Macimorelin
Macimorelin, or Macrilen is a drug being developed by Æterna Zentaris for use in the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency. Macimorelin acetate, the salt formulation, is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist. Macimorelin acetate is described chemically as D-Tryptophanamide, 2-methylalanyl-N--acetate.
As of January 2014, it was in Phase III clinical trials. The phase III trial for growth hormone deficiency is expected to be complete in December 2016.
As of December 2017, it became FDA-approved as a method to diagnose growth hormone deficiency. Traditionally, growth hormone deficiency was diagnosed via means of insulin tolerance test or glucagon stimulation test. These two means are done parenterally, whereas Macrilen boasts an oral formulation for ease of administration for patients and providers.
Macimorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist causing release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
