Recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1) 40mg vial
NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1) indicated for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (SPIGFD) or GH-gene deletion with neutralizing anti-GH antibodies—conditions where endogenous IGF-1 remains low despite normal or high GH. It binds the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) to drive somatic growth, protein synthesis, glucose uptake, and chondrocyte proliferation at the growth plate. It is prescription-only and distinct from GH: it replaces the end-hormone rather than stimulating its production.
Additional Benefits of Mecasermin Now Under Investigation
| Benefit |
Key take-aways |
| 1 Linear growth in SPIGFD |
In children meeting label criteria, twice-daily rhIGF-1 produces significant 1st-year height-velocity increases (often +5–8 cm/yr above baseline) with sustained multi-year gains when started early and titrated to tolerance. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism; Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|
| 2 Craniofacial & body-proportion catch-up |
Improvements in sitting height, limb segments, and head circumference z-scores reflect true skeletal growth rather than fluid shifts. Pediatric Research; Bone
|
| 3 Metabolic effects (insulin sensitivity, lipids) |
IGF-1 enhances peripheral glucose uptake and may lower triglycerides in pediatric deficiency states; careful hypoglycemia precautions remain essential. Diabetes; Metabolism
|
| 4 Bone mineral accrual |
Increases in bone formation markers and BMD trajectories parallel height gains during therapy. JBMR; Osteoporosis International
|
| 5 Appetite & body composition |
Some cohorts show lean-mass gain with modest fat-mass reduction when nutrition is adequate, improving strength and activity metrics. Clinical Nutrition; MSSE
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| 6 Neurocognitive/quality-of-life signals |
Small studies suggest improvements in energy, school attendance, and attention symptoms in children with severe deficiency. Psychoneuroendocrinology; Pediatrics
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| 7 Hepatic/IGF-axis normalization |
Serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 normalization associates with improved ALT/AST in deficiency phenotypes; relevance outside SPIGFD is uncertain. Hepatology; Liver International
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| 8 Transition-age outcomes |
Continued therapy in late puberty/transition may help final height and peak bone mass, individualized by epiphyseal status. Endocrine Reviews; Clinical Endocrinology
|
| 9 Syndromic/secondary IGF-resistant states (research) |
Exploratory use in insulin-resistant, lipodystrophy-adjacent or neurodevelopmentalconditions is under study, but not approved. Nature Reviews Endocrinology; Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
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2. Molecular Mechanism of Action
2.1 Receptor Pharmacodynamics
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IGF-1R (tyrosine kinase) → PI3K–Akt–mTOR (protein synthesis, survival, glucose transport) and RAS–MAPK/ERK (proliferation/differentiation).
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Growth plate: Stimulates chondrocyte clonal expansion and hypertrophy, increasing endochondral ossification.
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Cross-talk: Partial activity at insulin receptor (IR) and IGF-1R/IR hybrids explains hypoglycemia risk.
2.2 Down-stream Biology
| Pathway |
Functional outcome |
Context |
| PI3K–Akt–mTOR |
↑ Translation, lean mass, glycogen |
Muscle, liver |
| MAPK–ERK |
↑ Cell cycle progression |
Growth plate |
| GLUT4 translocation |
↑ Glucose uptake (insulin-like) |
Muscle/adipose |
| FOXO inhibition |
↓ Proteolysis, anti-apoptotic |
Muscle/β-cells |
3. Pharmacokinetics
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Route: Subcutaneous, typically BID with meals/snack to mitigate hypoglycemia.
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Onset/half-life: Peak ~1–2 h; functional half-life ~5–8 h (age and binding-protein status influence).
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Binding proteins: Circulating IGF-1 is largely complexed with IGFBP-3/ALS, prolonging exposure; free fraction rises shortly post-dose.
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Titration: Start low and up-titrate every 1–2 weeks to max tolerated while monitoring pre- and post-prandial glucose.
4. Clinical Evidence (label populations)
4.1 Severe Primary IGF-1 Deficiency (SPIGFD)
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Height velocity rises markedly in year 1 and remains above baseline in years 2–4 when adherence and nutrition are adequate.
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Determinants of response: Younger start age, open epiphyses, absence of severe comorbid skeletal dysplasias, and consistent dosing.
