Mutant Growth Hormone

Mutant Growth Hormone is a hormone produced naturally by people with the 'mutant' 24th chromosome. Charles Xavier and his associate Henry McCoy were awarded a joint Nobel Prize for their work in correctly identifying and cataloguing MGH as the mechanism for developing mutant abilities. Later, biochemists tested MGH on non-mutants and were able temporarily induce a metagenetic crisis. Mutants with the X-gene can use MGH to bolster their abilities beyond normal levels of exertion. Even incidental use of MGH can cause severe side effects after the 'powers' wear off. Non-metas have a high risk of cancer and hyperthyroidism. In mutants, prolonged use of the MGH causes a breakdown of the mutant chromosome which leads to cascading organ failure.

MGH cannot be readily synthesized and must be chemically extracted. The process for harvesting is invasive and quite often fatal for the subject due to the invasion of their pituitary lobe and endocrine glands. There are underground Gene labs that keep mutants bound and sedated for harvesting the substance. Criminals associated with this enterprise include Mister Sinister, Kingpin, and the Stark competitor Fujikawa Industries.