The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of a long-acting growth hormone (GH) preparation (Nutropin Depot) in GH-deficient adults JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM Cook, D. M., Biller, B. M., Vance, M. L., Hoffman, A. R., Phillips, L. S., Ford, K. M., Benziger, D. P., Illeperuma, A., Blethen, S. L., Attie, K. M., Dao, L. N., Reimann, J. D., Fielder, P. J. 2002; 87 (10): 4508-4514

Abstract

A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study of a long-acting GH [Nutropin Depot; somatropin (rDNA origin) for injectable suspension] was performed in 25 patients with adult GH deficiency. Single doses of 0.25 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, based on ideal body weight, were administered sc. After either dose, serum GH concentrations rose rapidly in both sexes. In men, the lower dose maintained serum IGF-I levels within 1 SD of the mean for age and sex for 14-17 d; the higher dose raised IGF-I levels 2 SD above the mean. In most women, all of whom were receiving oral estrogen, the lower dose did not normalize IGF-I levels; the higher dose maintained IGF-I near the mean for approximately 14 d. Increases in IGF binding protein-3 and acid-labile subunit levels were observed in both sexes; however, a sex-related difference was not obvious. Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were transiently elevated in men receiving the higher dose. Patients tolerated the injections well. We concluded that a single injection of Nutropin Depot at these doses in patients with adult GH deficiency increased serum IGF-I to within normal limits for 14-17 d. Estrogen-treated women required approximately twice the dose needed in men to produce comparable IGF-I concentrations.

View details for DOI 10.1210/jc.2002-020480

View details for PubMedID 12364427