Clinical Trials

Multiple clinical trials across Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III evaluate anamorelin hydrochloride for treating cancer cachexia, anorexia, non-small cell lung cancer, and metastatic pancreatic cancer, primarily aiming to prevent weight loss and improve nutritional status. Sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and academic research institutions, these studies encompass completed, active but not recruiting, and terminated protocols.

NCT Number Recruitment Conditions Sponsor/Collaborators Start Date Phases
NCT03637816 ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Anorexia; Lung Non-Small Cell Carcinoma; Stage III Lung Cancer AJCC v8; Stage IIIA Lung Cancer AJCC v8; Stage IIIB Lung Cancer AJCC v8; Stage IIIC Lung Cancer AJCC v8; Stage IV Lung Cancer AJCC v8; Stage IVA Lung Cancer AJCC v8; Stage IVB Lung Cancer AJCC v8
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
2018-11-27 PHASE2; PHASE3
NCT04844970 TERMINATED
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Lahey Clinic
2023-04-01 PHASE2
NCT03743051 COMPLETED
Cachexia; Cancer; Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Helsinn Healthcare SA
2019-03-05 PHASE3
NCT04021706 COMPLETED
Sarcopenia; Osteopenia
Tufts University
2019-12-05 PHASE1
NCT03743064 COMPLETED
Cachexia; Cancer; Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Helsinn Healthcare SA
2019-05-06 PHASE3
NCT03035409 ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Advanced Malignant Solid Neoplasm; C-Reactive Protein Measurement; Cancer Fatigue; Metastatic Malignant Solid Neoplasm; Recurrent Malignant Solid Neoplasm; Weight Loss
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
2017-02-08 PHASE2
NCT01505764 TERMINATED
Cancer Cachexia
VA Office of Research and Development
2012-06 PHASE2
NCT01395914 COMPLETED
Cachexia; Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc
2011-07 PHASE3
NCT01387269 COMPLETED
Cachexia; Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc
2011-07 PHASE3
NCT01387282 COMPLETED
Cachexia; Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc
2011-07 PHASE3
NCT00622193 COMPLETED
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc
2008-03 PHASE2

(data from https://clinicaltrials.gov, updated on 2026-04-15)

Check the AnaMorelin hydrochloride product page for in-depth specifications, including solubility, stock solutions, MOA, and working concentrations.

Compliance for Clinical Use

Mechanism and Biochemical Profile

Anamorelin hydrochloride functions as a potent, selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor with an EC50 of 0.74 nM, activating downstream signaling pathways that trigger growth hormone secretion and stimulate appetite-regulating centers in the central nervous system. This molecular activation promotes food intake and anabolic responses, demonstrating direct clinical relevance in counteracting progressive weight loss and muscle degradation in patients affected by cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome and non-small cell lung cancer.

Appendix RUO and cGMP Quality Standards

Quality Dimension RUO (Research Use Only) cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice)
Clinical Applicability Prohibited in human clinical trials or medical diagnostics. Mandatory for human clinical trials (Phase I–III) and therapies.
Regulatory Status Non-regulated grade; exempt from drug manufacturing laws. Legally enforced by health authorities (e.g., FDA, EMA, NMPA).
Facility Environment Unclassified analytical or research laboratories. Validated Cleanrooms (ISO Class 5–8) with continuous monitoring.
Quality Control Basic purity and activity testing. Rigorous safety release testing (Sterility, Endotoxin, Mycoplasma).
Process Validation Basic equipment calibration; no process validation required. Full qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and complete batch records.
Quality Assurance Vendor self-declared without required formal QMS. Mandatory QA/QC unit, Change Control, CAPA, and vendor audits.
Regulatory Impact High risk of IND rejection if used as a critical raw material. Required for IND/NDA filings, supported by Drug Master Files (DMF).

Footnotes

Regulatory Note: Governed by FDA (21 CFR Parts 210/211/312), EMA (EudraLex Vol 4), ICH Guidelines (E6/Q7/Q9/Q10), and compendial standards (USP <71>/<85>/<1043>).

Note: Technical data last updated: Sep 1, 2026.