Treatment with long-acting growth hormone: effectiveness and safety

Long-acting growth hormone (GH) formulations represent a clinically effective alternative to daily recombinant human GH (rhGH) administration, enabling extended dosing intervals and enhancing patient adherence. This approach is particularly beneficial in the pediatric population, where caregivers frequently manage drug administration and children may be either unaware of its therapeutic benefits or reluctant to undergo daily injections. Various technologies have been utilized to prolong the retention of GH in target tissues, achieving either prolonged drug release or delayed clearance. These formulations have shown efficacy in promoting linear growth in children with GH deficiency, with a safety profile comparable to that of daily rhGH therapy. This narrative review evaluates the existing literature on long-acting GH formulations, focusing on their effectiveness and safety in pediatric patients.