Capromorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, is FDA-approved for appetite stimulation in dogs and cats, providing proof-of-concept for the drug class.
First FDA-approved ghrelin drugCapromorelin is the first drug targeting the ghrelin receptor to receive FDA approval for any species
What the researchers found
Capromorelin acts on the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a), the same receptor activated by the natural hunger hormone ghrelin. When natural ghrelin production is disrupted, capromorelin substitutes to stimulate growth hormone release and appetite.
In dogs, capromorelin (Entyce) increases food intake and is FDA-approved for appetite stimulation. In cats, capromorelin (Elura) is approved for managing weight loss associated with chronic kidney disease. The drug also stimulates growth hormone and IGF-1, which may help prevent muscle wasting and cachexia.
Why it matters
Ghrelin receptor agonists have been studied for decades in humans for appetite stimulation, growth hormone deficiency, and cachexia. Capromorelin's success in veterinary medicine provides proof-of-concept for this drug class. Understanding its effects in dogs and cats may inform future human applications of ghrelin receptor agonists.
The numbers in context
- FDA-approved for dogs: May 2016 (Entyce, Aratana Therapeutics)
- FDA-approved for cats: 2020 (Elura, Elanco)
- Target: GHSR-1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a)
- Effects: appetite stimulation, growth hormone release, IGF-1 increase
How the study worked
Narrative review of published literature covering the discovery, development, efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of capromorelin in veterinary medicine.
Who was studied
Review of veterinary clinical data for capromorelin in dogs and cats
What this study cannot tell us
This is a veterinary medicine review. Results in dogs and cats may not directly translate to humans. The review does not include new original data. Capromorelin's long-term effects in animals are still being studied. The drug is not approved for human use.
How to read the evidence
Rated strong: comprehensive review of a drug with FDA approval, covering extensive efficacy and safety data from the approval process.
When this study was published
Published in 2024, reviewing the full development history. Capromorelin has been in clinical use since 2016.
The bigger picture
Ghrelin receptor agonists have been studied for decades in humans for cachexia, anorexia, and growth hormone deficiency. Capromorelin's veterinary approval provides real-world validation of the drug target.
Questions still open
- Will capromorelin or similar drugs succeed in human clinical trials?
- Can ghrelin receptor agonists help cancer cachexia patients?
Common questions
What is capromorelin used for?
Could a ghrelin drug help humans with appetite loss?
Read the original research
Insights on discovery, efficacy, safety and clinical applications of ghrelin receptor agonist capromorelin in veterinary medicine.
Veterinary research communications, 48(1), 1-10
Citation
Rathore, Manisha; Das, Nabanita; Ghosh, Nayan; Guha, Rajdeep. (2024). Insights on discovery, efficacy, safety and clinical applications of ghrelin receptor agonist capromorelin in veterinary medicine.. Veterinary research communications, 48(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-023-10184-0