Growth hormone not only plays an important role in growth from childhood to adulthood, but also helps promote a hormonally balanced health status.AGHD most commonly results from damage to the pituitary gland. It is usually characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, lean body mass, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life as well as an increase of cardiovascular risks. AGHD may occur in an adult subject who has a history of childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency (CGHD) or may occur during adulthood as an acquired condition. Once accurately diagnosed growth hormone deficiency can be treated with growth hormone replacement therapy.

Macimorelin, a ghrelin agonist, is an orally active peptidomimetic small molecule that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. Stimulated growth hormone levels are measured in blood samples after oral administration of macimorelin for the assessment of GHD.Macimorelin, is the only U.S. FDA and European Commission approved oral test indicated for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD).