labeled uses, modern comparative evidence against standard corticosteroids is limited and debated.
Key facts
Registered human trials
Live from ClinicalTrials.gov, refreshed daily.
Study of the Approximate Entropy of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol Secretion in Patients With Head Injury
An Extension Study of CORLUX in the Treatment of Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome
Pilot Clinical Trial of ACTHar Gel 14 Days Subcutaneous (SQ)Versus ACTHar Gel Five Days SQ for the Treatment of MS Exacerbations
SPI-62 as a Treatment for Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-dependent Cushing's Syndrome
Published literature
Live from Europe PMC. This is how much has been published, not how much is proven in humans.
Characterization of a 41-residue ovine hypothalamic peptide that stimulates secretion of corticotropin and beta-endorphin.
Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis.
The open field as a paradigm to measure the effects of drugs on anxiety-like behaviors: a review.
Neurobiology of depression.
Sources
- PubChem compound record (CID 16132265)
- FDA drug label on DailyMed
- Registered trials on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Published papers on Europe PMC
Risks, side effects and study doses are only published on hand-reviewed profiles. Want this one reviewed, or spotted something wrong? Tell us.