What is ACTH 1-39 (corticotropin)?
ACTH is the pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. Therapeutically it therefore acts much like cortisone; in sport it is misused for possible short-term performance and mood effects.
How well studied is ACTH 1-39 (corticotropin)?
A depot preparation of porcine ACTH (1-39) is approved in the US for infantile spasms and acute MS relapses, among others; evidence for many of its other indications is limited. In Europe mainly the shortened analogue tetracosactide (ACTH 1-24) is used, chiefly for adrenal function testing.
What side effects and risks does ACTH 1-39 (corticotropin) have?
The risks essentially mirror corticosteroid therapy: increased susceptibility to infection, high blood pressure, fluid retention and potassium loss, raised blood sugar, stomach ulcers and bleeding, and psychological effects from euphoria and insomnia to psychosis. Prolonged use suppresses the hormone axis; stopping can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
Is ACTH 1-39 (corticotropin) approved in Germany?
In short: no – only outside the EU. ACTH 1-39 is approved in the US but not marketed as such in Germany; tetracosactide is prescription-only. WADA: S2.2 (corticotrophins), prohibited at all times. Use only under medical supervision; products from the internet are untested and risky.
Sources
- H.P. Acthar Gel – Prescribing Information (Drugs.com)
- WADA Prohibited List 2025 (International Standard)
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.