Drug reference
mecasermin
Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) · Treatment of growth disorders
Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)Treatment of growth disorders
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Mecasermin is recombinant human IGF-1. It interacts with receptors on the cell surface that mediate its biological activities, thereby mediating the anabolic and growth-promoting effects typically induced by GH.
Indications
Impaired growth secondary to mutations in the GHR or postreceptor signaling pathwayPatients who develop antibodies against GH that interfere with its actionPatients with IGF-1 gene defects that lead to primary IGF-1 deficiency
Dosing
- Pediatric
- Typically, the starting dose is 40 to 80 μg/kg twice daily by subcutaneous injection, with a maximum of 120 μg/kg per dose twice daily.
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
about 6 h (when bound to IGFBP-3 and the acid labile subunit)
Protein binding
Bound by six proteins, including IGFBP-3 and the acid labile subunit, forming a ternary complex that accounts for more than 80% of circulating IGF-1.
Metabolism
Metabolized by both the liver and kidney.
Excretion
Metabolized by both the liver and kidney.
Contraindications
- Growth promotion in patients with closed epiphyses
- Active or suspected neoplasia (should be stopped if evidence of neoplasia develops)
Side effects
Common
Hypoglycemia (to diminish frequency, administer shortly before or after a meal or snack)LipohypertrophyLymphoid tissue hypertrophy (including enlarged tonsils, may require surgical intervention)
Drug interactions
12 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Iron deficiency anaemia in adults
ICMR · Hematology · 2023
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
ICMR · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2022
Primary headache disorders
NICE · Neurology · 2021
Fetal growth restriction
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2018
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2017
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Updated: 2026-05-10