Multiple doses of pegylated long-acting growth hormone are well tolerated in healthy male volunteers and possess a potential once-weekly treatment profile.
OBJECTIVE
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy in children and adults currently requires daily subcutaneous injections for several years or lifelong. The current study examined safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response parameters after single and multiple doses of a long-acting rhGH preparation (NNC126-0083).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, dose-escalating (0·02, 0·04, 0·08 and 0·16 mg protein/kg), sequential dose group trial.


METHODS
Forty adult Japanese healthy male volunteers (aged 20-45; body mass index: 18·0-27·0 kg/m(2)). Five groups (n = 8) were randomized to receive multiple doses of NNC126-0083 (n = 6) or placebo (n = 2).


METHODS
Primary outcome was safety, and tolerability of multiple doses of NNC126-0083 compared with placebo. Blood samples for the assessment of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics response [insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3)] were taken after multiple ascending doses.


RESULTS
NNC126-0083 was well tolerated and not associated with any local injection-site reactions or lipoatrophy. Following administration, NNC126-0083 levels increased rapidly and remained elevated for several days, returning to baseline before each weekly injection. Steady-state PK was achieved after the third dosing. A more than dose-proportional exposure was observed at the highest NNC126-0083 dose (0·16 mg protein/kg). A strong dose-dependent pharmacodynamic response in circulating concentrations of both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 compared with placebo (P < 0·0001) was observed during the administration of all doses.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple administration of NNC126-0083 in healthy male volunteers indicates that NNC126-0083 has the potential for an efficacious, well-tolerated, once-weekly rhGH compound in the treatment of GH deficiency.
Rasmussen
Michael Højby
MH
Global Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Allé, Bagsvaerd, Denmark. mhr@novonordisk.com
Jensen
Lene
L
Anderson
Thomas W
TW
Klitgaard
Thomas
T
Madsen
Jesper
J
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D055815:Young Adult
D010919:Placebos; D019382:Human Growth Hormone