Somapacitan

Sogroya is modified human growth hormone with a small fatty-acid side chain that reversibly binds albumin, the most abundant blood protein. Albumin association protects it from rapid clearance and extends its action across a week. Its development code was NNC0195-0092, and US approval began in 2020.

Somapacitan activates GH receptors and stimulates IGF-1 production by the liver and other tissues. Its single amino-acid change and albumin-binding group chiefly alter circulation time rather than the receptor’s intended action. Gradual release from albumin sustains activity between weekly doses.

Replacement in deficient adults can reduce fat and support lean tissue; in children it supports linear growth. In the adult REAL 1 trial, weekly somapacitan significantly reduced truncal fat versus placebo and performed comparably to daily growth hormone. The main practical distinction is a lower injection frequency.

FDA approval began with adult growth-hormone deficiency in 2020, followed by pediatric deficiency in 2023. In February 2026, pediatric indications expanded to idiopathic short stature, short stature after birth small for gestational age, and Noonan-syndrome growth failure in children aged 2.5 years and older. Administration is subcutaneous once weekly.

Prescribing uses include adult GH deficiency and growth failure caused by inadequate GH secretion in children aged at least 2.5 years. The pediatric label also includes the specified idiopathic short-stature, small-for-gestational-age and Noonan-syndrome settings. A weekly regimen can reduce the burden of daily injections.

Adult adverse effects include back or joint pain, indigestion, vomiting, sleep problems, dizziness, hand or foot swelling, hypertension, weight gain, tonsillitis, anemia and low cortisol. In children, reported common events include cold symptoms, cough, respiratory or ear infections, fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, injection reactions and limb pain.

Important GH-class considerations include fluid retention, reduced insulin sensitivity and glucose effects, caution with active cancer, rare intracranial hypertension and serious allergic reactions.