Mecasermin
Mecasermin is a research peptide in the IGF-1 receptor agonist class. Mecasermin is structurally identical to endogenous IGF-1 and acts directly at the IGF-1 receptor, bypassing the growth hormone receptor entirely. This is what makes it useful where growth hormone signalling is absent or blocked.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
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- Molecular Weight (MW)
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- Half-life
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- FDA status
- Approved
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Research summary
Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency and for growth hormone gene deletion with neutralising antibodies to growth hormone.
Peptide Library's Mecasermin profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
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- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- subcutaneous
- Reconstitution Guide
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Science
Mechanism of Action
Mecasermin is structurally identical to endogenous IGF-1 and acts directly at the IGF-1 receptor, bypassing the growth hormone receptor entirely. This is what makes it useful where growth hormone signalling is absent or blocked. Because it is administered without IGF binding protein 3, free IGF-1 concentrations rise quickly and its insulin-like activity can lower blood glucose.
Regulatory & research status
Mecasermin is an FDA-approved product for specific labelled indications. Approval does not extend to the research contexts described on this page, and approved products are prescription medicines.
| FDA status | Approved |
|---|---|
| Research status | Approved product (see FDA status) |
| Availability | Prescription-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | FDA-Approved |
Benefits
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Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Mecasermin: frequently asked questions
What is Mecasermin?
Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency and for growth hormone gene deletion with neutralising antibodies to growth hormone.
How does Mecasermin work?
Mecasermin is structurally identical to endogenous IGF-1 and acts directly at the IGF-1 receptor, bypassing the growth hormone receptor entirely. This is what makes it useful where growth hormone signalling is absent or blocked.
Is Mecasermin FDA approved?
Yes. Mecasermin is approved by the FDA, and approved products are prescription medicines. Approval is always for specific indications studied in clinical trials, so an approved status does not mean the compound is approved for every use it is discussed for. Research-chemical material sold under the same name is not the approved product.
What peptides are similar to Mecasermin?
Compounds most often compared with Mecasermin include IGF-1 (overview), IGF-1 LR3, IGF-1 DES and MGF. They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ.
References
- Mecasermin for primary insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency — Aust Prescr, 2022External reference
- Mecasermin (recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I) — Adv Ther, 2009External reference
- Mecasermin — BioDrugs, 2008External reference
- Mecasermin rinfabate: rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex: iPLEX — Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol, 2008External reference
- Mecasermin rinfabate — Drugs Today (Barc), 2007External reference
Related research, comparisons & guides
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Mecasermin profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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