Capromorelin
Orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist that reached human trials for age-related functional decline but is now FDA-approved as a veterinary appetite stimulant for dogs and cats. Human data exist but development was discontinued.
01 Overview
Capromorelin is a small-molecule GHSR-1a agonist originally studied in older adults, where it raised IGF-1 and modestly improved lean mass and some functional measures over a year. Human development was halted, but it later gained FDA approval as Entyce (dogs) and Elura (cats) for appetite stimulation.
Because its most robust modern data are veterinary, its human research base is limited and older. It is included here as a genuine GH-axis secretagogue with real but discontinued human trials.
02 Mechanism
Agonist at the ghrelin/GHSR-1a receptor, stimulating pituitary GH release and appetite.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical human trial | 10–40 mg/day | Oral | Doses used in discontinued human functional-decline studies; not an approved human dose. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised IGF-1Increased IGF-1 and GH in older adults during a 12-month trial. | significant vs placebo | Clinical | |
| Modest lean mass and function gainsImproved lean body mass and tandem walk early, though not sustained across all endpoints. | small at 6 months | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased appetite/weightOrexigenic effect can be unwanted in some contexts. | Mild | Common | Clinical | |
| Insulin resistanceGH elevation can impair glucose tolerance. | Moderate | Uncommon | Preclinical |