What is the Origin of Ghrelin Mimicry?

This therapeutic area originated with the definitive isolation and characterization of the native ghrelin hormone in the late 1990s and the subsequent cloning of its receptor, the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR). Researchers then focused on creating stable, non-peptide molecules that could be orally administered to replicate ghrelin's beneficial actions.

What is the Mechanism of Ghrelin Mimicry?

Ghrelin mimics exert their biological effect by acting as agonists at the GHSR-1a receptor, which is highly expressed in the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary. Activation of this receptor initiates a signal cascade that strongly promotes food-seeking behavior and simultaneously triggers the pulsatile release of growth hormone. This dual hormonal action is designed to stimulate lean mass accrual, increase appetite, and improve overall metabolic efficiency in clinically compromised individuals.

Ghrelin Mimicry

Meaning

Ghrelin Mimicry describes the pharmacological strategy of developing synthetic compounds that selectively bind to and activate the ghrelin receptor, thereby imitating the effects of the endogenous hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin, known as the “hunger hormone,” is a potent stimulator of appetite and growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. These mimetic agents are primarily investigated for their therapeutic potential in treating conditions involving severe catabolism, such as muscle wasting or cachexia, by promoting anabolism and a positive energy balance.