Lonapegsomatropin (TransCon hGH)

Category: Growth Hormone Therapy

Lonapegsomatropin (brand name: Skytrofa) is an FDA-approved once-weekly long-acting growth hormone therapy using TransCon technology — pegylated recombinant human GH that releases active hGH gradually over 7 days. It provides equivalent GH replacement to daily injections with far greater convenience. Approved for pediatric GH deficiency, with adult GH deficiency trials ongoing.

Half-Life: 168 hours

Common Dosage: 0.24mg/kg

Benefits

  • FDA-approved long-acting GH therapy
  • Once-weekly injection replaces daily injections
  • TransCon technology provides gradual, sustained GH release
  • Non-inferior efficacy to daily somatropin
  • Improved patient compliance
  • Physiological GH release mimicry
  • Height velocity improvements in pediatric GHD
  • Improved body composition in adults (off-label research)

Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions (erythema, pain, swelling)
  • Headache
  • Hypothyroidism (monitor thyroid function)
  • Peripheral edema
  • Arthralgia
  • Glucose tolerance changes