Natural peptide · 39 amino acids · 4,567.2 Da

ACTH (corticotropin) studies and research data

PepBank has 42 ACTH studies with results. 41 of them gave ACTH, with 181 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 181 results and 624 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

128

71% of 181 results

Results in animals

29% of 181 results

Results in lab cells

0% of 181 results

From computer models

0% of 181 results

The molecule

ACTH identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

GSRS represents corticotropin with a defined sequence of 39 residues. This sequence differs from human ACTH at three residues. Acthar Gel is a naturally sourced peptide mixture. Its label does not establish this pure sequence as an approved product.

Kind: Natural peptide · 39 residues
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL1201610 (opens in a new tab)UNIIK0U68Q2TXA (opens in a new tab)CAS12427-33-7
Parent: Analog of Pro-opiomelanocortin (human) · residues 138-176Human POMC provides a sequence comparison. UniProt P01189 annotates ACTH at residues 138-176. The registry sequence has the three listed substitutions. This mapping does not establish natural cleavage of human POMC into the registry sequence.
Development: Approved in the US (Acthar Gel, 1952)Corticotropin medicines reached approval. Drugs@FDA records Acthar NDA 007504 approval on 1950-07-03, now discontinued. Acthar Gel NDA 008372 records approval on 1952-04-29. Acthar Gel, H.P. Acthar Gel, and Purified Cortrophin Gel have prescription product entries. These records do not establish approval of the pure sequence shown here. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
Adrenocorticotropic hormone receptorMC2RQ01718 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	ChEMBL mechanismSource (opens in a new tab)

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

39 amino acids

H-

SYSMEHFRWG

KPVGKKRRPV

KVYPDGAEDQ

LAEAFPLEF

-OH

Parent: Pro-opiomelanocortin (human)

No sequence is listed for the parent, so no alignment is shown.Human POMC provides a sequence comparison. UniProt P01189 annotates ACTH at residues 138-176. The registry sequence has the three listed substitutions. This mapping does not establish natural cleavage of human POMC into the registry sequence.

Properties

From identity sources

Formula: C₂₁₀H₃₁₄N₅₆O₅₇S
Molecular weight: 4,567.2 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass: 4,564.3114 Da

GSRS UNII K0U68Q2TXA(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-27
ChEMBL CHEMBL1201610(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-27
UniProt P01189(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-27
UniProt P01192(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-27
PubChem CID 16132265(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-27

Calculated from the sequence

pKa set

Average mass: 4,567.20 Da; Sum of ExPASy residue masses + water · ExPASy Compute pI/Mw; FindMod
Monoisotopic mass: 4,564.3113 Da; Sum of ExPASy residue masses + water · ExPASy FindMod
Isoelectric point (pI): 9.08; pH of zero net charge, EMBOSS pKa set · EMBOSS iep, Epk.dat
Net charge at pH 7.4: 1.05; Henderson-Hasselbalch, EMBOSS pKa set · EMBOSS iep, Epk.dat
GRAVY (hydropathy): −0.862; Mean Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy · Kyte and Doolittle 1982; Negative: hydrophilic on average.
Extinction coefficient, 280 nm (Cys reduced): 8,480 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹; 5500 x Trp + 1490 x Tyr · Pace et al. 1995 (ExPASy ProtParam)
Instability index: 50.66; Dipeptide instability weights (DIWV) · Guruprasad et al. 1990; Above 40: classed as possibly unstable (ExPASy).
Aliphatic index: 50.0; Mole % A + 2.9 V + 3.9 (I + L) · Ikai 1980
Boman index: 2.18 kcal/mol; Mean solubility value (negated) · Boman 2003; 2.48 or below: lower protein-binding potential (Boman).
Hydrophobic moment (μH): 0.628; Eisenberg scale, 100° per residue, best 11-residue window · Eisenberg et al. 1982, 1984
pI with each pKa set: EMBOSS 9.08Bjellqvist (ExPASy) 8.09IPC peptide 9.38IPC protein 8.45

Defined and validated for proteins; use with care for short peptides.
Assumes an ideal alpha helix. Many short peptides are not helical.

@pepdb/chem 0.2.0 · EMBOSS pKa set · ExPASy residue masses

Net charge by pH

pI 9.08 · Net charge at pH 7.4: 1.05

Point or use arrow keys

Henderson-Hasselbalch, EMBOSS pKa set. Calculated, not measured.

Show as table

pH	Net charge
0	9.00
1	8.99
2	8.92
3	8.28
4	5.40
5	2.60
6	1.83
7	1.22
8	0.81
9	0.08
10	−1.40
11	−4.32
12	−6.46
13	−8.25
14	−8.91

Composition

Hydrophobic23% (9)A L M V
Aromatic15% (6)F W Y
Positive21% (8)H K R
Negative15% (6)D E
Polar8% (3)Q S
Special18% (7)G P

39 residues. Each residue counts in one class; F and W count as aromatic.

A Ala3 · 8%

I Ile0 · 0%

L Leu2 · 5%

M Met1 · 3%

V Val3 · 8%

F Phe3 · 8%

W Trp1 · 3%

Y Tyr2 · 5%

H His1 · 3%

K Lys4 · 10%

R Arg3 · 8%

D Asp2 · 5%

E Glu4 · 10%

N Asn0 · 0%

Q Gln1 · 3%

S Ser2 · 5%

T Thr0 · 0%

C Cys0 · 0%

G Gly3 · 8%

P Pro4 · 10%

3D structure

PredictedAlphaFold DB · P01189

Loads the 3D viewer (3Dmol.js, about 150 KB) and the model file from AlphaFold DB (EMBL-EBI).

