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Mecasermin

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Abstract

▴ Mecasermin (recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I]) is approved in the US for the long-term treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-I deficiency or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH, and in the EU for the long-term treatment of growth failure in children and adolescents with severe primary IGF-I deficiency.

▴ Subcutaneous mecasermin 0.12 mg/kg twice daily stimulated linear growth in children with growth failure and severe IGF-I deficiency associated with GH insensitivity, according to the results of a noncomparative, multicenter trial (n = 76) [mean duration of therapy 4.4 years; range 0.04–12.5 years]. During the first year of treatment, height velocity significantly increased from a mean 2.8 cm/year at baseline to a mean 8.0 cm/year; mean growth velocities remained above baseline for up to 8 years.

▴ Mecasermin also promoted statural growth in a small noncomparative trial in children with growth failure and GH insensitivity syndrome (n = 8). After 6.5–7.5 years of mecasermin therapy, the mean increase in the height standard deviation score was +1.4.

▴ Mecasermin was also shown to have beneficial effects in various other conditions including diabetes mellitus and anorexia nervosa.

▴ Subcutaneous mecasermin was generally well tolerated in children with severe IGF-I deficiency associated with GH insensitivity.

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  1. The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Acknowledgments and Disclosures

The manuscript was reviewed by: G. Aimaretti, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy; G.L. Warne, Centre for Hormone Research, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was also offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Wolters Kluwer Health ¦ Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Gillian M. Keating

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Correspondence to Gillian M. Keating.

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Keating, G.M. Mecasermin. BioDrugs 22, 177–188 (2008). https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200822030-00004

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