METHOD FOR ELEVATING THE CONCENTRATION OF FREE INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR

摘要

A method for elevating the concentration of a free insulin-like growth factor (IGF) by converting IGF contained in living bodies into free IGF having a sufficient IGF activity; a method for elevating the concentration of the IGF/IGFP (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein) complex in living bodies; a substance enabling the elevation of the above concentrations; drugs containing this substance; and a method for screening this substance. Thus, the IGF effect is expressed by administering not IGF externally but the substance capable of increasing free IGF in living bodies. This substance is useful as a preventive and/or remedy for diseases which can be prevented and/or treated by using IGF, such as diabetes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and osteoporosis.