Pharmacodynamics and tolerability of repository corticotropin injection in healthy human subjects: A comparison with intravenous methylprednisolone.

Repository corticotropin injection (porcine adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] analog) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) are used to treat inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations and rheumatoid arthritis. This multiple-dose, randomized, crossover, open-label study evaluated and compared pharmacodynamic outcomes in subjects who received ACTH analog (80 U subcutaneously) or IVMP (1 g) daily for 5 days. Specific outcome measures included IVMP and cortisol concentrations, total cortisol-equivalent exposure, immune cell population changes, and tolerability.