Alsactide

Synthetic ACTH AnalogueRx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: Ac-ACTH(1-17)-NH2, ACTH 1-17 synthetic analogue, Alsactide acetate, Synchrodyn

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

Alsactide (also known as Synacthen Depot in some formulations) is a synthetic analogue of the first 17 amino acids of ACTH (corticotropin), used diagnostically to assess adrenocortical function and therapeutically for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive indications. It is used in several European countries.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC2R) on adrenal cortex cells, stimulating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP, leading to synthesis and secretion of adrenal cortical hormones (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens).

Routes of Administration

IntramuscularIntravenous

Goals & Uses

  • Adrenocortical function testingDiagnosticModerate
  • Anti-inflammatory therapyTherapeuticModerate
  • ImmunosuppressionTherapeuticLow

Contraindications

  • Cushing's syndromeEndocrine DisorderHigh
  • Primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease)Endocrine DisorderHigh
  • Active infectionsInfectious DiseaseModerate
  • Hypersensitivity to ACTH analoguesAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
  • Active peptic ulcer diseaseGastrointestinalModerate

Adverse Effects

  • HypokalemiaElectrolyteUncommon
  • HyperglycemiaMetabolicUncommonAbnormally high blood glucose
  • HypertensionCardiovascularUncommonHigh blood pressure
  • Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
  • Hypersensitivity/anaphylaxisImmunologicalRare
  • Fluid retention and edemaMetabolicUncommon

Drug Interactions

  • Antidiabetic agentsModerate
  • NSAIDsModerateMay increase renal risk in susceptible patients
  • Diuretics (potassium-wasting)Moderate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
  • Diabetes mellitusMetabolicRelative
  • Elderly patientsAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionApprovedApproved: Adrenocortical function testing, Anti-inflammatory conditionsApproved in select EU member states (e.g., France, Italy); not uniformly approved across all EU countries.
  • United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA-approved; tetracosactide (cosyntropin) is used instead for ACTH stimulation testing in the US.
  • United KingdomUnknownTetracosactide (Synacthen) is the preferred ACTH analogue in the UK; alsactide approval status is unclear.

Approved in some European jurisdictions (e.g., France, Italy) as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent. Not approved by the FDA in the United States. Related to tetracosactide (Synacthen) but distinct in sequence length and structure.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

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