Macimorelin

approved

Also known as: Macrilen, AEZS-130

**Mechanism of Action** Macimorelin (Macrilen, AEZS-130) is an orally active synthetic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. By mimicking the endogenous hormone ghrelin, it binds to growth hormone secretagogue receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH). Unlike natural ghrelin, macimorelin is resistant to enzymatic degradation and has enhanced oral bioavailability, enabling a standardized diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). **Key Research Findings** Clinical trials have demonstrated that macimorelin-induced GH release correlates well with the insulin tolerance test (ITT), the historical gold standard for AGHD diagnosis. A pivotal Phase III study (NCT01930331) showed a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 96% for AGHD diagnosis using a GH cutoff of 2.8 ng/mL. Pharmacokinetic data indicate peak plasma concentrations within 0.5–1 hour post-dose, with a half-life of approximately 4–6 hours. Adverse effects are generally mild (e.g., dysgeusia, dizziness) and transient. **Clinical Relevance** Macimorelin is FDA- and EMA-approved as a diagnostic agent for AGHD, offering a safer, more convenient alternative to the ITT, which carries risks of hypoglycemia and requires close medical supervision. Its oral administration and standardized protocol reduce patient burden and improve accessibility in outpatient settings. However, it is not indicated for therapeutic GH replacement or other conditions. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Growth Hormone Peptides
Molecular weight
474.6 g/mol
Molecular formula
C26H30N6O3
CAS number
381231-18-1
Administration
oral
Research status
approved
References
33
Tags
ghrelin-mimetic, oral, diagnostic

Research & studies

Molecular recognition of two approved drugs Macimorelin and Anamorelin by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor
Acta pharmacologica Sinica · 2025 · PubMed

Both drugs occupy a bifurcated binding pocket divided by a conserved salt bridge between E124³.³³ and R283⁶.⁵⁵.; Anamorelin shows higher binding affinity than Macimorelin, driven by specific key residues identified via mutagenesis.; Structural comparisons with different G protein subtypes reveal mechanisms underlying G protein selectivity.; High-resolution structures (2.63 Å and 2.52 Å) of GHSR-Gq complexes with each drug were obtained.

Consensus and controversies about diagnosing GH deficiency: a Delphi survey by the GH research society
Pituitary · 2025 · PubMed

Pediatric panel reached consensus on 17 of 29 (59%) statements; adult panel on 28 of 32 (88%).; Subnormal IGF-I was considered diagnostic in both children and adults with panhypopituitarism.; In children, arginine and glucagon tests were recommended; in adults, ITT was gold standard and macimorelin test was also recommended.; Stimulated GH cut-off <5 μg/L indicated severe GHD in children, while test-specific cut-offs were recommended in adults.

Once upon a time: the glucagon stimulation test in diagnosing adult GH deficiency
Journal of endocrinological investigation · 2024 · PubMed

GST is increasingly important due to global unavailability of GHRH and high cost of macimorelin.; Classic GH cut-point of 3 μg/L may be too high for overweight/obese patients.; Lower GH cut-points improve diagnostic accuracy in specific populations.; The review provides updated guidance on GST performance and interpretation.

New insights on diagnosis and treatment of AVP deficiency
Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders · 2024 · PubMed

Hypertonic saline-stimulated copeptin reliably improves diagnostic accuracy for AVP-D.; Arginine-stimulated copeptin is a simpler alternative test procedure.; Glucagon-stimulated copeptin shows promising results, but Macimorelin fails to provide sufficient stimulus.; Machine learning techniques also show promising diagnostic accuracy.

Growth Hormone Stimulation Tests in Assessing Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
2023 · PubMed
Diagnosis and testing for growth hormone deficiency across the ages: a global view of the accuracy, caveats, and cut-offs for diagnosis
Endocrine connections · 2023 · PubMed

Random serum GH measurements are not recommended for GHD screening except in neonates due to episodic GH secretion.; GH stimulation tests may be inaccurate, difficult to perform, and imprecise, with multiple caveats in interpretation.; Peak GH cut-offs for diagnosis vary by age and test, and heterogeneity exists in GH and IGF-1 assays.; Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate GH replacement therapy, especially in adults where symptoms are less apparent.

Pilot clinical trial of macimorelin to assess safety and efficacy in patients with cancer cachexia
Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle · 2023 · PubMed

No serious or non-serious adverse events related to macimorelin were reported.; Body weight increase ≥0.8 kg occurred in 2 of 10 macimorelin recipients vs. 0 of 5 placebo (P=0.92).; Quality of life improvement (by FACIT-F) occurred in 3 of 10 macimorelin vs. 0 of 5 placebo (P=0.50).; In macimorelin recipients, change in FACIT-F was directly correlated with changes in body weight, IGF-1, and caloric intake, and inversely with energy expenditure.

Macimorelin Acetate for the Diagnosis of Childhood-onset Growth Hormone Deficiency
TouchREVIEWS in endocrinology · 2022 · PubMed

Growth hormone provocation tests are the cornerstone for diagnosing childhood growth hormone deficiency but have limitations.; Current tests are labor-intensive, have potential serious adverse effects, and questionable reproducibility.; Macimorelin acetate is a ghrelin mimetic approved for adult growth hormone deficiency diagnosis.; Macimorelin acetate may address unmet needs in childhood diagnosis due to good tolerability and benign side effects.

Frequently asked questions

What is Macimorelin?

**Mechanism of Action** Macimorelin (Macrilen, AEZS-130) is an orally active synthetic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. By mimicking the endogenous hormone ghrelin, it binds to growth hormone secretagogue receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH). Unlike natural ghrelin, mac

How does Macimorelin work?

Orally active ghrelin receptor agonist approved as a diagnostic agent for adult growth hormone deficiency.

What is the research status of Macimorelin?

Macimorelin is currently classified as approved, with 33 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of Macimorelin?

Macimorelin has a molecular weight of approximately 474.6 g/mol (formula C26H30N6O3).

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