Capromorelin

Capromorelin is an investigational medication developed by the Pfizer drug company. It functions as a growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin mimetic which causes the body to secrete human growth hormone in a way usually seen at puberty and in young adulthood. Initial studies have shown the drug to directly raise insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.

The drug is being considered for its therapeutic value in aging adults because elderly people have much lower levels of growth hormone -- and less lean muscle mass, which can result in weakness and frailty.

Patients who got the drug gained an average of 3 pounds (1.4 kg) in lean muscle mass after six months, and also were better able to walk a straight line -- a test of balance, strength and coordination. Some of the improvements were evident a year later.

Capromorelin, however, has not been approved by the FDA, and is not expected to be so any time soon. This is because the FDA does not consider aging a disease, and so requires extraordinary evidence of benefit and non-toxicity to approve a drug for use as an anti-aging agent.

Researchers

* [http://pfizer.com Pfizer]
* [http://merck.com Merck]
* [http://depts.washington.edu/metab/faculty/merriam.htm University of Washington/VA Puget Sound Health Care System: Dr. George Merriam]
*University of Poland: Dr. Agnieszka Baranowska-Bik

External links

* [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search;jsessionid=08C2FDEE53E3C72A975363B0DD328055?term=capromorelin&submit=Search Clinical Trials]

* [http://www.capromorelin.info Capromorelin Information]