Tabimorelin

Growth Hormone / Recovery

Also known as: NN703, Tabimorelin Hydrochloride

Growth Hormone SecretagoguesResearch phase: Phase 2 (discontinued)Regulatory: Not approved. Development discontinued by Novo Nordisk.

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