Growth Hormone Therapy: A New Approach for Kids and Adults
Revolutionizing Treatment Adherence
Long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) therapy is transforming the landscape for individuals with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This advancement significantly reduces the number of injections required, leading to improved treatment adherence.
Market Availability in Germany
Three LAGH products have been introduced in Germany:
- Lonapegsomatropin
- Somapacitan
- Somatrogon
The INSIGHTS-GHT registry is monitoring the real-world usage of these products, providing valuable insights beyond clinical trials.
Patient Demographics and Treatment Patterns
Pediatric Patients
- Total Patients: 70 kids from 15 centers
- Gender Distribution: Majority are boys
- Average Age at Start: 9.2 years
- Transition from Daily GH Therapy: Approximately 50%
- Initial Dosing: 82% started with a dose lower than the manufacturer's recommendation
Adult Patients
- Total Patients: 31 adults from 6 centers
- Gender Distribution: 65% male
- Average Age at Start: 38.2 years
- Transition from Daily GH Therapy: 100%
- Initial Dosing: 41% started with a lower dose, while more than half began with the recommended dose
Pre-Treatment Conditions
Prior to initiating GH therapy, the pediatric patients exhibited low IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels, underscoring the necessity for treatment.
Future Considerations
The registry's findings offer a preliminary glimpse into the adoption of LAGH. However, continuous monitoring of long-term results is crucial to ensure the therapy's effectiveness and safety.