Helical wheel

An ideal alpha-helix projection. It shows where the hydrophobic residues fall if the peptide folds as a helix. It does not show that it does.

μH, residues shown: 0.183
μH, best 11-residue window: 0.628
Arrow direction: 115°
Residues: 39 · 3 rings of 18

HydrophilicHydrophobic

Eisenberg consensus (normalized) scale · + K, R · − D, E

Assumes an ideal α-helix: 100° per residue, 3.6 residues per turn. The arrow is the mean hydrophobic moment (Eisenberg et al. 1984) and points at the hydrophobic face.

Show as table

Position	Residue	Angle	Eisenberg consensus (normalized)
1	S	0°	-0.18
2	Y	100°	0.26
3	S	200°	-0.18
4	M	300°	0.64
5	E	40°	-0.74
6	H	140°	-0.40
7	F	240°	1.19
8	R	340°	-2.53
9	W	80°	0.81
10	G	180°	0.48
11	K	280°	-1.50
12	P	20°	0.12
13	V	120°	1.08
14	G	220°	0.48
15	K	320°	-1.50
16	K	60°	-1.50
17	R	160°	-2.53
18	R	260°	-2.53
19	P	0°	0.12
20	V	100°	1.08
21	K	200°	-1.50
22	V	300°	1.08
23	Y	40°	0.26
24	P	140°	0.12
25	D	240°	-0.90
26	G	340°	0.48
27	A	80°	0.62
28	E	180°	-0.74
29	D	280°	-0.90
30	Q	20°	-0.85
31	L	120°	1.06
32	A	220°	0.62
33	E	320°	-0.74
34	A	60°	0.62
35	F	160°	1.19
36	P	260°	0.12
37	L	0°	1.06
38	E	100°	-0.74
39	F	200°	1.19

Results by area

ACTH results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

ACTH has 624 linked papers. PepBank read up to 120 of the most-cited studies that gave it to people, up to 20 other studies, and the main trials.

Studies by year

42 of 624 studies have results (6.7%), published 1957 to 2025. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about ACTH (corticotropin), by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies624 in all, 1954 to 2026

Studies with results42 in all, 1957 to 2025

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

ACTH studies on overall treatment results

26 results · people 26 · animals 0 · lab 0

Top 5 of 26 results

In persistently active SLE, response at week 4 did not differ significantly between RCI and placebo.Lupus science & medicine, 2016
In MS relapse unresponsive to corticosteroids, more patients improved on EDSS with Acthar than placebo at Day 7.CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 2022
In pulmonary sarcoidosis, the treatment score improved more with Acthar than placebo at week 24, but the study had no statistical analysis.Pulmonary therapy, 2023
In RA induction responders, RCI maintained low disease activity more often than placebo at week 24.Rheumatology and therapy, 2020
In MS relapse unresponsive to corticosteroids, more patients improved on EDSS with Acthar than placebo at Day 21.CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 2022

ACTH studies on immune system and inflammation

33 results · people 19 · animals 14 · lab 0

Top 5 of 33 results

In adults with active lupus, SRI-4 response was numerically higher with repository corticotropin gel than placebo, without a significant difference.Rheumatology and therapy, 2020
In breakthrough multiple sclerosis, eight cytokine levels decreased only in the ACTH gel group.Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 2017
In rats, Acthar changed C1qb expression more than methylprednisolone.Physiological reports, 2025
In mice, Purified Cortrophin Gel reduced IFN-γ production by spleen immune cells.Ocular immunology and inflammation, 2025
In mice, Purified Cortrophin Gel reduced eye inflammation scores in a dose-dependent manner.Ocular immunology and inflammation, 2025

ACTH studies on side effects

20 results · people 18 · animals 2 · lab 0

Top 5 of 20 results

In patients with multiple sclerosis exacerbations, intramuscular ACTH gel was linked to more injection site pain than subcutaneous ACTH gel.Drug design, development and therapy, 2011
In persistently active SLE, repository corticotropin treatment was well tolerated.Lupus science & medicine, 2016
In refractory severe noninfectious keratitis, investigators identified no new safety signals for Acthar Gel.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2021
In pediatric nephrotic syndrome, most repository corticotropin side effects were mild and resembled corticosteroid side effects.Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2018
In breakthrough multiple sclerosis, psychiatric symptoms were less frequent with ACTH gel than with IV methylprednisolone.Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 2017

ACTH studies on eyes

16 results · people 16 · animals 0 · lab 0

Top 5 of 16 results

In adults with dry eyes, Acthar reduced stained eye lesions compared with baseline at day 14.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2022
In refractory severe noninfectious keratitis, half of patients had clinically important symptom bother improvements after Acthar Gel treatment.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2021
In adults with dry eyes, corrected vision did not change significantly from baseline during Acthar treatment.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2022
In adults with dry eyes, eye pressure improved compared with baseline after Acthar.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2022
In adults with dry eyes, Acthar reduced stained eye lesions compared with baseline at day 84.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2022

ACTH studies on receptors and cell signals

29 results · people 9 · animals 20 · lab 0

Top 5 of 29 results

In healthy adults, the lowest Acthar regimen produced exposure equivalent to approximately 5 mg daily prednisone.Clinical pharmacology in drug development, 2021
In rats, Acthar suppressed more disease-related genes than methylprednisolone.Physiological reports, 2025
In mice with epilepsy, Acthar Gel prevented impairment of hippocampal long-term potentiation.Neuroscience letters, 2017
In healthy adults, Acthar produced about 5-fold lower free cortisol exposure than synthetic ACTH1-24 depot.Clinical pharmacology in drug development, 2022
In rats, Acthar changed Mfap4 expression more than methylprednisolone.Physiological reports, 2025

