Tabimorelin
Growth Hormone / RecoveryAlso known as: NN703, Tabimorelin Hydrochloride
Mechanism
Tabimorelin is an oral growth hormone secretagogue that was developed by Novo Nordisk. It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone by activating the ghrelin receptor, similar to MK-677 but with a different chemical structure. Phase 2 trials in GH-deficient adults showed GH increases, but development was discontinued.
Technical detail
Tabimorelin (NN703) is a synthetic peptidomimetic GHS-R1a agonist with oral bioavailability. It mimics ghrelin binding at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, activating Gq-PLC-IP3 signaling on anterior pituitary somatotrophs to increase pulsatile GH release. Unlike MK-677 (a benzolactam), tabimorelin has a distinct spiroindanylpiperidine structure. Phase 2 data showed significant GH and IGF-1 elevation in GH-deficient adults but development was halted.
Evidence
- moderate
Svensson J et al. (2003) — Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) — PMID: 12699438
Randomized multicenter study in adult growth hormone deficiency supported biologic activity of oral tabimorelin/NN703 and provided early patient-level safety data.
- moderate
Zdravkovic M et al. (2001) — Growth Horm IGF Res — PMID: 11437473
Short healthy-volunteer study showed oral tabimorelin (NN703) produced expected GH-axis pharmacodynamic activity with tolerability suitable for early clinical development.