Mecasermin rinfabate: rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex: iPLEX.
BACKGROUND
Mecasermin rinfabate (iPLEX), comprising rhIGF-I complexed to rhIGFBP-3, was developed in an attempt to prolong the half-life of IGF-I and potentially reduce side effects. It is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection. Treatment with rhIGF-I has been explored in a number of growth and endocrine disorders.


OBJECTIVE
To review the published literature regarding the pharmacokinetics, safety profile and clinical efficacy of Mecasermin rinfabate.


METHODS
A comprehensive search via the NCBI PubMed portal was performed using the search terms rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex, iPLEX and Somatokine.


RESULTS
The effects of Mecasermin rinfabate have been explored in a number of clinical situations including diabetes, severe insulin resistance, osteopaenia, burns and growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, with outcomes similar to those of rhIGF-I alone.


CONCLUSIONS
The biological effects of Mecasermin rinfabate are largely similar to those previously reported with rhIGF-I. There are little published data pertaining to pharmacokinetic properties in human subjects, and the side effect profile appears similar to that of rhIGF-I alone.
Williams
Rachel M
RM
University of Cambridge, Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrookes Hospital, Box 116, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
McDonald
Anna
A
O'Savage
Martin
M
Dunger
David B
DB
D000818:Animals; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000188:drug therapy; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D046150:Laron Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I