NCIt definition : An orally available synthetic mimetic of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue ghrelin
with potential anti-cachexia activity. Upon oral administration, macimorelin mimics
endogenous ghrelin by stimulating appetite and binds to the growth hormone secretagogue
receptor GHSR in the central nervous system, thereby mimicking the GH-releasing effects
of ghrelin from the pituitary gland. Stimulation of GH secretion increases insulin-like
growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels which may further stimulate protein synthesis. In addition,
ghrelin reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may play a direct
role in cancer-related loss of appetite.;