Growth-hormone secretagogues & GH-axis peptides
Macimorelin
Also known as Macrilen · AEZS-130
An oral ghrelin-receptor agonist approved in the US and EU as a diagnostic test for adult growth-hormone deficiency.
In 60 seconds
Approved as a diagnostic agent (adult GHD); also explored in a pilot cancer-cachexia study. In diagnostic use it is a single dose; the phase 3 trial compared its accuracy with the insulin tolerance test, which carries hypoglycaemia risk.
- A phase 3 study compared the oral macimorelin test against the insulin tolerance test for diagnosing adult GHD.
- A one-week pilot randomised study assessed macimorelin safety and early efficacy signals in cancer cachexia.
- Reviews GH stimulation tests, including macimorelin, with their accuracy and cut-offs.
Mechanism
Macimorelin stimulates GH release through GHS-R1a after a single oral dose; a low GH peak after stimulation indicates GH deficiency, offering an alternative to the insulin tolerance test.
Research status
Approved as a diagnostic agent (adult GHD); also explored in a pilot cancer-cachexia study.
Key studies
A phase 3 study compared the oral macimorelin test against the insulin tolerance test for diagnosing adult GHD.
Macimorelin as a Diagnostic Test for Adult GH Deficiency — J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2018 · PMID 29860473
A one-week pilot randomised study assessed macimorelin safety and early efficacy signals in cancer cachexia.
Pilot clinical trial of macimorelin to assess safety and efficacy in patients with cancer cachexia — J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, 2023 · PMID 36860137
Reviews GH stimulation tests, including macimorelin, with their accuracy and cut-offs.
Diagnosis and testing for growth hormone deficiency across the ages: a global view of the accuracy, caveats, and cut-offs for diagnosis — Endocr Connect, 2023 · PMID 37052176
Safety signals in the literature
In diagnostic use it is a single dose; the phase 3 trial compared its accuracy with the insulin tolerance test, which carries hypoglycaemia risk.
Legal status (South Africa)
Not a registered medicine for human use in South Africa unless SAHPRA-registered under its own name; growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under the WADA list. Supplied, where we stock it, strictly for laboratory research.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Macimorelin?
An oral ghrelin-receptor agonist approved in the US and EU as a diagnostic test for adult growth-hormone deficiency. Macimorelin stimulates GH release through GHS-R1a after a single oral dose; a low GH peak after stimulation indicates GH deficiency, offering an alternative to the insulin tolerance test.
What is the research status of Macimorelin?
Approved as a diagnostic agent (adult GHD); also explored in a pilot cancer-cachexia study.
What safety signals are reported for Macimorelin?
In diagnostic use it is a single dose; the phase 3 trial compared its accuracy with the insulin tolerance test, which carries hypoglycaemia risk.
Does Living Water Labs stock Macimorelin?
Not at present. Macimorelin is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Not a registered medicine for human use in South Africa unless SAHPRA-registered under its own name; growth-hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under the WADA list. Supplied, where we stock it, strictly for laboratory research.
More in GH secretagogues
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