ACTH studies on kidneys and bladder

10 results · people 8 · animals 2 · lab 0

Top 3 of 10 results

In pediatric nephrotic syndrome, repository corticotropin did not significantly reduce relapses versus no relapse-preventing treatment.Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2018
In patients with FGN, Acthar alone reduced urine protein compared with baseline at 6 months.Kidney international reports, 2025
In pediatric nephrotic syndrome, time to relapse did not differ significantly between repository corticotropin and no relapse-preventing treatment.Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2018

ACTH studies on daily life and fitness

7 results · people 7 · animals 0 · lab 0

Top 5 of 7 results

In patients with multiple sclerosis exacerbations, response rates did not differ significantly between intramuscular and subcutaneous ACTH gel.Drug design, development and therapy, 2011
In active lupus, Acthar improved planning-related quality of life more than placebo at week 24.Rheumatology and therapy, 2021
In lupus patients with lower skin disease activity, Acthar improved missed work time more than placebo at week 24.Rheumatology and therapy, 2021
In optic neuritis, patient-reported outcomes improved with both Acthar and IVMP.Journal of neuro-ophthalmology, 2023
In patients with multiple sclerosis exacerbations, 61.1% reported much or very much improvement after ACTH gel.Drug design, development and therapy, 2011

ACTH studies on brain and nerves

12 results · people 6 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 5 of 12 results

In optic neuritis, retinal nerve layer loss did not differ between Acthar and IVMP at 6 months.Journal of neuro-ophthalmology, 2023
In breakthrough multiple sclerosis, ACTH gel reduced relapse rate compared with IV methylprednisolone on shared interferon treatment.Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 2017
In rats, ACTH gel did not significantly change transfer kindling compared with controls.Epilepsia, 1987
In mice with epilepsy, Acthar Gel did not significantly change spontaneous recurrent seizure frequency.Neuroscience letters, 2017
In optic neuritis, inner retinal layer thinning did not differ between Acthar and IVMP.Journal of neuro-ophthalmology, 2023

ACTH studies on lungs and breathing

6 results · people 6 · animals 0 · lab 0

Top 5 of 6 results

In chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis, response did not differ significantly between the two repository corticotropin doses.Lung, 2017
In pulmonary sarcoidosis, more patients stopped glucocorticoids with Acthar than with placebo at week 24, but the study had no statistical analysis.Pulmonary therapy, 2023
In chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis, prednisone dose decreased and lung diffusion, health status, and fatigue improved during repository corticotropin treatment.Lung, 2017
In pulmonary sarcoidosis, steroid discontinuation was comparable with continued Acthar and switching from placebo at week 48.Pulmonary therapy, 2023
In chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis, FVC percent predicted did not change significantly during repository corticotropin treatment.Lung, 2017

ACTH studies on bones and joints

7 results · people 5 · animals 2 · lab 0

Top 4 of 7 results

In active rheumatoid arthritis, joint disease scores suggested meaningful improvement from baseline after repository corticotropin injection.Arthritis care & research, 2022
In adults with active lupus, repository corticotropin gel reduced swollen and tender joint counts from baseline to week 16.Rheumatology and therapy, 2020
In active rheumatoid arthritis, CDAI scores suggested meaningful improvement from baseline after repository corticotropin injection.Arthritis care & research, 2022
In active rheumatoid arthritis, biomarker score improvements from baseline after repository corticotropin injection fell below the meaningful difference threshold.Arthritis care & research, 2022

ACTH studies on blood levels and clearance

4 results · people 2 · animals 2 · lab 0

4 results

In healthy subjects, 80 U repository corticotropin produced cortisol-equivalent exposure corresponding to 30 mg IV methylprednisolone, assuming linearity.Journal of clinical pharmacology, 2016
In rats, a major breakdown product appeared in blood within 5 min after intravenous human ACTH1-39.The Journal of endocrinology, 1982
In healthy adults, Acthar's porcine ACTH marker reached higher mean plasma concentrations than ACTH1-24 after the comparator depot.Clinical pharmacology in drug development, 2022
In rats, human ACTH1-39 showed extensive breakdown across muscle, skin, liver, kidney, and gut by 5 min.The Journal of endocrinology, 1982

ACTH studies on survival and serious illness

2 results · people 2 · animals 0 · lab 0

2 results

In MS relapse, no deaths were reported with Acthar.CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 2022
In adults with dry eyes, no deaths occurred during Acthar treatment.Ophthalmology and therapy, 2022

ACTH studies on mood, stress and behavior

2 results · people 1 · animals 1 · lab 0

2 results

In breakthrough multiple sclerosis, ACTH gel improved mental health scores compared with IV methylprednisolone.Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 2017
In mice, prenatal ACTH1-39 gel injections did not change offspring aggression.Developmental psychobiology, 1986

ACTH studies on pain

1 result · people 1 · animals 0 · lab 0

1 result

In active lupus, Acthar improved pain-related quality of life more than placebo at week 16.Rheumatology and therapy, 2021

ACTH studies on skin, hair and wounds

1 result · people 1 · animals 0 · lab 0

1 result

In adults with active lupus, repository corticotropin gel reduced skin disease activity from baseline to week 16.Rheumatology and therapy, 2020

ACTH studies on use, access and costs

1 result · people 1 · animals 0 · lab 0

1 result

In chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis, only 3 of 8 patients remained on 80-unit repository corticotropin for the full study.Lung, 2017

ACTH studies on sexual and women's health

2 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 0

2 results

In mice, prenatal ACTH1-39 infusion did not change offspring sexual behavior.Developmental psychobiology, 1986
In mice, prenatal ACTH1-39 gel injections did not change offspring sexual behavior.Developmental psychobiology, 1986

