Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR versus ACTHAR GEL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR versus ACTHAR GEL.
ACTHAR vs ACTHAR GEL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
ACTHAR (repository corticotropin injection) is a purified adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogue that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone. It also has glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid effects, and is thought to exert anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects through melanocortin receptor activation, independent of adrenal steroid production.
Stimulates adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone; also exerts extra-adrenal effects via melanocortin receptors.
ACTHAR (repository corticotropin injection) 80 U/mL; for acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis: 80-120 U IM daily for 2-3 weeks. For infantile spasms: 150 U/m² IM daily divided twice daily for 2 weeks, then taper.
Initial: 40-80 Units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-48 hours; maintenance: 40 Units intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24-72 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
15-20 minutes (intravenous); clinical duration longer due to sustained adrenal stimulation.
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 2–3 hours for corticotropin component; repository formulation (gel) extends to 15–20 hours due to slow absorption.
Primarily renal; <5% unchanged in urine; extensive metabolism via proteolysis.
Renal metabolism and excretion (primarily as inactive metabolites); <5% unchanged in urine. Biliary/fecal excretion negligible.
Category C
Category C
Corticotropin
Corticotropin