Is long-acting rhGH formulations viable in GH deficiency treatment?
A lack of treatment adherence to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a common problem amongst children and adults with GH deficiency (GHD) often leading to reduced rhGH efficacy.
Long-acting rhGH (LAGH) formulations eliminating the need for daily injections are a possible solution to treatment adherence concerns.
In a recent article, Pampanini et al reviewed potential benefits and issues with the introduction of LAGH.
There are currently multiple technologies that allow for weekly, biweekly, or monthly rhGH administration. According to phase 3 study results, these LAGH formulations have demonstrated comparable or better efficacy to daily rhGH. No major safety issues were found in these studies although a higher incidence of injection-site reactions was reported.
The review authors concluded by highlighting potential issues with LAGH that still need to be addressed including long-term effects of un-physiological GH profile. Long-term surveillance they said is needed for “its consequences on metabolism and risk of cancer, optimal therapeutic monitoring, immunogenicity of LAGH molecules and potential novel side-effects related to the technologies used to develop these molecules.”
In addition, patient acceptance and cost-effectiveness still need to be evaluated.
Reference
Pampanini V, Deodati A, Inzaghi E, et al. Long-acting growth hormone preparations and their use in children with growth hormone deficiency. Horm Res Paediatr. 2022;doi: 10.1159/000523791. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35220308.
