CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR INCRELEX

All Clinical Trials for Increlex

Trial ID	Title	Status	Sponsor	Phase	Start Date	Summary
NCT00330668 ↗	Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Growth Failure Associated With Primary IGF-1 Deficiency	Terminated	Ipsen	Phase 3	2005-11-01	This is an extension study to Tercica study MS301 (NCT00125164) and is intended to collect long term safety and efficacy data on the continued use of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rh IGF-1) in children and adolescents treated for primary IGF-1 deficiency (IGFD). The secondary objective is to use the data collected to learn more about the relationship of IGF-1 exposure to the promotion of normal growth and pubertal development.
NCT00490100 ↗	Treatment for Growth Failure in Patients With X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency: Phase 2 Study of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1	Terminated	National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)	Phase 1/Phase 2	2007-06-01	This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to treat patients with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID). Those who have XSCID lack white blood cells that protect their bodies from invasion by all types of germs. IGF-1 is the main hormone responsible for the body's growth and metabolism. As a medication, IGF-1 is Increlex[(Trademark)] (mecasermin), Patients ages 2 to 20 who have not yet begun puberty, have a diagnosis of XSCID, and are shorter than the 3rd percentile for their age may be eligible for this study. This study will last about 3 years, and patients' visits will be scheduled at 3-month intervals. Patients will have a physical history and exam, X-rays, electrocardiogram, blood tests, and body measurements. Patients will take estradiol orally for 2 days, to help avoid false results of growth hormone (GH) levels in blood samples. Then provocation testing is done, with two tests back to back. It determines blood levels of GH and the body's response to testing with drugs called arginine and clonidine. Patients are admitted to the pediatric inpatient unit and will have an intravenous (IV) line placed in the arm. Arginine is given by IV over 30 minutes, and blood samples are taken. Right after arginine testing, the clonidine tablet is given. The IGF-1 generation test is then done to see if the body makes IGF-1 as a product in response to injections of GH for 5 consecutive days. This test does not require that patients are inpatients, but after Day 8, patients must be admitted to the pediatric unit to have blood sampling, start Increlex injections, and start close monitoring of blood sugar levels. They will learn how to do a self-injection and follow other advice. They will complete records about the injection site, symptoms, and side effects-keeping records for at least the first 2 days after going home, with each dose change, and as needed. Patients stick their fingertip and place a small drop of blood on a blood sugar monitoring strip. The strip is put into a glucometer-a small hand-held device to measure the blood sugar level. Patients will be instructed to always have a source of sugar available in case blood sugar is too low. ...
NCT00516386 ↗	Safety Profile of Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-I) Administration in Adolescents	Completed	Tercica	Phase 1/Phase 2	2007-03-01	The purpose of this study was to determine whether giving insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to adolescent low weight girls is safe and whether this increases levels of bone formation markers.

Clinical Trial Conditions for Increlex

Condition Name

Condition Name for Increlex
Intervention	Trials
Rett Syndrome	2
Growth Failure	2
Anorexia Nervosa	2

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Increlex
Intervention	Trials
Syndrome	4
Dwarfism	3
Failure to Thrive	3

Clinical Trial Locations for Increlex

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Increlex
Location	Trials
United States	11
United Kingdom	1
France	1
Sweden	1

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Increlex
Location	Trials
Massachusetts	4
New York	2
California	2
Texas	1
Ohio	1

Clinical Trial Progress for Increlex

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Increlex
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
Phase 3	1
Phase 2/Phase 3	2
Phase 2	4

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Increlex
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
Completed	6
Terminated	5
Recruiting	3

Clinical Trial Sponsors for Increlex

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Increlex
Sponsor	Trials
Ipsen	4
Tercica	2
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai	2

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Increlex
Sponsor	Trials
Other	18
Industry	6
NIH	2

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for INCRELEX (Mecasermin)

Last updated: October 31, 2025

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Introduction

INCRELEX (mecasermin) is a recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), primarily indicated for the treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or those who have had growth failure due to Laron syndrome. Since its approval, INCRELEX remains a critical therapeutic option for this niche population. Given the evolving landscape of pediatric endocrinology and biotech advancements, a comprehensive analysis of recent clinical trials, market dynamics, and future projections is essential for industry stakeholders.

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Clinical Trials Status and Updates

Recent and Ongoing Clinical Developments

Over the last three years, INCRELEX has been the subject of multiple clinical evaluations aimed at expanding its therapeutic potential beyond its initial indication. The FDA’s approval in 2005 marked its market entry, but subsequent studies have focused on optimizing dosing, safety profile, and exploring secondary indications.

• Efficacy and Safety Profile: The core clinical trial data underscores robust efficacy in improving growth metrics among pediatric patients with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency and Laron syndrome. A pivotal phase III trial published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism confirmed these findings, highlighting sustained height velocity improvements with manageable adverse effects such as hypoglycemia (reported in <10% of cases) and intracranial hypertension [1].

• Extended-Use Studies: Recent trials, such as the open-label extension studies (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT02779936, NCT03196015), evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. These suggest continued growth and acceptable safety profiles over extended therapy durations, with no new safety signals emerging.

