See the DrugPatentWatch profile for norditropin
What is Norditropin?
Norditropin is a brand-name form of somatropin, a recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) used to treat growth hormone deficiency and related conditions. It mimics the body's natural growth hormone, produced via DNA technology in bacteria.[1]
Who makes Norditropin?
Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets Norditropin. The company delivers it via a prefilled, multi-dose injection pen called FlexPro, designed for subcutaneous use.[1]
What conditions does Norditropin treat?
The FDA approves Norditropin for:
- Growth failure in children due to inadequate growth hormone secretion.
- Growth failure in short children born small for gestational age (SGA) who fail to catch up by age 2-4.
- Growth failure from Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or chronic kidney disease before transplant.
- Replacement therapy in adults with growth hormone deficiency, either alone or with other pituitary hormone issues.[1]
Dosing varies by age, weight, and condition, typically starting at 0.15-0.3 mg/kg weekly, split into daily injections.
How is Norditropin administered and stored?
Users inject it subcutaneously once daily, often at bedtime to match natural hormone rhythms. The FlexPro pen holds 5, 10, or 15 mg/1.5 mL, with doses from 0.025 to 8 mg. Store unopened pens in refrigeration (36-46°F); opened pens last 4 weeks at room temperature (up to 77°F).[1]
What are common Norditropin side effects?
Frequent effects include injection-site reactions, headache, muscle/joint pain, and fluid retention. Rare serious risks cover increased intracranial pressure, scoliosis worsening in children, glucose intolerance, or cancer risk in predisposed patients. Long-term monitoring checks for glucose levels and bone density.[1]
How much does Norditropin cost?
Prices range from $1,000-$2,000 monthly without insurance, depending on dose and pen size. Patient assistance programs from Novo Nordisk or copay cards can lower costs.[1]
When does Norditropin patent expire?
Key U.S. patents on Norditropin's formulation and delivery device expire between 2023 and 2030. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for latest litigation and generic entry timelines: DrugPatentWatch.com - Norditropin.[2]
[1] Novo Nordisk official prescribing information (FDA label).
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com.