Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR versus CORTICOTROPIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR versus CORTICOTROPIN.
ACTHAR vs CORTICOTROPIN
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.
Corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and androgens via activation of melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) in the zona fasciculata and reticularis.
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.
40-80 units IM or SC every 24-72 hours; dose adjusted based on response.
None Documented
None Documented
15-20 minutes (intravenous); clinical duration longer due to sustained adrenal stimulation.
15-30 minutes (intravenous); clinically, duration of action (via adrenal stimulation) exceeds half-life due to sustained cAMP-mediated effects.
Primarily renal; <5% unchanged in urine; extensive metabolism via proteolysis.
Primarily metabolized in tissues via proteolysis; negligible renal excretion of intact hormone (<5%); urinary metabolites include small peptide fragments.
Category C
Category C
Corticotropin
Corticotropin