A major advance in the assaying of growth hormone using a new molecule

Æterna Zentaris has commercialised a molecule discovered at the Max Mousseron Biomolecules Institute

A deficiency in growth hormone (GH) can be attributed to a dysfunction in one of the two components of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Until now, there was no direct and simple method to assay the amount of growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. The company Æterna Zentaris has solved this problem with the development of Macrilen^TM, which can be administered orally.

Improving the daily life of patients suffering from a deficiency in growth hormone

Up until now the assaying of growth hormone required heavy and painful treatments: injections, hospital stays, etc. Invasive methods for the patients.

Macrilen^TM, as developed by Æterna Zentaris with the help of the Chemistry of Amino Acids, Heterocycles, Peptides and Proteins team of the Max Mousseron Biomolecules Institute, makes the treatment much simpler for patients. An oral dose of this agonist of the ghrelin receptor provokes the secretion of GH, which can then be dosed with a blood test.

Marketing in the United States set for 2018

The pseudo-peptide compound JMV 1843 discovered by IBMM researchers will be marketed in the United States by Æterna Zentaris during the first trimester of 2018 under the tradename Macrilen^TM.

The drug has just received its marketing authorisation (MA) from the FDA for diagnosing a deficiency of growth hormone in adults. It should rapidly find other applications such as in the treatment of growth retardation and cachexia. While awaiting the MA for Europe (which should be received shortly), this project, which begin in 1997 with the company Europeptides (European project Eureka #1923), finally comes to a successful end!

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