ACTH studies on blood sugar

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In calves, ACTHAR Gel increased blood glucose.Veterinary research communications, 1992

ACTH studies on memory and thinking

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In mice with epilepsy, Acthar Gel restored spatial learning and memory on the Barnes maze test.Neuroscience letters, 2017

Trials and papers

ACTH trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

102 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trials on this page (25 of 102)

25 of 102 trials

Completed
Ongoing
Not yet recruiting
Stopped
Estimated dates (est.)
Results posted

201520202025

Ph 4
CHART
NCT01386554
Aug 2011 to 5 May 2017
Ph 4
Acthar for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Patients With a History of Persistently Active Disease
NCT01753401
Jan 2013 to Oct 2015
Ph 4
Evaluation of Neuroinflammation in Children With Infantile Spasms
NCT02092883
Mar 2013 to Jul 2017
Ph 4
ACTHAR
NCT01838174
May 2013 to 13 Jan 2022
Terminated
Terminated
Ph 4
The Effect of Corticotrophin (ACTH) in Combination With Methotrexate in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
NCT01948388
Sept 2013 to Sept 2016
Ph 4
Acthar as Rescue Therapy for Transplant Glomerulopathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients
NCT02057523
Sept 2014 to Sept 2015
Terminated
Terminated
Ph 4
ACTHar
NCT02226341
Oct 2014 to 3 Jan 2024
Terminated
Terminated
Ph 4
Standardized 1µg Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulation Test, and Salivary Cortisol Concentration During the Test
NCT02413944
Apr 2015 to Oct 2016
Ph 4
Treatment of CNS Sarcoidosis With H.P. Acthar Gel
NCT02298491
May 2016 to Nov 2020
Ph 4
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Effects on Myelination in Subjects With MS
NCT02446886
Jun 2016 to Jun 2020
Terminated
Terminated

Browse all 102 matching trials in the list below

25 trials · 12 completed · 12 stopped early · 16 with posted results · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT02541955

Use of Acthar in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Related Flares

Veena Ranganath, MD, MSn = 4020 Jul 2017 to 20 May 2025

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 11 Aug 2026

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT02298491

Treatment of CNS Sarcoidosis With H.P. Acthar Gel

University of Maryland, Baltimoren = 4May 2016 to Nov 2020

CNS Sarcoidosis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 17 Apr 2026

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT02226341

ACTHar in the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis

Columbia Universityn = 8Oct 2014 to 3 Jan 2024

Lupus Nephritis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 7 Mar 2025

CompletedPhase 4NCT05071781

Effect of CRH on Duodenal Markers and Gastric Sensorimotor Function

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuvenn = 2021 May 2021 to 19 Dec 2022

GI Motility Disorder

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 3 Jul 2024

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT03021317

Effects of ACTHAR on Advanced MRI Surrogate Markers of Disease Activity and on Comprehensive Immune Signature During MS Relapses

University of Chicagon = 520 Dec 2016 to 7 Oct 2020

Multiple Sclerosis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 16 May 2024

TerminatedPhase 4NCT01838174

A Trial of Neuroprotection With ACTH in Acute Optic Neuritis

University of Colorado, Denvern = 37May 2013 to 13 Jan 2022

Multiple Sclerosis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 27 Apr 2023

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT03320070

Acthar Gel in Participants With Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Mallinckrodtn = 5521 Feb 2018 to 15 Nov 2021

Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 27 Feb 2023

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT02546492

Treatment of Chronic Antibody-mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplant With Acthar

University of Maryland, Baltimoren = 6Aug 2016 to 27 May 2021

Transplant Glomerulopathy

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 6 Oct 2022

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT03025828

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in Membranous Nephropathy

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinain = 519 Mar 2018 to 16 Dec 2020

Membranous Nephropathy

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 15 Aug 2022

WithdrawnPhase 4NCT02399462

Acthar for Treatment of Post-transplant FSGS

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hilln = 0est. Mar 2021 to 31 Jul 2021

FSGS · Renal Transplantation · Kidney Transplantation

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 30 Aug 2021

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT03656692

Safety and Effectiveness of Acthar Gel for Inflammation of the Eye's Uvea (Middle Layer)

Mallinckrodtn = 55 Oct 2018 to 14 Jul 2020

Uveitis, Posterior · Uveitis, Intermediate · Panuveitis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 3 Aug 2021

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT03126760

Acthar Gel for Multiple Sclerosis That Keeps Getting Better and Worse (RRMS)

Mallinckrodt ARD LLCn = 3522 May 2017 to 14 Jul 2020

Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 12 Jul 2021

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT03287635

Clinical Efficacy of H.P. Acthar Gel 80 U/ml to Improve the Signs and Symptoms in Subjects With Dry Eye Disease

Toyos Clinicn = 191 Jul 2018 to 4 Mar 2020

Dry Eye Disease

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 28 Jan 2021

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT02446886

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Effects on Myelination in Subjects With MS

Weill Medical College of Cornell Universityn = 15Jun 2016 to Jun 2020

Multiple Sclerosis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 22 Jan 2021

WithdrawnPhase 4NCT02920710

ACTHAR Therapy for Central Nervous System Sarcoidosis

The Cleveland Clinicn = 01 Feb 2019 to 2 Nov 2020

Sarcoidosis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 20 Nov 2020

TerminatedPhase 4Results postedNCT02057523

Acthar as Rescue Therapy for Transplant Glomerulopathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients

University of Illinois at Chicagon = 2Sept 2014 to Sept 2015

Proteinuria · Transplant Glomerulopathy

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 4 Sept 2020

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT02953821

Acthar Gel for Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Mallinckrodtn = 17216 Dec 2016 to 25 Oct 2019

Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 20 Aug 2020

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT01753401

Acthar for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Patients With a History of Persistently Active Disease

Mallinckrodtn = 38Jan 2013 to Oct 2015

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 27 Feb 2020

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT01386554

Acthar for Treatment of Proteinuria in Membranous Nephropathy Patients

Mallinckrodtn = 60Aug 2011 to 5 May 2017

Proteinuria · Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 20 Nov 2019

WithdrawnPhase 4NCT02779153

Acthar SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

NYU Langone Healthn = 0Oct 2016 to 22 May 2019

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) · Repository Corticotropin Injection

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 13 Sept 2019

CompletedPhase 4Results postedNCT01948388

The Effect of Corticotrophin (ACTH) in Combination With Methotrexate in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Gaylis, Norman B., M.D.n = 20Sept 2013 to Sept 2016

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 18 Jan 2019

WithdrawnPhase 4NCT03398018

Repository Corticotropin Injection in Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

University of Alabama at Birminghamn = 01 Nov 2018 to 1 Nov 2018

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 14 Dec 2018

CompletedPhase 4NCT02092883

Evaluation of Neuroinflammation in Children With Infantile Spasms

Wayne State Universityn = 8Mar 2013 to Jul 2017

Infantile Spasms

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 7 Nov 2017

Status unknownPhase 4NCT03082573

Efficacy, Radiographic and Laboratory Changes in Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated With H.P. Acthar Gel

Iraj Sabahi Research Inc.n = 303 Mar 2017 to est. Feb 2019

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 17 Mar 2017

CompletedPhase 4NCT02413944

Standardized 1µg Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulation Test, and Salivary Cortisol Concentration During the Test

Bnai Zion Medical Centern = 20Apr 2015 to Oct 2016

Healthy

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 27 Oct 2016

199 more mention it but do not test it. They are not trials of ACTH (corticotropin): they only measure it (a blood level or an eligibility term) or name it in their text.

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

624 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 22 of 624 studiesquery qry_dd8066f25c40b66e32d240b9

Studies with results

42 studies in all, 2 on this page

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1987

4 results

Diminished diurnal secretion of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), but not corticosterone, in old male rats: possible relation to increased adrenal sensitivity to ACTH in vivo.

Sonntag et al. 1987Endocrinologycited by 70

PMID 3032584DOI 10.1210/endo-120-6-2308PUB-03032584

Full text at the publisher4 results where ACTH (corticotropin) was given

Publisher page See results (4)

Not a test of ACTH (corticotropin) alone · 1994

1 result

Diagnostic testing for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses.

Dybdal et al. 1994Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Associationcited by 70

PMID 8163420DOI 10.2460/javma.1994.204.04.627PUB-08163420

Full text at the publisher1 result where ACTH (corticotropin) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (1)

More studies

563 studies in all, 20 on this page

PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1997

Vigabatrin versus ACTH as first-line treatment for infantile spasms: a randomized, prospective study.

Vigevano et al. 1997Epilepsiacited by 192

PMID 9578521DOI 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1997.tb00063.xPUB-09578521

Rights unknown

Source link

PubMed tag: Case Reports · 1980

ACTH therapy in infantile spasms: side effects.

Riikonen et al. 1980Archives of disease in childhoodcited by 160

PMID 6254450PMC1627020DOI 10.1136/adc.55.9.664PUB-06254450

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1994

High-dose, long-duration versus low-dose, short-duration corticotropin therapy for infantile spasms.

Hrachovy et al. 1994The Journal of pediatricscited by 115

PMID 8176573DOI 10.1016/s0022-3476(05)81379-4PUB-08176573

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PubMed tag: none · 1988

Prospective study of outcome of infants with infantile spasms treated during controlled studies of ACTH and prednisone.

Glaze et al. 1988The Journal of pediatricscited by 114

PMID 2450190DOI 10.1016/s0022-3476(88)80318-4PUB-02450190

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study · 2006

A randomized pilot trial comparing methylprednisolone plus a cytotoxic agent versus synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Ponticelli et al. 2006American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundationcited by 108

PMID 16431252DOI 10.1053/j.ajkd.2005.10.016PUB-16431252

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PubMed tag: none · 2001

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pituitary tumors: 12- to 22-year follow-up after treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery.

Höybye et al. 2001Neurosurgerycited by 100

PMID 11504104DOI 10.1097/00006123-200108000-00008PUB-11504104

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PubMed tag: Controlled Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial · 1987

Effects of ACTH and cortisol administration on blood pressure, electrolyte metabolism, atrial natriuretic peptide and renal function in normal man.

Connell et al. 1987Journal of hypertensioncited by 97

PMID 2822795DOI 10.1097/00004872-198708000-00007PUB-02822795

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Indexing hint: Animal study · 2007

Peripheral lipopolysaccharide administration transiently affects expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, corticotropin and proopiomelanocortin in mouse brain.

Schnydrig et al. 2007Neuroscience letterscited by 88

PMID 17976910DOI 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.09.067PUB-17976910

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study · 2019

Efficacy and tolerability of the ketogenic diet versus high-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone for infantile spasms: A single-center parallel-cohort randomized controlled trial.

Dressler et al. 2019Epilepsiacited by 83

PMID 30801699DOI 10.1111/epi.14679PUB-30801699

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1989

Relative efficacy of intravenous methylprednisolone and ACTH in the treatment of acute relapse in MS.

Thompson et al. 1989Neurologycited by 79

PMID 2544829DOI 10.1212/wnl.39.7.969PUB-02544829

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1999

A comparative study of high-dose and low-dose ACTH therapy for West syndrome.

