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Pegvisomant (Somavert)

Peptide

Pegvisomant is a genetically modified growth hormone analog that functions as a GH receptor antagonist. FDA-approved in 2003, it is the first and only GH receptor antagonist for acromegaly. It is indicated for patients with inadequate response to surgery, radiation, or somatostatin analogs. Phase III trials showed up to 97% of patients achieving IGF-1 normalization with long-term treatment, making it the most effective medical therapy for biochemical control.

Quick Answer

What it is

Pegvisomant is a genetically modified growth hormone analog that functions as a GH receptor antagonist. FDA-approved in 2003, it is the first and only GH receptor antagonist for acromegaly.

Key findings

  • Grade A: IGF-1 Normalization (Acromegaly)
  • Grade A: Serum IGF-1 Levels (Acromegaly)
  • Grade A: Treatment-Resistant Acromegaly (Acromegaly)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Pegvisomant (Somavert)

Quick Facts: Pegvisomant (Somavert)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:10
  • Grade A Findings:5
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Acromegaly
A5
B1
C1
D3
1 conditions ¡ 10 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

A
IGF-1 Normalization
97% achieved normal IGF-1 at 12 months in clinical trials. Phase III: 89% normalization with 20mg daily dose. Most effective medical therapy for biochemical control.
large↓Worsens
A
Serum IGF-1 Levels
Dose-dependent reduction: 62.5% decrease with 20mg/day vs 4% with placebo. German Observational Study showed sustained reduction from 1.75x to 0.89x ULN over 24 months.
large↓Improves
A
Treatment-Resistant Acromegaly
100% IGF-1 normalization in octreotide-resistant patients. Effective after failed surgery and somatostatin analog therapy.
large↓Improves
A
Glucose Metabolism
Significant decrease in serum insulin and glucose concentrations (P<0.05). Particularly beneficial in acromegaly patients with coexistent diabetes mellitus.
moderate↓Improves
A
Acromegaly Symptoms
Improvement in soft tissue swelling, fatigue, perspiration, and joint symptoms associated with GH/IGF-1 excess.
moderate↓Improves
B
Hormone Levels
12 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
C
Anti-Cancer Activity
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Blood Glucose Control
2 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↓Improves
D
Safety/Tolerability
2 systematic reviews and preclinical studies support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Liver Protection
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (35)

Personalized medicine in acromegaly: insights from the ACROFAST clinical trial.
(2025)
PMID: 41020777
Medical treatment in acromegaly: a network meta-analysis.
(2025)
PMID: 41140134
Pegvisomant in managing comorbidities of acromegaly: a review.
(2025)
PMID: 41160328
Efficacy and Safety of Pegvisomant in the Treatment of Acromegaly.
(2023)
PMID: 37659952
Blockade of growth hormone receptor signaling by using pegvisomant: A functional therapeutic strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
(2022)
PMID: 36276070
Preconception use of pegvisomant alone or as combination therapy for acromegaly: a case series and review of the literature.
(2020)
PMID: 32451986
Combined therapy of somatostatin analogues with pegvisomant for the treatment of acromegaly: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.
(2020)
PMID: 32811475
Pegvisomant Improves Glucose Metabolism in Acromegaly: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Interventional Studies.
(2019)
PMID: 30869797
Effectiveness and safety of pegvisomant: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational longitudinal studies.
(2019)
PMID: 30145746
The Effect of the Exon-3-Deleted Growth Hormone Receptor on Pegvisomant-Treated Acromegaly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
(2017)
PMID: 27513761

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