Pharmaceutical company Sandoz announced Sunday the launch in Egypt of a new, higher concentration (15 mg/1.5 ml) of its growth hormone biosimilar, Omnitrope. This formulation is specifically designed to treat stunted growth in children.
Sandoz stated that this new version of Omnitrope represents a significant advancement in providing access to high-quality and more affordable biosimilar treatments. The company emphasized that this launch aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the initiatives of local health authorities to improve public health.
According to research from the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic at Suez Canal University, approximately 17% of Egyptian children aged 6 to 11 experience stunted growth.
Growth hormone treatments are proven to improve not only height but also the overall well-being of young patients. Professor Mona Salem, a pediatric endocrinologist at Ain Shams University, noted that the hormone is indicated for children with growth hormone deficiency and other specific conditions like Turner syndrome and chronic kidney failure. She also highlighted that growth issues can have various origins, including familial or underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Rasha Tarif, head of Pediatric Endocrinology at Ain Shams and chair of the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology’s training committee, stressed the importance of early intervention before growth plates close and the necessity of consistent treatment and careful medical supervision to achieve optimal results. Sandoz confirmed that this new Omnitrope formulation, already approved by the FDA and EMA, will be priced affordably to meet increasing demand and ensure continuous treatment for young patients.
SL/te/Sf/fss/abj/APA