Is Somatropin the next big thing in the pharmaceutical

What is Somatropin?
Somatropin, commonly known as human growth hormone (HGH), is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It is most famous for its role in stimulating the growth of bone and skeletal muscle tissues, increasing height and weight. Somatropin is synthetically manufactured for therapeutic use to treat certain medical conditions related to deficiency of the hormone.

Medical uses of Somatropin

Some of the important medical conditions where Somatropin therapy has proven beneficial include:

Growth hormone deficiency - Children with deficient secretion of growth hormone do not grow at a normal rate. Somatropin injection helps stimulate linear growth and skeletal maturation in such children.

Turner syndrome - This genetic condition in females causes shorter than average height. Somatropin treatment during childhood years helps attain close to normal adult height.

Chronic kidney disease - In adults with reduced kidney function, Somatropin injections help decrease protein loss via urine and improve nutrition.

Prader-Willi syndrome - Characterized by chronic feeling of hunger, this genetic syndrome benefits from Somatropin therapy in terms of reducing fat mass and improving muscle mass and strength.

Short stature in children - When short height has no identifiable medical reason, Somatropin may be prescribed to help a child attain height closer to genetic potential.

Other approved uses include replacement therapy in adults with established growth hormone deficiency and improvement of body composition in HIV patients with wasting syndrome.

Role of Somatropin in athletic performance enhancement

Due to its potent anabolic effects, Somatropin has been misused by bodybuilders and performance athletes for illegal purposes of muscle gain. However, such practices are harmful and banned by all sports governing bodies. If taken without medical guidance, Somatropin can increase risks of conditions like diabetes, swelling of extremities and enlarged organs.

Nevertheless, the potential of Somatropin to aid recovery and enhance strength makes it an attractive drug for misuse. Studies show recreational use results in only transient gains with significant health risks on long-term use. Anti-doping authorities closely monitor athletes through drug testing to prevent such violations.

Demand and supply of Somatropin

Currently Somatropin enjoys a huge global demand estimated to be over $3 billion per year. The major manufacturers supplying Somatropin drugs include Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk and several generic drug companies. USA and European countries account for the biggest markets due to higher healthcare spending and acceptability of such products.

Developing countries also show rapid increase in demand fueled by economic growth, rising incomes and greater awareness. Overall, analysts project the Somatropin market to exhibit strong 6-8% annual growth over the next 5 years riding on increased diagnosis of treated conditions, new product launches and geographical expansion into emerging territories. Entry of biosimilar Somatropin is likely to boost supply and competitiveness in future.

Profitability for innovators and challenges for generics

The innovator Somatropin brands such as Norditropin, Humatrope and Genotropin have maintained dominant market share so far due to strong brand equity with doctors and patients. Their patented formulations fetch high prices sustaining huge profits for manufacturers. However, patents on major brands would expire between 2023-2027 opening up avenues for lower-priced generic versions.

While this may increase treatment accessibility, it poses threats to revenues of originators. Strategic partnerships and novel delivery mechanisms are being developed to differentiate flagship brands and expand into new indications before generic proliferation. On the flip side, generics face difficulties in establishing substitutability due to perceived narrow therapeutic window of Somatropin. Overall, prudent regulations and awareness programs would determine how the growing Somatropin market evolves in coming years favoring patient needs over industry interests.