Novartis launches new growth hormone treatment

Sandoz, a Novartis company, has announced the launch of the Omnitrope Pen 5 with liquid cartridge, indicated for use as a growth hormone treatment.

Omnitrope, a somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection recombinant, is approved for the long-term treatment of paediatric patients who have growth failure and long-term replacement therapy in adults with growth hormone deficiency.

The Omnitrope Pen 5 with liquid cartridge is a new form of the first follow-on version that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Bernhard Hampl, chief executive officer of the US subsidiary of Sandoz, described the launch as “another milestone” in the company’s efforts to provide clinicians and patients with greater access to high-quality biologic medicines.

“The Omnitrope Pen 5 with liquid cartridge represents Sandoz’s commitment to meeting the needs of patients through providing more convenient delivery systems,” he added.

A liquid pen system of Omnitrope has been available in Europe since spring 2007 but this launch brings international coverage with the pen now available in the US.

Also this week, Novartis announced the results of a new analysis showing that women who start treatment with Femara (letrozole) up to seven years after finishing treatment with tamoxifen will reduce the risk of their breast cancer returning.