The somatropin, which is a derivative of the human growth hormone (HGH) has in the area of hormone replacement therapy received a lot of attention and trust. Somatropin has found application in treatment of the growth hormone deficiency in adults and children and it has been used in the therapy to ensure that patients become taller in height, metabolism as well as muscle tones and general growth. However, with the recent introduction of lonapegsomatropin, a long-acting treatment of growth hormones, the new level of convenience, effectiveness and compliance is being set.
In this article, we are going to elaborate on what somatropin does to ensure maximized physical growth and development and how lonapegsomatropin advances this development by far more – changing the face of hormone therapy.
What is Somatropin and the Way It Works?
Somatropin is the synthetic copy of the naturally named growth hormone which is produced in the pituitary gland. It promotes the development of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and helps in metabolic activities in similar deficient persons in adulthood.
Through secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), the somatropin causes the liver and other tissues to initiate the growth of bones, muscles and other tissues. Its benefits include the following:
- GHD in children results in increased height
- Better lean muscles mass
- Low body fat
- Improved energy and resurrection
- Improvement of the bone density
The treatment of somatropin is characterized by subcutaneous injection, which means there is mandatory control of the condition and the need to adhere to the schedule.
The drawbacks of Conventional Somatropin Treatment
Although somatropin is very effective, it needs daily injections which may be problematic to the patient more so to the young. Proper participation in therapy is the key to positive outcomes, but due to the inconvenience of daily shots, a failure to comply with the treatment scheme often arises, and its efficacy and patient satisfaction decrease.
Lonapegsomatropin: Introduction of the Long-Acting Breakthrough
Recently compared with long-acting forms, prodrugs of somatropin are longer-acting Lonapegsomatropin which has been designed to stimulate active growth hormone over a period of time. It is only administered once a week which considerably lowers the frequency of injections.
Lonapegsomatropin is approved under the brand name Skytrofa which is a TransCon-powered drug to produce a controlled release formula. The prodrug is inactive in the blood and only converted to active somatropin naturally though the duration of its hormone levels is stable throughout the week.
Lonapegsomatropin Principal Benefits
1. Improved Adherence
Not only does lonapegsomatropin facilitate compliance significantly as compared to current treatment options concerning safety, administration, and convenience after a single injection once a week, but also for pediatric patients and their caregivers.
2. Regular Levels of Substances Growth Hormone
Its slow-release system maintains consistent levels of somatropin and helps minimize the variances in the levels generally known as hormonal fluctuations that could arise by taking the dosage daily.
3. Similar-Better Efficacy
Trial studies identified the non-inferior or better height velocity among children using lonapegsomatropin than daily somatropin.
4. Less Injection Load
Minor quantities of injections imply a lower level of stress, decreased reactions, and injections sites plus increased acceptance by children as well as adults.
Clinical Trials in favor of Lonapegsomatropin
In a Phase 3 life-changing trial (heiGHt) it illustrated better annual height velocity of lonapegsomatropin than daily somatropin in treatment of naive children with GHD. It was established that weekly dosing did not jeopardize efficacy, indeed, it enhanced the findings to a negligible extent, and therefore, is a better option.
In addition, more patients were satisfied and recovered quality of life due to easy use and lack of fear of injection.
Who is Lonapegsomatropin Treatment Suitable For?
Lonapegsomatropin is indicated to:
- Deficiency in children of the growth hormone
- The GHD patients who opt to use a less frequent dosage regime are adults.
- Patients who have difficulties with injecting themselves every day
- Caregivers desire to have lower stress on pediatric hormone treatment
- It has to be ordered and supervised by a certified endocrinologist because hormone treatment needs individual dosage and regular review.
A changeover between Somatropin and Lonapegsomatropin
Due to a different route of administration, switching to lonapegsomatropin could be convenient in patients already on daily somatropin and could have no effect on outcomes. Nevertheless, this change must be made in a medical supervision whereby dosage equivalency and response should be considered.
The decision is normally made by endocrinologists who consider the level of IGF-1, direction of growth and preferences of the patient after the change.
FAQ’s
Can lonapegsomatropin have any advantages over somatropin?
Clinical trials demonstrate that it is almost as effective, it is more convenient and fills patients with satisfaction since it is once a week.
Do adults take lonapegsomatropin?
Yes it is used and experimented with more in pediatrics now but in adults they are examining it and using it under the care of specialists in GHD situations.
Is lonapegsomatropin safe?
Yes, regulatory authorities have approved it, and it has a similar safety profile with daily somatropin in clinical trials.
What is the switch between daily somatropin and lonapegsomatropin?
You are to speak to your endocrinologist. They will change your dosage and watch your reaction closely when undergoing the switch.