4.2 GH-gene deletion with anti-GH antibodies
Evidence quality note: Supportive prospective registries, open-label extensions, and controlled pediatric datasets back efficacy in SPIGFD. Use in non-approved contexts remains investigational.
5. Emerging Clinical Interests
| Field |
Rationale |
Status |
| Partial GH insensitivity / ALS-IGFBP defects |
Endpoint hormone replacement |
Exploratory |
| Severe insulin resistance/lipodystrophy |
Insulin-sensitizing via IGF-1R/IR hybrids |
Case-series level |
| Neurodevelopmental conditions |
Synaptic/neuronal trophic actions |
Early studies (off-label) |
| Transition to adult care |
Bone mass and metabolic support |
Individualized protocols |
6. Safety and Tolerability
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Very important: Hypoglycemia—most common early/with missed food. Always dose with a meal/snack; educate family on glucose monitoring and glucagon rescue if indicated.
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Common: Injection-site reactions, headache, dizziness, otitis media, upper respiratory symptoms, arthralgia, edema, jaw discomfort (rapid mandibular growth), tonsillar/adenoidal hypertrophy (snoring/OSA symptoms).
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Oropharyngeal hypertrophy: Can cause sleep-disordered breathing; ENT evaluation if symptoms develop.
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Benign intracranial hypertension (rare): Headache, vomiting, visual changes—stop and evaluate.
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Scoliosis progression: Monitor during rapid growth.
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Neoplasia caution: IGF-1 is trophic; avoid in active or suspected malignancy. Long-term pediatric data have not shown a clear cancer signal in approved use, but vigilance is warranted.
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Allergy: Hypersensitivity is uncommon; monitor for urticaria/anaphylaxis.
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Drug interactions: Insulin/secretagogues increase hypoglycemia risk; glucocorticoids may blunt growth response; thyroid insufficiency must be corrected.
Comparative safety matrix (pediatrics)
| Concern |
Mecasermin (IGF-1) |
Somatropin (GH) |
Oxandrolone |
| Primary indication |
SPIGFD / anti-GH Ab |
GH deficiency & others |
Catabolic states/short stature (select) |
| Hypoglycemia |
Yes (key risk) |
Rare |
No (may worsen lipids) |
| Adenotonsillar growth/OSA |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Low |
| Intracranial HTN |
Rare |
Rare |
Rare |
| Metabolic effects |
↑ Glucose uptake (hypo risk) |
Anti-insulin (↑ glucose) |
Androgenic AEs |
7. Regulatory Landscape
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Status: Approved for SPIGFD and GH-gene deletion with neutralizing anti-GH antibodies (regional labels vary).
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Not approved for: Typical GH deficiency, idiopathic short stature, or performance enhancement.
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Distribution: Specialty pharmacy with risk-mitigation education for families.
8. Practical Use (clinic playbook)
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Confirm diagnosis: Low IGF-1 with normal/high GH, excluding secondary causes (malnutrition, hypothyroidism, chronic illness). Genetic testing for GHR/STAT5B/IGF1/IGFALS improves precision.
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Start low, go slow: Initiate BID SC with meals; titrate to effect/tolerability. Provide glucometer, hypoglycemia plan, and sick-day rules.
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Nutrition: Ensure adequate calories/protein, vitamin D/calcium; treat hypothyroidism or celiac disease if present.
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Monitoring: Height velocity, IGF-1/IGFBP-3, fasting/bedtime glucose, ENT (snoring/OSA), spine/hip pain, fundoscopy if headaches.
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When to pause/stop: Persistent hypoglycemia despite protocol, signs of intracranial hypertension, or neoplastic work-up.
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Transition planning: Reassess need as epiphyses close; focus on bone health and metabolic maintenance.
Selected References
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Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism; Hormone Research in Paediatrics — Long-term outcomes of rhIGF-1 therapy in SPIGFD and anti-GH antibody states.
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Pediatric Research; Bone; JBMR — Skeletal and bone-mineral accrual during IGF-1 replacement.
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Diabetes; Metabolism — Insulin-sensitizing and lipid effects of IGF-1 in deficiency phenotypes.
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Endocrine Reviews; Clinical Endocrinology — Diagnostic algorithms for GH insensitivity and transition-age care.
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Hepatology; Liver International — Hepatic/IGF-axis interactions and labs during therapy.
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Psychoneuroendocrinology; Pediatrics — QoL and functional domains under replacement therapy.