Mecasermin
Findings, possible implications, and reported experiences.
About Mecasermin
Also known as recombinant human IGF-1 · Increlex
Mecasermin is a manufactured version of human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), sold as Increlex. It activates IGF-1 receptors involved in growth. It supplies IGF-1 directly rather than making the pituitary release growth hormone. [1]
Start with the research
An outcome-specific synthesis has not been prepared for this compound. This is a coverage gap, not evidence that it has no effect.
Open studies and trial records- Uses & research
The US label covers growth failure in children aged 2 years or older with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency, or GH gene deletion with neutralizing antibodies to GH. [1]
- Known half-life
About 5.8 hours after a single injection under the skin in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. This is a population-specific estimate; clearance depends on IGF-binding protein levels. [1]
Half-life describes how quickly the measured drug concentration falls by half. It does not set a dosing interval.- Evidence & important limits
These data concern mecasermin, not every IGF-1 analogue. The label does not establish muscle-gain benefits in healthy adults. Important warnings include severe low blood sugar, intracranial hypertension and malignant neoplasia. [1]
Safety & evidence boundaries
These data concern mecasermin, not every IGF-1 analogue. The label does not establish muscle-gain benefits in healthy adults. Important warnings include severe low blood sugar, intracranial hypertension and malignant neoplasia.
Explore safety questions by system
These are literature filters, not claims that this compound causes each effect. A keyword match is not a confirmed adverse reaction.
Identity, names & formulations
Canonical compound: Mecasermin · mecasermin
Searchable names: recombinant human IGF-1, Increlex
Names share a parent research page. Different esters, salts, routes and brands are not assumed to have the same half-life, indication or exposure.
Combination evidence stays attached to the studied combination. It is not automatically assigned to each ingredient.
Understand the evidence types
Read the model and design first, then the population, outcome and limitations. These categories describe evidence, not a best-compound ranking.
- Randomized human trials
- Compare assigned interventions. Randomization does not by itself establish low bias or relevance to every population.
- Controlled human studies
- Use a comparison group; allocation and confounding still matter.
- Prospective human research
- Follows participants forward. It may be observational or interventional, so this is not a separate quality grade.
- Observational human research
- Describes associations. Confounding can explain differences.
- Case reports and series
- Useful for unusual events and safety signals, not reliable rates or effect sizes.
- Animal research
- Can test biology and function in a living model. Human exposure, benefit and safety remain separate questions.
- Cell and tissue research
- Tests responses in a preparation, including human-derived cells. It is not a human participant trial.
- Mechanistic and computational evidence
- Helps explain or predict a pathway; predictions need experimental and clinical testing.
- Anecdotal reports
- Self-reported experiences can generate questions. Product identity, selection bias and other interventions may be uncontrolled.
Systematic reviews synthesize studies and depend on their quality. Preprint status and abstract versus full-paper reading are separate labels. Citation popularity measures attention, not reliability. A study summary is not a formal quality appraisal.
Sources for this profile
- 1. Increlex prescribing information Drug label · indications, warnings and clinical pharmacology
Reference facts checked 2026-09-16. Source scope is listed above; this is not a formal quality appraisal. See each label for full prescribing information.
Study model describes the source. Confidence depends on methods, replication, population and outcome.
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