Trade names Somavert ATC code H01AX01 (WHO) IUPHAR/BPS 7485 | AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph CAS Number 218620-50-9 DrugBank DB00082 | |
Pegvisomant (trade name Somavert) is a growth hormone receptor antagonist used in the treatment of acromegaly. It is primarily used if the pituitary gland tumor causing the acromegaly cannot be controlled with surgery or radiation, and the use of somatostatin analogues is unsuccessful; but is also effective as a monotherapy. It is delivered as a powder that is mixed with water and injected under the skin.
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Discovery
Pegvisomant was discovered at Ohio University in 1987 by Distinguished Professor John Kopchick and graduate student Wen Chen at the Edison Biotechnology Institute. After completing clinical trials, it was approved for the treatment of acromegaly by the FDA in 2003 and marketed by Pfizer.
Structure
Pegvisomant is a protein containing 191 amino acid residues to which several polyethylene glycol polymers have been covalently bound in order to slow clearance from the blood. The protein is a modified version of human growth hormone designed to bind to and block the growth hormone receptor. It is manufactured using genetically modified E. coli bacteria.
Mechanism of action
Pegvisomant blocks the action of growth hormone at the growth hormone receptor to reduce the production of IGF-1. IGF-1 is responsible for most of the symptoms of acromegaly, and normalising its levels may control the symptoms.
Long-term treatment studies with pegvisomant as a monotherapy have shown it be safe, and to date is the most effective treatment of acromegaly as both a monotherapy and in combination with somatostatin analogues.
Side effects
Side effects of Pegvisomant include reactions at the injection site, swelling of the limbs, chest pain, hypoglycemia, nausea and hepatitis.
Blocking of the growth hormone receptor reduces feedback control of the growth hormone regulation leading to approximately doubled GH levels.
Other potential uses
Recent studies have shown the potential of using pegvisomant as an anti-tumor treatment for certain types of cancers, in combination with other treatments.