Endocrinology

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Human growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is essential for normal growth in children. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is characterized by the inadequate secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland and can be present from birth, the result from genetic mutations or structural defects in the brain, or acquired later in life due to trauma, infection, radiation therapy, tumor growth, or be idiopathic.¹

Unmet need

Characteristic features of GHD include slow growth in height, small hands and feet, poorly developed muscles, short stature (defined as a height below the 3rd percentile), and delayed puberty.^1,2 An estimated one in 10,000 children has GHD, and with early detection and treatment, many of these children can reach a normal height.^2-4

Adult GHD occurs in approximately 1-2 adults per 100,000 is characterized by metabolic dysfunction, reduced physical strength and activity, altered lipid metabolism and increases in body fat. Adult growth hormone deficient patients demonstrate heterogeneity between childhood onset and adult onset before and during human GH treatment.⁵

Ferring research

Ferring focuses on the treatment of deficiencies associated with the underproduction of growth hormone, including multiple conditions in children and adults with GHD.

The way forward

Ferring has developed and marketed human growth hormone treatments globally for over 30 years and continues to be committed in Endocrinology.