Investigation of the metabolic and endocrinological differences between daily and weekly growth hormone replacement therapy, somapacitan, in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency: A real-world pilot study

In this real-world pilot study, we evaluated the metabolic and endocrinological effects in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) who switched from daily growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy to weekly GH replacement therapy using somapacitan. Eleven patients with AGHD, whose medical treatment aside from GH replacement therapy did not change, were enrolled. We investigated the metabolic and endocrinological parameters between at switching and 6 months after switching from daily GH formulation to somapacitan. The results showed that body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and liver functions were significantly improved 6 months after switching compared to those at switching (each P < .05). Besides, the improvement in HOMA-IR was significantly associated with the period of daily GH replacement therapy before switching (P = .048), while age, sex, improvement in BMI or liver functions, presence of any hormonal deficiency, and the existence of any hormonal replacement therapy significantly associated (P > .05). In addition, switching to GH replacement therapy did not affect endocrinological parameters. In conclusion, this study might indicate that weekly GH replacement therapy with somapacitan could have more beneficial points than daily GH replacement therapy. Considering the cohort of this study was small, future studies with larger cohorts should be necessary to confirm the results of this study.

Automated summary

This real-world pilot study evaluated the metabolic and endocrinological effects of switching from daily growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy to weekly GH replacement therapy in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). The results suggest that weekly GH replacement therapy may have more benefits compared to daily therapy.