Somatropine, also known as recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), is a bioengineered version of the naturally occurring human growth hormone (hGH). It comprises a precise sequence of 191 amino acids, mirroring the amino acid composition of endogenous hGH produced by the pituitary gland. This structural fidelity is crucial for its biological activity, ensuring that somatropine effectively stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body.
The production of somatropine utilizes recombinant DNA technology, where the gene responsible for hGH is inserted into bacterial (often E. coli) or mammalian cells. These cells are then cultured in bioreactors, where they express the hGH protein, which is subsequently purified to obtain somatropine.
Clinically, somatropine is used to treat various health conditions related to growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in both children and adults. In children, it addresses issues such as stunted growth and short stature without a known cause, and in adults, it can help mitigate the metabolic imbalances caused by a lack of natural growth hormone. Beyond growth hormone deficiency, somatropine has applications in treating Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, Prader-Willi syndrome, and small for gestational age (SGA) conditions, among others.
The therapeutic benefits of somatropine include improved muscle mass, bone density, exercise capacity, and a reduction in body fat. Its use, however, is regulated and should be administered under strict medical supervision to monitor for potential side effects and ensure optimal dosing for the individual's specific condition.