Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR versus CORTROSYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ACTHAR versus CORTROSYN.
ACTHAR vs CORTROSYN
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, and aldosterone; used diagnostically to assess adrenal function.
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.
For diagnostic testing of adrenal function: 250 mcg intramuscularly or intravenously as a single dose. For infants and children: 125 mcg intramuscularly or intravenously as a single dose.
None Documented
None Documented
15-20 minutes (intravenous); clinical duration longer due to sustained adrenal stimulation.
Terminal half-life approximately 1.5 hours (dose-dependent: 1.1-2.2 h). Rapid clearance limits duration of action.
Primarily renal; <5% unchanged in urine; extensive metabolism via proteolysis.
Primarily renal (90% as metabolites, 10% unchanged); negligible biliary/fecal.
Category C
Category C
Corticotropin
Corticotropin