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Research/Hormone Optimization/IGF-1 (Mecasermin)

IGF-1 (Mecasermin)

Increlex. Recombinant human IGF-1. FDA-approved for IGF-1 deficiency in children. Anti-aging and anabolic off-label use.

Intelligence Profile

Research Papers

Research Papers and Clinical Trials

The research on IGF-1 (mecasermin) spans several therapeutic areas, with studies examining both established and experimental uses of this recombinant growth factor.

Growth Disorders and IGF-1 Deficiency

A 2026 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism examined real-world data from the IGFD Registry on near-adult height outcomes in patients treated with recombinant human IGF-1 for severe growth failure. A separate 2024 study in Frontiers in Pediatrics analyzed clinical characteristics and treatment efficacy in patients with primary severe IGF-1 deficiency receiving recombinant IGF-1 therapy. These studies provide evidence for the established use of mecasermin in growth hormone insensitivity syndromes.

Safety data comes from a 2023 analysis in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism that examined hypoglycemia frequency and predictive factors in patients treated with recombinant human IGF-1, using data from the EU-IGFD Registry.

Neurological Applications

A systematic review published in Neurogenetics in 2025 examined mecasermin for treating Rett Syndrome, while a 2024 review in Cureus explored IGF-1's potential as both a diagnostic tool and treatment target for autism spectrum disorders. These reviews suggest expanding interest in IGF-1 for neurodevelopmental conditions, though the evidence base appears limited.

Clinical Trials

Several completed clinical trials have investigated IGF-1 in diverse conditions. A Phase 1/2 trial (NCT01438086) evaluated safety and efficacy in heart attack patients. A Phase 2 study (NCT01525901) examined IGF-1 in 22q13 deletion syndrome (Phelan-McDermid Syndrome), and another Phase 2 trial (NCT01777542) investigated recombinant human IGF-1 for Rett Syndrome treatment.

Other Applications

A 2026 Cochrane systematic review examined IGF-1 for preventing or treating retinopathy of prematurity. Additionally, research has explored IGF-1 as a biomarker, with a 2026 cross-sectional study in Rheumatology International finding associations between IGF-1 and clinical scores in hemophilic arthropathy.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult healthcare providers for guidance on specific medical conditions and treatments.

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