Corticorelin

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) AnalogRx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: Acthrel, corticorelin ovine triflutate, CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor), hCRH synthetic analog, oCRH

Summary

Corticorelin (corticorelin ovine triflutate; brand name Acthrel) is a synthetic corticotropin-releasing hormone used as a diagnostic agent to differentiate the source of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (pituitary vs. ectopic). It stimulates pituitary ACTH secretion and is used in the CRH stimulation test.

Mechanism of Action

Synthetic analog of human corticotropin-releasing hormone (hCRH) that binds to CRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating the synthesis and secretion of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which in turn stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal cortex.

Routes of Administration

Intravenous

Goals & Uses

Peritumoral brain edema reductionTherapeuticLow
Differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndromeDiagnosticHigh
Evaluation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functionDiagnosticModerate

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to corticorelin or any componentAllergyHigh
Administration with heparin or heparin-containing solutionsDrug InteractionHigh

Adverse Effects

Dyspnea/shortness of breathRespiratoryUncommon
AnaphylaxisImmunologicRareSevere life-threatening allergic reaction
Injection site reactionsLocalUncommon
HypotensionCardiovascularCommonLow blood pressure
FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
TachycardiaCardiovascularCommonAbnormally fast heart rate

Drug Interactions

HeparinHigh
Glucocorticoids (exogenous)Moderate
MetyraponeLow

Population Constraints

PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
Patients with cardiovascular diseaseComorbidityRelative

Regulatory Status

European UnionUnknownNot centrally authorized via EMA; availability varies by member state.
United StatesApprovedApproved: Differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (pituitary vs. ectopic source)FDA-approved under brand name Acthrel (Ferring Pharmaceuticals). NDA approved 1996.
United KingdomUnknownNot confirmed as formally approved by MHRA post-Brexit; may be available via named patient or special import.

FDA-approved in the United States as a diagnostic agent (Acthrel). Also investigated for potential therapeutic uses including management of peritumoral brain edema.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.