Yanagaki et al. 1999Brain & developmentcited by 76

PMID 10522523DOI 10.1016/s0387-7604(99)00053-4PUB-10522523

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PubMed tag: Comparative Study · 1988

Comparison of parenteral adrenocorticotropic hormone with oral indomethacin in the treatment of acute gout.

Axelrod et al. 1988Arthritis and rheumatismcited by 74

PMID 2454635DOI 10.1002/art.1780310618PUB-02454635

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PubMed tag: none · 1980

The effect of ACTH therapy upon infantile spasms.

Singer et al. 1980The Journal of pediatricscited by 72

PMID 6244378DOI 10.1016/s0022-3476(80)80706-2PUB-06244378

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PubMed tag: Clinical Trial, Multicenter Study · 2013

Treatment of idiopathic FSGS with adrenocorticotropic hormone gel.

Hogan et al. 2013Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASNcited by 68

PMID 24009220PMC3848392DOI 10.2215/cjn.02840313PUB-24009220

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II · 2014

A pilot study to determine the dose and effectiveness of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (H.P. Acthar® Gel) in nephrotic syndrome due to idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Hladunewich et al. 2014Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Associationcited by 68

PMID 24714414PMC4106642DOI 10.1093/ndt/gfu069PUB-24714414

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1986

Infantile spasms. Comparative trial of nitrazepam and corticotropin.

Dreifuss et al. 1986Archives of neurologycited by 67

PMID 3022694DOI 10.1001/archneur.1986.00520110007005PUB-03022694

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study · 2015

Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel Clinical Trial on Efficacy of Oral Prednisolone Versus Intramuscular Corticotropin on Immediate and Continued Spasm Control in West Syndrome.

Wanigasinghe et al. 2015Pediatric neurologycited by 67

PMID 26216500DOI 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2015.05.004PUB-26216500

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PubMed tag: none · 1998

Secretory pattern of GH, TSH, thyroid hormones, ACTH, cortisol, FSH, and LH in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome following systemic injection of the relevant hypothalamic-releasing hormones.

Riedel et al. 1998Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologiecited by 66

PMID 10025090DOI 10.1007/s003930050242PUB-10025090

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PubMed tag: Evaluation Study · 2005

Evaluation of random plasma cortisol and the low dose corticotropin test as indicators of adrenal secretory capacity in critically ill patients: a prospective study.

Venkatesh et al. 2005Anaesthesia and intensive carecited by 66

PMID 15960402DOI 10.1177/0310057x0503300208PUB-15960402

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PubMed tag: Controlled Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial · 1994

Comparison of adrenocorticotropic hormone and triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis.

Siegel et al. 1994The Journal of rheumatologycited by 64

PMID 7966077PUB-07966077

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No result for ACTH (corticotropin) (3 studies on this page, 19 in all)

These studies name ACTH (corticotropin) but give no result for it (for example, the results concern another peptide in the study).

PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1983

Intensive immunosuppression in progressive multiple sclerosis. A randomized, three-arm study of high-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide, plasma exchange, and ACTH.

Hauser et al. 1983The New England journal of medicinecited by 487

PMID 6294517DOI 10.1056/nejm198301273080401PUB-06294517

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1996

High-dose corticotropin (ACTH) versus prednisone for infantile spasms: a prospective, randomized, blinded study.

Baram et al. 1996Pediatricscited by 229

PMID 8604274PMC3100715DOI 10.1542/peds.97.3.375PUB-08604274

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PubMed tag: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial · 1983

Corticotropin versus hydrocortisone in the intravenous treatment of ulcerative colitis. A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Meyers et al. 1983Gastroenterologycited by 91

PMID 6305758DOI 10.1016/0016-5085(83)90323-2PUB-06305758

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Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

