OGF is short for Opioid Growth Factor (Met-enkephalin).

The body naturally produces morphine-like substances known as endorphins under certain conditions. Endorphins have numerous functions ranging from control of pain and mood, to regulation of the immune system, growth of cells and angiogenesis.

One endorphin that has been studied extensively in relationship to cancer is known as ‘Met-enkephalin’. Because Met-enkephalin has been shown to control growth of cells, it is often referred to as ‘Opioid Growth Factor’, or ‘OGF’.

Dr. Ian S. Zagon and his team at Hershey Medical Center, Penn State University first discovered the role of OGF in controlling growth of cancer in 1987. Since that time, over one hundred research projects have been undertaken by Dr. Zagon and his research team to clarify OGF’s mechanism of action and its potential use in cancer and other diseases.

Synthetic OGF is a small protein molecule which is not absorbed when administered orally. It has been used clinically in injectable form in various trials for treating cancer, autoimmune disease, and AIDS.

Opioid Growth Factor is a member of a group of agents collectively known as ‘Modulators of Opioid and Receptor Activity’ (‘MORA’). Another related ‘MORA’ drug discussed on this website is Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).