An open-label acceptability study of Norditropin SimpleXx--a new liquid growth hormone formulation

Abstract

A new liquid formulation of hGH (Norditropin SimpleXx) has been developed to avoid the need for reconstitution before administration. In addition, the liquid GH formulation has been combined with an advanced pen delivery system, either with or without a needle auto-insertion mechanism. This study was designed to assess the acceptability of the new system compared with the patient's previous system. A total of 103 children with GH deficiency received a daily injection of Norditropin liquid GH for 12 weeks with a choice of a pen/auto-insertion system. Acceptability was determined by nurse-supervised questionnaires administered to the patients and parents. Following treatment, 94% of patients preferred the Norditropin liquid GH system. This preference was irrespective of the previous system in use, patient age or length of GH therapy. More patients found it the less painful system (50% vs 13%), 92% of patients found it more convenient, and the formulation was well tolerated. In conclusion, Norditropin liquid GH was very well accepted and preferred by the majority of patients. It avoided reconstitution which had been a major cause of dissatisfaction with the patients' previous systems, and resulted in greater convenience and reduced levels of pain associated with injection.