Mecasermin
Also known as: Increlex, IPLEX, Mecasermin, Mecasermin rinfabate, recombinant human IGF-1, rhIGF-1
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Summary
Recombinant human IGF-1 (mecasermin) indicated for treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or GH gene deletion.
Mechanism of Action
Mimics endogenous IGF-1, binding IGF-1 receptor to activate intracellular signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation, differentiation, and linear growth.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Muscle growth / anabolic effectsBody CompositionLow
- Increase linear growthEfficacyHigh
- Treatment of severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (SPIGFD)Growth DisorderHigh
- Improvement of insulin sensitivity / glucose metabolismMetabolicModerate
- Normalize IGF-1 serum levelsBiomarkerModerate
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatmentNeurologicalLow
- Growth promotion in GH gene deletion with anti-GH antibodiesGrowth DisorderHigh
Contraindications
- Active malignancyOncologyHighUse caution or avoid depending on agent and context
- Hypersensitivity to mecasermin or excipientsAllergic/ImmunologicHigh
- Closed epiphysesSkeletalModerate
- Diabetic retinopathyOphthalmologyModerate
- Intravenous administrationRoute Of AdministrationHigh
- Active or suspected neoplasiaOncologicalHigh
Adverse Effects
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicCommonAbnormally low blood glucose
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Acromegaloid featuresEndocrine/MusculoskeletalUncommon
- Intracranial hypertensionNeurologicalRare
- LipohypertrophyDermatologicUncommon
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysisMusculoskeletalUncommon
- Tonsillar/adenoid hypertrophyENTCommon
Drug Interactions
- InsulinHighMay increase risk of low blood sugar
- Growth hormone therapyModerate
- Insulin or insulin secretagoguesHigh
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Growth hormoneModerate
- Oral antidiabetic agents (sulfonylureas, etc.)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Patients with active cancerOncologicalAbsolute
- Neonates / infants < 2 yearsPediatricRelative
- Pregnant or breastfeeding womenReproductiveRelative
- Patients with scoliosisMusculoskeletalRelative
- Children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiencyPediatricAbsolute
- Diabetic PatientsMetabolicRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Primary IGF-1 deficiencyEMA approval for pediatric patients.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Growth failure due to primary IGF-1 deficiency, Growth failure due to GH gene deletionFDA label includes pediatric use up to 18 years.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Long-term treatment of growth failure in children and adolescents with severe primary IGF-1 deficiencyApproved via EMA pre-Brexit; recognized in UK. Subject to MHRA oversight post-Brexit.
FDA‑approved (US) as Increlex for pediatric growth disorders; also approved in the EU and other jurisdictions.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mecasermin?
Recombinant human IGF-1 (mecasermin) indicated for treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or GH gene deletion.
What is Mecasermin used for?
Mecasermin is educationally associated with: Muscle growth / anabolic effects, Increase linear growth, Treatment of severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (SPIGFD), Improvement of insulin sensitivity / glucose metabolism, Normalize IGF-1 serum levels, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment, Growth promotion in GH gene deletion with anti-GH antibodies. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Mecasermin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Mecasermin?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypoglycemia, Injection site reactions, Acromegaloid features, Intracranial hypertension, Lipohypertrophy, Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Tonsillar/adenoid hypertrophy. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Mecasermin?
Recorded contraindications: Active malignancy, Hypersensitivity to mecasermin or excipients, Closed epiphyses, Diabetic retinopathy, Intravenous administration, Active or suspected neoplasia. Consult a qualified clinician before use.