Pegvisomant

• CAS Number: 218620-50-9

Pegvisomant (trade name: Somavert ®, manufactured by Pfizer) is a drug. It acts as an antagonist of the receptor for Somatotropin, a growth hormone, and is produced recombinantly. Is pegvisomant as a powder for solution for injection in the trade and is used to treat acromegaly and injected to the subcutaneous tissue.

Mechanism of action

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder resulting from an increased secretion of the growth hormone somatotropin and the hormone IGF -1 ( insulin -like growth factor -1, english insulin-like growth factor -1 ) results and manifests itself in an excessive growth of bone and soft tissue. As receptor antagonist Pegvisomant binds to growth hormone receptors in the cell surface, where it blocks the binding of the somatotropin, and thus its effect. In consequence, the serum levels of IGF -1 decreases.

Adverse effects

Among the side effects of pegvisomant can (swelling of the limbs), chest pain, paresthesias include ( abnormal sensations such as tingling, etc.), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), nausea and liver inflammation (hepatitis ) and Others reactions at the injection site, peripheral edema.