ACTH (corticotropin) studies: 42 papers with results

Page 1 of 1

Repository Corticotropin Injection for Persistently Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results from a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Askanase AD · Rheumatology and therapy · 2020
Randomized controlled trial · 9 results
Efficacy and tolerability of repository corticotropin injection in patients with persistently active SLE: results of a phase 4, randomised, controlled pilot study.
Furie R · Lupus science & medicine · 2016
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
A Randomized Prospective Trial Comparing Repository Corticotropin Injection and Intravenous Methylprednisolone for Neuroprotection in Acute Optic Neuritis.
Bennett JL · Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society · 2023
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone for Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome: The ATLANTIS Randomized Trial.
Wang CS · Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN · 2018
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Adrenocorticotropic hormone versus methylprednisolone added to interferon β in patients with multiple sclerosis experiencing breakthrough disease: a randomized, rater-blinded trial.
Berkovich R · Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders · 2017
Randomized controlled trial · 7 results
Five-day regimen of intramuscular or subcutaneous self-administered adrenocorticotropic hormone gel for acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis: a prospective, randomized, open-label pilot trial.
Simsarian JP · Drug design, development and therapy · 2011
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Repository Corticotropin Injection (Acthar® Gel) for Persistently Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Askanase AD · Rheumatology and therapy · 2021
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Repository Corticotropin Injection for Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Aggressive Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Withdrawal Trial.
Fleischmann R · Rheumatology and therapy · 2020
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Results From a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Repository Corticotropin Injection for the Treatment of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis.
Mirsaeidi M · Pulmonary therapy · 2023
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Results from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of repository corticotropin injection for multiple sclerosis relapse that did not adequately respond to corticosteroids.
Wynn D · CNS neuroscience & therapeutics · 2022
Randomized controlled trial · 7 results
Repository corticotropin for Chronic Pulmonary Sarcoidosis.
Baughman RP · Lung · 2017
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Comparison of Steroidogenic Exposure Following the Administration of Repository Corticotropin Injection With a Synthetic ACTH1-24 Depot and Methylprednisolone in Healthy Subjects.
Wang X · Clinical pharmacology in drug development · 2021
Randomized controlled trial · 4 results
Pharmacodynamics and tolerability of repository corticotropin injection in healthy human subjects: A comparison with intravenous methylprednisolone.
Lal R · Journal of clinical pharmacology · 2016
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Repository Corticotropin Injection Compared With Synthetic ACTH1-24 Depot and Methylprednisolone in Healthy Subjects.
Poola N · Clinical pharmacology in drug development · 2022
Randomized controlled trial · 3 results
Results from a Prospective, Open-Label, Phase 4 Pilot Study of Repository Corticotropin Injection for Moderate and Severe Dry Eye Disease.
Toyos M · Ophthalmology and therapy · 2022
Non-randomized trial · 11 results
A trial of corticotrophin gelatin injection in acute optic neuritis.
Bowden AN · Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry · 1974
Non-randomized trial · 1 result
Repository Corticotropin Injection (Acthar® Gel) for Refractory Severe Noninfectious Keratitis: Efficacy and Safety from a Phase 4, Multicenter, Open-Label Study.
Wirta D · Ophthalmology and therapy · 2021
Non-randomized trial · 7 results
Repository corticotropin injection in patients with persistently active SLE requiring corticosteroids: post hoc analysis of results from a two-part, 52-week pilot study.
Furie RA · Lupus science & medicine · 2017
Non-randomized trial · 11 results
Efficacy of Acthar gel and Tacrolimus in DNA-JB9 Positive Fibrillary Glomerulopathy.
Tumlin JA · Kidney international reports · 2025
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Plasma cortisol following injection of 1-39 or 1-18 ACTH.
Danowski TS · Journal of clinical pharmacology · 1981
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Post Hoc Biomarker Analyses from a Phase 4, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Repository Corticotropin Injection (Acthar® Gel) for Persistently Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Askanase AD · Rheumatology and therapy · 2021
Non-randomized trial · 6 results
Hay fever treated with ACTH gel.
Parr EJ · Clinical allergy · 1976
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Discrepancy Between Multibiomarker Disease Activity and Clinical Disease Activity Scores in Patients With Persistently Active Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Fleischmann R · Arthritis care & research · 2022
Non-randomized trial · 4 results
Comparison of a low and high dose ACTH gel in the treatment of hay fever.
Parr EJ · Clinical allergy · 1980
Non-randomized trial · 3 results
Microarray analysis of the effects of Acthar Gel versus methylprednisolone in a model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in female rats.
Hayes K · Physiological reports · 2025
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 8 results
Feline plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) measured by radioimmunoassay.
Johnston SD · American journal of veterinary research · 1979
Animal study (in vivo) · cat · 2 results
Diminished diurnal secretion of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), but not corticosterone, in old male rats: possible relation to increased adrenal sensitivity to ACTH in vivo.
Sonntag WE · Endocrinology · 1987
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Adrenocorticotropic hormone protects learning and memory function in epileptic Kcna1-null mice.
Scantlebury MH · Neuroscience letters · 2017
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 3 results
Failure of ACTH to alter transfer kindling in the immature brain.
Thompson J · Epilepsia · 1987
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1 result
Intercepting the complement amplification loop through podocyte MC5R signaling ameliorates membranous nephropathy.
Liu J · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy · 2025
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 8 results
Fate of human corticotrophin immediately after intravenous administration to the rat.
Ambler L · The Journal of endocrinology · 1982
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results
Influence of exogenous glucocorticoids and ACTH on experimental adrenal autografts.
Srougi M · Investigative urology · 1980
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
ACTH (Acthar Gel) Reduces Toxic SOD1 Protein Linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Transgenic Mice: A Novel Observation.
Arrat H · PloS one · 2015
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
Repeated failure of prenatal ACTH administration to alter masculine behavior in mice.
de Catanzaro D · Developmental psychobiology · 1986
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 3 results
Repository corticotropin injection attenuates collagen-induced arthritic joint structural damage and has enhanced effects in combination with etanercept.
Decker DA · BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2020
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone fails to alter plasma fibrinogen and fibronectin values in calves but does so in rabbits.
Gentry PA · Veterinary research communications · 1992
Animal study (in vivo) · calf and rabbit · 7 results
Histological and histochemical observations on the testis and epididymis of the albino rat treated with ACTH 1-39 and dexamethasone.
Pellegrini A · International journal of tissue reactions · 1983
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results
The Therapeutic Effects of Purified Cortrophin Gel on Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis.
Taylor AW · Ocular immunology and inflammation · 2025
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 6 results
Studies on heme synthesis in the rat adrenal.
Condie LW · Annals of clinical research · 1976
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1 result
Studies on the metabolism of nucleic acids and other constituents in the adrenal gland
Ramaiah TR · University of Glasgow · 1959
Animal study (in vivo) · guinea-pig · 1 result
The effect of adrenocorticotropin on the nucleic acids and histochemistry of the guinea-pig adrenal cortex
Burns JK · University of Glasgow · 1957
Animal study (in vivo) · guinea-pig · 2 results
Diagnostic testing for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses.
Dybdal NO · Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 1994
Not a test of ACTH (corticotropin) alone · 1 result

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	Acthar Gel · 29 Apr 1952	27 Oct 2026	dailymed.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	No product-specific central EMA authorisation was established. This does not decide national authorisations.	27 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S2.2.2) Corticotrophins and their releasing factors are prohibited at all times.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)

Safety outcomes

22 safety results for ACTH (corticotropin).

