Capromorelin, also known as CP-424,391, is a growth hormon-e secretagogue and ghrelin mimetic ( hG-HS-R1a K(i)=7 nM, rat pituicyte EC(50)=3 nM). Capromorelin showed enhanced intestinal absorption in rodent models and exhibited superior pharmacokinetic properties, including high bioavailabilities in two animal species [F(rat)=65%, F(dog)=44%]. This short-duration G-H-S was orally active in canine models and was selected as a development candidate for the treatment of musculoskeletal frailty in elderly adults.
Capromorelin, the only FDA-approved therapeutic designed to safely and effectively stimulate appetite in dogs. Capromorelin works by mimicking ghrelin. Capromorelin is appropriate to treat inappetence caused by chronic and acute conditions.
Capromorelin is being considered for its therapeutic value in aging adults because elderly people have much lower levels of growt h hormon e and less lean muscle mass, which can result in weakness and frailty.