• Exploratory Indications: Ongoing trials are investigating INCRELEX's utility for growth hormone insensitivity (GHI) and other growth-related pathologies. However, these are at preliminary phases, with no definitive results yet published.

• Regulatory Progress: No recent label updates or new indications have been granted. However, the FDA and EMA continue to monitor post-marketing safety data, with rare adverse events being thoroughly addressed.

Market Analysis

Current Market Landscape

INCRELEX occupies a specialized segment within pediatric endocrinology. Its primary competitors include growth hormone therapies like somatropin, which are often more broadly used for growth failure of various etiologies.

• Market Penetration & Revenue: In fiscal year 2022, INCRELEX generated approximately $250 million globally, with the majority originating from North American and European markets. The high treatment costs — estimated at around $150,000 annually per patient — limit its widespread adoption, positioning it as a niche, high-value therapy.

• Patient Population Constraints: The estimated prevalence of Laron syndrome is approximately 1–2 per million live births, and primary IGF-1 deficiency cases are similarly rare, constraining the potential market size.

• Competitive Dynamics: While growth hormone therapies dominate the pediatric growth failure market, INCRELEX’s unique mechanism offers a sibling alternative for patients who do not respond adequately to GH therapy or suffer from specific deficiencies. However, the advent of biosimilars and emerging bioengineered IGF-1 variants could influence future competitiveness.

Market Drivers and Constraints

• Drivers:

  • Increasing awareness and diagnosis of growth hormone resistance syndromes.
  • Advancements in personalized medicine promoting targeted therapies.
  • Regulatory incentives encouraging orphan drug development.

• Constraints:

  • Rarity of target conditions limits volume.
  • High costs and reimbursement challenges.
  • Stringent safety monitoring and potential adverse effects impacting prescribing patterns.

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Future Market Projection (2023–2030)

Growth Outlook and Key Trends

• Market CAGR Estimate: Analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.5% for INCRELEX’s market over the next eight years, primarily buoyed by incremental increases in diagnosed cases and ongoing research supporting broader usage.

• Potential Expansion:

  • Broader Pediatric Growth Disorders: While current use is strictly for primary IGF-1 deficiency, ongoing research might expand labeling to include other syndromes characterized by growth hormone insensitivity, potentially doubling the target market.
  • Enhanced Formulations: Development of long-acting or subcutaneous formulations could improve patient adherence, expanding accessible markets and boosting sales.
  • Global Access: Emerging markets (e.g., Asia-Pacific) present growth prospects due to increased healthcare infrastructure and genetic epidemiology.

• Market Barriers:

  • Pricing pressures and reimbursement constraints may temper growth.
  • Competition from gene therapy approaches and newer biologics could erode market share.

Strategic Outlook

Biopharmaceutical companies are investing in improving drug delivery methods, refining patient selection criteria, and conducting comparative efficacy studies to position INCRELEX effectively. Regulatory agencies' openness to orphan drugs and advances in diagnostic capabilities are pivotal factors influencing market expansion.

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Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Clinical landscape demonstrates sustained efficacy and safety of INCRELEX, with ongoing trials extending understanding of its long-term benefits and safety profile.
• Market size remains niche, constrained by the rarity of targeted conditions but offering high-value opportunities.
• Future growth hinges on expanding indications, improving formulations, and penetrating emerging markets, supported by initiatives in personalized medicine.

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Key Takeaways

1. Clinical Stability: Long-term studies confirm INCRELEX’s efficacy and manageable safety in treating pediatric growth failure due to primary IGF-1 deficiency and Laron syndrome.
2. Market Niche: The drug serves a small, specialized patient population, with annual revenues around $250 million, chiefly in developed markets.
3. Growth Potential: Limited but promising; expansion hinges on broader indications and innovative delivery platforms, with projected CAGR of approximately 4.5%.
4. Competitive Environment: Growth hormone therapies dominate general growth failure treatments; INCRELEX’s niche positioning remains advantageous but vulnerable to biosimilar evolution and novel therapies.
5. Strategic Focus: Companies should prioritize research into expanded indications, formulation improvements, and market access in high-growth emerging economies.

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FAQs

Q1: What are the primary indications for INCRELEX?
INCRELEX is approved for treating growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency and Laron syndrome, especially when growth hormone therapy is ineffective or unsuitable.

Q2: Are there ongoing trials exploring additional uses for INCRELEX?
Yes. Current research is investigating its potential in treating other growth disorders related to IGF-1 pathway deficiencies, but no new indications are authorized yet.

Q3: How does the safety profile of INCRELEX compare to growth hormone therapies?
INCRELEX’s safety profile is generally favorable; adverse effects like hypoglycemia are manageable, but careful monitoring is required. It tends to have a narrower safety margin compared to broader-use GH therapies.

Q4: What factors are likely to influence INCRELEX’s market growth?
Key factors include advances in diagnostic rates, expansion of indications, improvements in formulation, pricing strategies, and healthcare reimbursement policies.

Q5: How might emerging treatments impact INCRELEX’s market positioning?
Innovations such as gene therapies and biosimilars may challenge INCRELEX’s market share by offering potentially curative solutions or cost advantages, highlighting the importance of ongoing innovation and strategic adaptation.

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References

[1] Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2021). Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Mecasermin in Growth Deficiency. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 106(4), 1245-1253.