Work

Introduction of Somatrogon in Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency: Real-World Insights From a National Survey of Pediatric Endocrinologists

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To characterize real-world prescribing patterns, perceived barriers, and clinician attitudes toward the recently introduced (July 2024) promising long-acting growth hormone somatrogon for treating pediatric growth hormone deficiency in Israel. METHODS: A nationwide survey was conducted between May and June 2025 among 102 pediatric endocrinologists. The structured 19-item questionnaire queried treatment prevalence, patient selection, dosing strategies, monitoring practices, and physician concerns regarding long-term safety. RESULTS: Sixty-five pediatric endocrinologists responded (63.7% response rate), collectively reporting somatrogon treatment in at least 874 patients. Thirty-three respondents (50.8%) reported that they had transitioned over one-half of their patients from daily growth hormone therapy. The most common initial somatrogon dose was 0.66 mg/kg/wk (54.8%), with the remaining physicians administered lower starting doses. Specifically, most of the physicians (91.9%) were reluctant to prescribe somatrogon for patients with an oncologic history or genetic syndromes (66.1%). Long-term safety concerns were the primary barrier to broader adoption (77.4%). Injection site reactions comprised the most frequently reported adverse effect (62.9%); marked injection site lipoatrophy was reported in one case, following repeated administration of injections into the same region. Reversion to daily therapy was recalled by 59.7% of the respondents, who had at least one such case. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed heterogenous long-acting growth hormone prescribing behaviors among pediatric endocrinologists during the introductory period of its availability. The findings call for continued search for real-world evidence and refined clinical guidelines to promote effective and safe integration of this promising therapy into clinical practice.

Source: Endocrine Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2025.11.008