Human evidence· 20

In breakthrough multiple sclerosis, psychiatric symptoms per patient were 0 with ACTH gel versus 0.55 with IVMP (p < 0.0001).
Randomized controlled trialn = 23
Psychiatric symptoms per patient
0 symptoms per patient
ACTH gel
Psychiatric symptoms per patient
0.55 symptoms per patient
IVMP; 95% CI 0.12-2.6
P value
< 0.0001
psychiatric symptoms IVMP versus ACTH
In patients with multiple sclerosis exacerbations, intramuscular ACTH gel was associated with more injection site pain than subcutaneous ACTH gel.
Randomized controlled trialn not reported
In healthy subjects, adverse event reporting incidence was similar following repository corticotropin and IV methylprednisolone.
Randomized controlled trialn not reported
In refractory severe noninfectious keratitis, investigators identified no new safety signals for Acthar Gel.
Non-randomized trialn = 35
In corticosteroid-nonresponsive MS relapse, no serious adverse events were reported with Acthar.
Non-randomized trialn = 18
In corticosteroid-nonresponsive MS relapse, no deaths were reported with Acthar.
Non-randomized trialn = 18
In adults with dry eye disease, no ocular adverse events occurred during Acthar treatment.
Non-randomized trialn = 15
In adults with dry eye disease, no deaths occurred during Acthar treatment.
Non-randomized trialn = 15

Animal evidence· 2

In adult male rats, small doses of ACTH1-39 produced the greatest testicular damage a few days after treatment stopped.
Animal study (in vivo)rat
In adult male rats treated with ACTH1-39, the study reported no noteworthy histochemical modifications.
Animal study (in vivo)rat

Doses studied · 36

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

80 U every other day to week 4, then twice weekly to week 24Human
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 169
40 U daily or 80 U every other day, tapered to twice weekly during weeks 5-8Human
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
8 weeks
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 38
80 U/1.73 m² twice weeklyHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
6 months
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 31
80 U/dayHuman
Species
human
Route
intramuscular
Duration
five consecutive days
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 18
80 U every other day through week 4, then twice weekly through week 24Human
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous
Duration
24 weeks
Design
Randomized controlled trial
80 U twice weeklyHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
12 weeks
Design
Randomized controlled trial

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
80 U every other day to week 4, then twice weekly to week 24	Human	human	subcutaneous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 169
40 U daily or 80 U every other day, tapered to twice weekly during weeks 5-8	Human	human	Not reported	8 weeks	Randomized controlled trial · n = 38
80 U/1.73 m² twice weekly	Human	human	Not reported	6 months	Randomized controlled trial · n = 31
80 U/day	Human	human	intramuscular	five consecutive days	Randomized controlled trial · n = 18
80 U every other day through week 4, then twice weekly through week 24	Human	human	subcutaneous	24 weeks	Randomized controlled trial
80 U twice weekly	Human	human	Not reported	12 weeks	Randomized controlled trial

6 of 36 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000038
Peptide version: 10
Peptide hash: 591b476fc43ae5de…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

28 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 308543
28 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 304179
27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256661
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254505
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213604
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 194682

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/corticotropin

Evidence summary for ACTH (corticotropin): counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Disease activityRespiratory	Human: 26 results from 5 studies: 10 increase, 5 decrease, 3 no significant change, 8 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	26
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 18 results from 14 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease, 1 no significant change, 15 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	20
Immune responseKidney and urinary	Human: 17 results from 5 studies: 9 increase, 8 decrease. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 7 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	24
Receptor activity and mechanismNervous system and cognition	Human: 9 results from 3 studies: 4 decrease, 2 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 20 results from 9 studies: 12 increase, 1 decrease, 2 no significant change, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	29
Kidney functionKidney and urinary	Human: 8 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease, 2 no significant change, 4 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	10
Eye surface diseaseEye	Human: 6 results from 1 study: 5 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	6
Eye symptomsEye	Human: 6 results from 1 study: 3 increase, 2 decrease, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	6
Bone and jointMusculoskeletal	Human: 5 results from 2 studies: 4 decrease, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	7
NeuroprotectionNervous system and cognition	Human: 4 results from 1 study: 4 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 5 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Respiratory functionRespiratory	Human: 4 results from 1 study: 1 decrease, 2 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	4
Vision and retinaEye	Human: 3 results from 3 studies: 1 increase, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	3
Inflammation markersImmune and inflammation	Human: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 7 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Disease activityRespiratory	Human: 26 results from 5 studies: 10 increase, 5 decrease, 3 no significant change, 8 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	26
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 18 results from 14 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease, 1 no significant change, 15 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 1 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	20
Immune responseKidney and urinary	Human: 17 results from 5 studies: 9 increase, 8 decrease. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 7 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	24
Receptor activity and mechanismNervous system and cognition	Human: 9 results from 3 studies: 4 decrease, 2 no significant change, 3 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 20 results from 9 studies: 12 increase, 1 decrease, 2 no significant change, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	29
Kidney functionKidney and urinary	Human: 8 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease, 2 no significant change, 4 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	10
Eye surface diseaseEye	Human: 6 results from 1 study: 5 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	6
Eye symptomsEye	Human: 6 results from 1 study: 3 increase, 2 decrease, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	6
Bone and jointMusculoskeletal	Human: 5 results from 2 studies: 4 decrease, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	7
NeuroprotectionNervous system and cognition	Human: 4 results from 1 study: 4 no significant change. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 5 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9
Respiratory functionRespiratory	Human: 4 results from 1 study: 1 decrease, 2 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	4
Vision and retinaEye	Human: 3 results from 3 studies: 1 increase, 2 no significant change. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	No results	No results	No results	3
Inflammation markersImmune and inflammation	Human: 2 results from 2 studies: 2 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 7 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	9