Corticotropin
Corticotropin is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Repository corticotropin products such as Acthar Gel have specific neurologic and inflammatory-disease indications.
At a glance
- Evidence stage
- Approved use
- Regulatory status
- Acthar Gel has US approval for infantile spasms under age 2, adult MS exacerbations, and specified other conditions; formulations and indications must be checked individually.
- Research context
- Corticotropin is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Repository corticotropin products such as Acthar Gel have specific neurologic and inflammatory-disease indications.
What this is
- Corticotropin is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Repository corticotropin products such as Acthar Gel have specific neurologic and inflammatory-disease indications.
What this isn't
- A recommendation to use, prepare, combine, or administer a product
- Evidence that a related molecule or a differently formulated product has the same effects
Corticotropin is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Repository corticotropin products such as Acthar Gel have specific neurologic and inflammatory-disease indications.
Corticotropin stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce corticosteroid hormones and interacts with melanocortin receptors. These effects contribute to its clinical activity and many of its risks. The Acthar label states that the mechanism in infantile spasms is unknown, so a general account of adrenal stimulation should not be presented as a complete explanation of seizure benefit. Product label.
Evidence limits
How to read the evidence
For multiple-sclerosis exacerbations, the label distinguishes faster resolution of an episode from altering the eventual disease course. Findings in infantile spasms do not establish benefit for unrelated seizure disorders or general inflammation. Corticotropin is also distinct from cosyntropin, the synthetic fragment used principally in diagnostic adrenal testing. Product-specific scope.
Sources appraised 2026-10-28. Educational information; not medical advice. Study findings apply to the populations, preparations and outcomes described.
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