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Human Growth Hormone

Pituitary & Trophic Hormones
HGHSomatropinrHGHGenotropinNorditropinSaizenOmnitrope

Overview

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known as Somatropin or recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rHGH), is a peptide hormone produced endogenously by the anterior pituitary gland. It belongs to the chemical class of proteins and is composed of 191 amino acids. Synthetic versions of HGH, such as Somatropin, are manufactured using recombinant DNA technology and are identical to the naturally occurring hormone in humans. Researchers have extensively studied HGH for its role in growth and development, as well as its potential therapeutic applications. The primary physiological roles of HGH include stimulating growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in humans. It is crucial for normal physical development in children and adolescents. In adults, HGH helps maintain tissue and organ health. Researchers have observed its involvement in various areas such as muscle growth, bone density, and metabolism regulation. HGH exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors on target cells, primarily the growth hormone receptor (GHR). This interaction activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, leading to the transcription of genes involved in growth and metabolism. Additionally, HGH stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates many of its growth-promoting effects. The pharmacokinetic properties of HGH vary depending on the route of administration. Endogenously, HGH has a circulating half-life of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, but its biological effects are prolonged due to IGF-1. When administered subcutaneously, the half-life extends to about 3.8 hours. Researchers have found that HGH is metabolized primarily in the liver and kidneys. Clinically, HGH is used to treat growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, Turner syndrome, and chronic kidney disease, among other conditions. It is a prescription medication and is regulated by health authorities worldwide. In the United States, the FDA has approved its use for specific medical conditions, while its use for anti-aging or athletic enhancement is not sanctioned and is considered illegal.

Mechanism of Action

HGH acts on the growth hormone receptor (GHR), initiating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which leads to the transcription of growth-related genes. This cascade results in increased production of IGF-1, which mediates many of HGH's growth-promoting effects, including cell proliferation and differentiation.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

EndogenousCirculating half-life ~20-30 minutes
Subcutaneous~3.8 hours
Intravenous~20 minutes
OralPoor bioavailability due to first-pass

The half-life varies significantly with the route of administration, and the biological effects are prolonged due to IGF-1.

Storage

Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8°C

Light

Protect from light

Form

Aqueous solution: use within 28 days after reconstitution

Notes

Do not freeze; discard if frozen

Solubility

HGH is soluble in water, which is relevant for its formulation as an injectable solution.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Verschreibungspflichtig; not listed under BtMG.

🇺🇸US

FDA approved for specific conditions; prescription required; not scheduled by DEA.

🇦🇺AU

TGA Schedule 4 (S4): prescription only medicine.

🇬🇧UK

Prescription only medicine (POM); regulated by MHRA.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

6 Research Publications

A study looking at how missed somatropin injections affect growth in children with growth hormone deficiency: a plain language summary of publication.

Review

Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism · 2025

Researchers observed that missing somatropin injections can negatively impact the growth of children with growth hormone deficiency. The study highlights the importance of consistent treatment to support healthy growth in these children.

  • Missed injections can slow down growth.
  • Regular treatment is crucial for optimal growth.
  • Children with growth hormone deficiency need consistent care.
PubMed

Lonapegsomatropin: Pediatric First Approval.

Review

Paediatric drugs · 2022

Researchers observed that lonapegsomatropin, a new medication approved for children, helps in treating growth hormone deficiency. This treatment offers a promising option for pediatric patients needing support for their growth. The review highlights its potential benefits and safety profile.

  • Lonapegsomatropin is approved for treating growth hormone deficiency in children.
  • It provides a new option for pediatric patients needing growth support.
  • The review emphasizes its potential benefits and safety.
PubMed

Weekly Lonapegsomatropin in Treatment-Naïve Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency: The Phase 3 heiGHt Trial.

Human

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2021

Researchers observed that lonapegsomatropin, a once-weekly treatment for children with growth hormone deficiency, was more effective than daily somatropin injections in promoting growth over a year. Both treatments had similar safety profiles, making lonapegsomatropin a promising alternative for improving adherence and outcomes in these patients.

  • Lonapegsomatropin showed greater annualized height velocity compared to daily somatropin.
  • Both treatments resulted in similar increases in height standard deviation scores.
  • Safety and tolerability were comparable between the two treatment groups.
PubMed

Transgenic Artifacts Caused by Passenger Human Growth Hormone.

Review

Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM · 2018

Researchers found that incorporating a gene for human growth hormone (hGH) into transgenic mice can lead to unexpected changes in their physiology. They identified specific mouse lines where this hGH expression has been confirmed and created a resource for other lines that are still being studied.

  • Over 300 transgenic mouse lines have been created with hGH.
  • Unexpected hGH expression can significantly affect mouse physiology.
  • A resource has been developed for ongoing analysis of additional mouse lines.
PubMed

Pegvisomant Pfizer/Sensus.

Review

Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2004

Researchers found that pegvisomant, a new medication developed by Pfizer and Sensus, is effective for treating acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone. Unlike traditional treatments that reduce hormone production, pegvisomant works by blocking the action of growth hormone at its receptor. This drug is now available in the US and Europe.

  • Pegvisomant is a pegylated, genetically modified human growth hormone.
  • It prevents growth hormone receptor activation instead of lowering hormone production.
  • The drug is approved for use in the US and Europe for acromegaly treatment.
PubMed

Human growth hormone: 1974-1981.

Review

Molecular and cellular biochemistry · 1982

Researchers reviewed studies on human growth hormone (HGH) from 1974 to 1981, focusing on its chemical structure and modifications. They observed various methods of creating synthetic versions and fragments of HGH, which could enhance understanding of its function and potential applications.

  • Researchers explored chemical modifications of HGH.
  • They investigated synthetic peptide fragments of HGH.
  • The study included methods for reconstituting HGH fragments.
PubMed

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.