Long-acting growth hormone in the treatment of children with growth hormone deficiency

IntroductionThe introduction of long-acting formulations in recent years is changing the landscape of growth hormone (GH) therapy. Daily recombinant human GH (rhGH) has been the treatment of choice for children and adults with GH deficiency (GHD), since its approval in 1985. However, decreasing adherence to treatment over time has been identified as a cause of the decline in rhGH efficacy, leading to significant efforts to develop long-acting rhGH (LAGH) formulations.Areas coveredA comprehensive analysis of the literature was conducted to evaluate their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety profile, and administration route. The review focuses on the LAGH approved from both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD): Lonapegsomatropin, Somatrogon and Somapacitan. We aim to facilitate evidence-based clinical decisions by analyzing the available data on the three LAGH formulations.Expert opinionEven if current evidence suggests a non-inferiority of all the three LAGH formulations when compared to daily rhGH, long-term concerns persist regarding the non-physiological GH profile associated with LAGH, characterized by weekly instead of daily peaks. Further research and real-life studies are required to better define the long-term efficacy of these formulations.