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evidence · mechanism · dose
Experimental/GH Secretagogue / CachexiaResearch peptide

Anamorelin

aka ONO-7643

Oral ghrelin agonist developed for cancer-related cachexia and appetite loss.

Educational explainer of a research peptide. Profiles in this section deliberately omit clinical-trial citations, dosing protocols, and purchase links. Not FDA-approved as a supplement; not a recommendation to use.

Overview

Anamorelin is an orally active ghrelin receptor agonist developed for cancer cachexia, approved in Japan for non-small-cell lung cancer cachexia.

Source
  • Approved pharmaceutical (Japan)
Forms
  • Oral tablet

Mechanism of action

Mimics ghrelin to stimulate appetite, lean body mass, and GH/IGF-1 axis in catabolic states.

Pathways
  • · GHSR-1a
  • · GH and IGF-1 axis
  • · Appetite regulation
Hormones
  • · GH
  • · IGF-1
  • · Ghrelin

How it acts on the body

Anamorelin combines two effects useful in cancer cachexia — appetite stimulation and direct GH/IGF-1-mediated anabolic support — in an oral formulation. In phase 3 trials it increased lean body mass and appetite in NSCLC cachexia, leading to Japanese approval.

It does not consistently improve handgrip strength or survival, which kept it out of US/EU labeling, but the lean mass and appetite signals remain meaningful for symptom management.

Hormonal & endocrine impact

How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.

Projected hormonal trajectory
Illustrative curves derived from reported direction of effect. Not measured patient data.

Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.

GHIncreases
Sustained mild elevation.
IGF-1Increases
Downstream from chronic GH stimulation.
Ghrelin signalingIncreases
Direct receptor agonism.

Effects on the body

Increases
Lean body mass in cancer cachexia
Increases
Appetite

Organ system effects

Skeletal Muscle

Anabolic support in catabolic states.

Endocrine

GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation.

Digestive / Gut

Appetite stimulation.

Reported effects

Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.

  • Oral dosing
  • Combined appetite and anabolic mechanism

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Hyperglycemia
  • · Diabetes diagnosis or worsening
Rare
  • · Hepatic enzyme elevation
Serious
  • · Cardiac conduction concerns in early trials, not a major label signal

Drug interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors
Increased anamorelin exposure.
moderate

Pairing context

Often combined with
  • Nutritional support and resistance exercise as tolerated
    Maximizes lean-mass response.
Avoid combining with
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
    May worsen glycemic control.
Important. Research peptides described here are not FDA-approved supplements. Supplement Scholar does not endorse, recommend, or link to any source for purchase. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide therapy.