Dong-A ST's new growth hormone pen simplifies injection

Dong-A ST said it launched Growtropin-II Inj. I Pen (somatropin), a pen-type growth hormone product that simplifies administration by eliminating the need for separate cartridge and pen device assembly offering a more user-friendly solution.

The Growtropin-II Inj. I pen is intended to address growth hormone deficiencies (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) in children, as well as Turner Syndrome (TS) and small for gestational age (SGA). It remains usable for up to 10 days at room temperature (25 Celsius) after opening, providing flexibility when refrigeration is not possible.

Also, the pen allows precise dosing with 0.1 IU increments and adopts IU units directly, enabling patients to administer the prescribed dosage without conversion. A spiral button mechanism has been incorporated to provide patients with control over their injection speed.

In addition, Dong-A ST is introducing two new characters, "Gro-Pong," a researcher character designed to appeal to young patients, and "Pong," a droplet symbolizing growth. The company expects that these characters, featured on product packaging, will enhance the appeal and familiarity of the growth hormone injection to children.

"We put ourselves in the shoes of young patients and their parents to make the Growtropin-II Inj. I pen more convenient and approachable," a company official said. "We hope that the product will help young children dream bigger and grow up healthy.

Korea's pediatric growth hormone market experiences rapid expansion

Korea's market for pediatric growth hormone treatments has witnessed a significant surge, with non-reimbursable treatments accounting for 90 percent of the total prescriptions. 

According to IQVIA, a drug market research firm, the pediatric growth hormone treatment market grew to 238.6 billion won ($175.6 million) in 2022 from 145.7 billion won in 2019.

The market has continued to grow last year, with the market recording sales of 130 billion won in the first half of last year, with projections indicating that the market size could exceed 250 billion won for the entirety of 2023.

Dong-A ST currently occupies the runner-up position in the market, after LG Chem, with its Growtropin lineup.

Dong-A ST's Growtropin II recorded sales of 69.8 billion won in 2023, up 48 percent from the previous year.

The company expects to surpass sales of more than 90 billion won this year.