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Lonapegsomatropin: Pediatric First Approval
1Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand. pdd@adis.com.
Insights
Lonapegsomatropin, a novel long-acting human growth hormone, is now approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency. This once-weekly injection offers a convenient alternative to daily treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) affects pediatric patients, necessitating effective treatment.
- Current treatments for GHD often involve daily injections, posing challenges for adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the development milestones of lonapegsomatropin.
- To highlight the first pediatric approval of lonapegsomatropin for GHD.
Main Methods:
- Review of development history and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of regulatory submission and approval process.
Main Results:
- Lonapegsomatropin (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; SKYTROFA®) is a long-acting prodrug of somatropin.
- Received US FDA approval in August 2021 for pediatric GHD (age ≥ 1 year, weight ≥ 11.5 kg).
Conclusions:
- Lonapegsomatropin provides a once-weekly subcutaneous injection for GHD treatment.
- This long-acting formulation simplifies GHD management, improving patient compliance.
Abstract:
Lonapegsomatropin (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; SKYTROFA®), a long-acting prodrug of somatropin (human growth hormone), is in development by Ascendis Pharma as a treatment for growth hormone deficiency in pediatric and adult patients. Lonapegsomatropin received its first approval in August 2021 in the USA for the treatment of pediatric patients at least 1 year of age (and weighing ≥ 11.5 kg) with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone. Lonapegsomatropin is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection; the sustained release of somatropin from lonapegsomatropin eliminates the need for daily somatropin injections. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of lonapegsomatropin leading to this first pediatric approval for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency.
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