Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR GEL versus CORTROPHIN ZINC.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR GEL versus CORTROPHIN ZINC.
ACTHAR GEL vs CORTROPHIN-ZINC
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone; also exerts extra-adrenal effects via melanocortin receptors.
Corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. In gel formulation, zinc complex prolongs absorption, providing sustained adrenocortical stimulation.
Initial: 40-80 Units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-48 hours; maintenance: 40 Units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-72 hours.
40-80 units subcutaneously or intramuscularly every 24-72 hours, titrated to individual patient response.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 2–3 hours for corticotropin component; repository formulation (gel) extends to 15–20 hours due to slow absorption.
Terminal half-life: 16-24 hours; clinical context: prolonged due to zinc complex, allows once-daily dosing
Renal metabolism and excretion (primarily as inactive metabolites); <5% unchanged in urine. Biliary/fecal excretion negligible.
Renal: ~90% as metabolites; biliary/fecal: ~10%
Category C
Category C
Corticotropin
Corticotropin