See the DrugPatentWatch profile for omnitrope
What Is Omnitrope Used For?
Omnitrope (somatropin) treats growth hormone deficiency in children and adults. In children, it addresses short stature from growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or idiopathic short stature. In adults, it replaces deficient growth hormone due to pituitary disease, hypothalamic issues, surgery, radiation, or trauma.[1]
How Does Omnitrope Work?
It is a recombinant human growth hormone that mimics the body's natural growth hormone. Injected subcutaneously, it promotes linear growth in children by stimulating bone and cartilage growth, and in adults, it supports metabolism, muscle mass, and bone density.[1]
Who Typically Gets Prescribed Omnitrope?
Pediatric patients with confirmed growth hormone deficiency or related conditions where height is below the 3rd percentile. Adults qualify after testing shows low IGF-1 levels and pituitary dysfunction. It's not for idiopathic short stature in adults or cosmetic height increase.[1]
Common Side Effects Patients Report
Injection site reactions like pain or redness occur in up to 40% of users. Other issues include headaches, joint pain, swelling, and increased blood sugar. Rare risks involve slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children or intracranial hypertension. Long-term use requires monitoring for glucose intolerance or cancer risk in predisposed patients.[1]
How Does Omnitrope Compare to Other Growth Hormones?
Similar to Norditropin, Genotropin, or Humatrope—all biosimilar recombinant somatropins. Omnitrope is the first FDA-approved growth hormone biosimilar (to Genotropin), often cheaper due to no originator patent. Differences lie in delivery devices: Omnitrope offers pen or vial options.[1][2]
When Does the Omnitrope Patent Expire?
Key U.S. patents on Omnitrope formulation and delivery expired by 2022, enabling biosimilar competition. Sandoz (Novartis) holds method-of-use patents extending to 2030 in some areas, but generic entry is ongoing. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for latest litigation and expiry details.[2]
[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021426s034lbl.pdf
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/OMNITROPE