SOMATROGON: A LONG-ACTING GROWTH HORMONE ANALOG FOR PEDIATRIC GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a clinically significant endocrine disorder characterized by impaired linear growth, delayed skeletal maturation, and metabolic abnormalities in pediatric populations. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy has been the cornerstone of management for several decades; however, the requirement for daily injections often leads to poor adherence and suboptimal clinical outcomes. Somatrogon is a novel long-acting recombinant growth hormone analog designed to reduce dosing frequency to once weekly while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a detailed analysis of somatrogon, including its pharmacological profile, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and therapeutic advantages. Evidence suggests that somatrogon demonstrates non-inferiority to daily somatropin in improving height velocity, with comparable safety outcomes and improved patient compliance. The structural modification involving the addition of a C-terminal peptide prolongs its half-life and sustains insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) activity. Although currently approved for pediatric GHD, ongoing studies are evaluating its use in adult populations. Somatrogon represents a significant advancement in endocrine therapy, offering improved convenience and adherence without compromising efficacy.

Keywords: Somatrogon, Growth hormone deficiency, Long-acting GH, IGF-1, Pediatric endocrinology