Corticotropin is a diagnostic agent used in the screening of patients presumed to have adrenocortical insufficiency. Corticotropin (ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone) is a polypeptide hormone produced and secreted by the pituitary gland.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
As a diagnostic aid (adrenocortical function), corticotropin combines with a specific receptor on the adrenal cell plasma membrane. In patients with normal adrenocortical function, it stimulates the initial reaction involved in the synthesis of adrenal steroids (including cortisol, cortisone, weak androgenic substances, and a limited quantity of aldosterone) from cholesterol by increasing the quantity of cholesterol within the mitochondria. Corticotropin does not significantly increase serum cortisol concentrations in patients with primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease). The mechanism of action of corticotropin in the treatment of infantile myoclonic seizures is unknown.
- Primary indication
- For use as a diagnostic agent in the screening of patients presumed to have adrenocortical insufficiency.Curator reviewed · 29 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C207H308N56O58S · 4541.0658 Da
- First approval
- Canada, 1987 · United States, 2005
- Also known as
- ACTH · ACTHar · Adrenocorticotrophin · Adrenocorticotropic hormone · Corticotrophin
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of September 05, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Corticotropin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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