Skeletal requirements for optimal growth hormone replacement in the transitional years

Pattern of Use of Biosimilar and Originator Somatropin in Italy: A Population-Based Multiple Databases Study During the Years 2009-2014

PURPOSE

Somatropin [recombinant growth hormone (rGH)] is approved in children and adults for several conditions involving growth disturbances and the corresponding biosimilar is available in Italy since 2006. No population-based data are available on the pattern of rGH use in Italian clinical practice. This study aimed at exploring the pattern of biosimilar and originator rGH use in six Italian centers, where different policy interventions promoted biosimilar use.

METHODS

This population-based, drug-utilization study was conducted in the years 2009-2014, using administrative databases of Umbria, Tuscany, and Lazio Regions and Local Health Units of Caserta, Treviso, and Palermo. Naïve rGH users were characterized, and prevalence of use and discontinuation were assessed over time.

RESULTS

Among 6,785 patients treated with rGH during the study years, 4,493 (66.2%) were naïve users (males/females = 1.3), mostly affected by GH deficiency. The prevalence of rGH use increased from 2009 to 2010, remaining stable thereafter, but it was heterogeneous across centers (twofold higher prevalence of use in center n.2 than centers n.4 and 1 in 2014). Biosimilar rGH uptake increased over time but was low (7.8% in 2014) and heterogeneous as well. Discontinuation of rGH therapy occurred in 54.0% of naïve users, more frequently in females than males (58.1 vs. 50.9%). During the first year of treatment, discontinuation was frequent (39.9%), but no statistically significant differences were observed in treatment persistence for biosimilar vs. originator rGH (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Geographical heterogeneity in the prevalence of rGH use was observed. Similarly, the biosimilar rGH uptake was low and variable across centers. Post-marketing monitoring is required to continuously monitor the benefit-risk profile of rGH, thus guaranteeing greater savings than only promoting lowest cost rGH.

Evaluation and treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to provide guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of adults with GH deficiency (GHD).

PARTICIPANTS

The chair of the Task Force was selected by the Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee of The Endocrine Society (TES). The chair selected five other endocrinologists and a medical writer, who were approved by the Council. One closed meeting of the group was held. There was no corporate funding, and members of the group received no remuneration.

EVIDENCE

Only fully published, peer-reviewed literature was reviewed. The Grades of Evidence used are outlined in the Appendix.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Consensus was achieved through one group meeting and e-mailing of drafts that were written by the group with grammatical/style help from the medical writer. Drafts were reviewed successively by the Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee, the Clinical Affairs Committee, and TES Council, and a version was placed on the TES web site for comments. At each level, the writing group incorporated needed changes.

CONCLUSIONS

GHD can persist from childhood or be newly acquired. Confirmation through stimulation testing is usually required unless there is a proven genetic/structural lesion persistent from childhood. GH therapy offers benefits in body composition, exercise capacity, skeletal integrity, and quality of life measures and is most likely to benefit those patients who have more severe GHD. The risks of GH treatment are low. GH dosing regimens should be individualized. The final decision to treat adults with GHD requires thoughtful clinical judgment with a careful evaluation of the benefits and risks specific to the individual.