HGH Weblog

Serono announced this morning that it had completed an important Phase III double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on its recombinant human growth hormone. This recombinant hormone is used in the treatment of HIV related Adipose Redistribution Syndrome (HARS) which involves abnormal accumulation of fat on the trunk or deep within the abdomen.

The study involved the use of 300 patients, and its results will be used to determine if taking r-hGH for the treatment of abnormal fat accumulation in HARS will reduce Visceral Adipose Tissue better than the placebo. The first phase of the study involved patients being randomly chosen for either the placebo or the r-hGH 4mg daily group. In the second phase of the study, r-hGH was administered as 2mg every day for 2 weeks to review the maintenance process.

Serono will submit the data it has collected to the FDA in the beginning of 2006, and will also give a presentation on the data as well.

It is expected the human growth hormone biogenerics will be able to enter the UK by the end of this year, and in the United States by 2009.

The global market for biogenerics such as human growth hormone, CSF, and Epoeting, are expected to reach over $20 Billion.

The companies that are responsible for introduction of biogenerics include big names such as Sandoz, Teva, and BioPartners. With their introduction into UK society, the biogeneric companies will be subjected to a regulatory process for the 25 biogeneric companies. The FDA is expected to approve the use of its first biogeneric product in 2009, with the hopeful introduction of biogeneric insulin and growth hormone.

However, the introduction of biogenerics, the general public will require a different type of marketing strategy that was previously used. The strategy will need to focus more on gaining the patient’s trust and support while trying to help consumers see the advantages of using a biogeneric product.

According to an article appearing on msnbc.com as discussed on the network’s “Today Show”, there is a growing debate on the ability of human growth hormone to stop the aging process. Some people the claims are true, while others are convinced it is a scam.

According to Dr. Judith Reichman, growth hormone is usually produced in the pituitary gland. When released, it causes the production of insulin like growth factors by the liver, that go on to act the tissues and bones.

However, according to Reichman, no clear or definitive answer to this question can be reached. She stated that the answer “depended on who you asked”, and that many of the positive studies were mostly completed on men. Therefore, there does not seem to be enough studies done on the antiaging effects of HGH. What Reichman did point out that was surprising, is that many of the participants treated with HGH developed joint pain and swelling after using it.

A few weeks ago in this blog, it was reported that Vice President of Marketing, Peter Rost was supposedly fired from Pfizer after he blew the whistle on Pharmacia which had supposedly sold human growth hormone for “non-permitted activities”.

At that time Rost had earlier launched a lawsuit against Pfizer on behalf of the government.

However, the story continues as Rost is now suing Pfizer for wrongful dismissal.

Based on the law in New Jersey, the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, it is “illegal to fire someone who complains of their employer’s illegal acts.” Pfizer released a statement that they feel that Rost has not basis for his allegations.

An article written by staff writer Terrence Dopp on nj.com, stated that school officials in New Jersey will start testing school athletes for illegal use of human growth hormone and steroids.

The order was issued by acting Lt. Governor Richard Codey, after the results of a study conducted by a task force that Codey created.

The study showed that “3.4% of high school seniors nationwide, 2.4% of 10th graders, and 1.9% of eighth graders,” have used either human growth hormone or steroids.

An article on prnewswire.com stated that at the 13^th Annual International Congress on Anti-aging Medicine, a lecture was presented on the legal issues surrounding using human growth hormone:

"The commentary suggests that the replacement of human growth hormone indeficient, aging adults is illegal because of a little-known federal law," said Mr. Collins, a legal authority on anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing hormones. "But the suggestion overlooks the historical context and intent of that law."

Mr. Collins went on to say that the use of steroids became a controlled substance in 1990 after a few athletes tested positive, however human growth hormone can be prescribed in medical situations.

The West Palm Police Union has been rocked by a scandal involving thirteen officers who might have taken steroids and human growth hormone that was not prescribed.

This information was released after an investigation involving nine officers that tested positive for steroids after a drug test. The steroids and human growth hormone were supplied by PowerMedica.

The officers now face either suspension or termination, along with deputies in Broward County that were also supplied with steroids and human growth hormone.

Based on an article appearing at Medindia.net, Human Growth Hormone has been increasing in popularity over its effects on age related illnesses other organs within the body.

The article went on to state, “Replacement therapy with Growth Hormone has shown a beneficial/normalizing effect on parameters such as cardiac and renal function, thyroid hormone, metabolism, bone metabolism, sweat secretion, total and regional fuel metabolism and psychological well being.”

The article then goes on to state that more people are interested in the research involving HGH, and conclusions cannot be drawn.

Tim Montgomery called it quits today after he was involved in a scandal involving the use of human growth hormone.

Even though Montgomery states he is innocent, he feels that retiring instead of waiting out a two year ban will be much better. Montgomery stated, "That's the main concern because I don't know what to tell my kids," Montgomery said. "I don't know what to tell my mother and father, even though they say they love me and don't worry about it."

The ban came as a result of an investigation completed into the BALCO founder Victor Conte, who admitted to giving out steroids to a number of athletes.

According to information released today, Serono Laboratories will be forced to pay $704 million dollars stemming from kickbacks to doctors.

The details of the settlement reached were released after a US District judge handed down the sentence.

The settlement involves kickbacks that were given to doctors over the AIDS drug Serostim. Serostim is a protease inhibitor drug that contains the human growth hormone Somatotropin. Serono is said to conspired to increase the popularity of the drug using fraud by offering doctors money and free trips to hand out the drug.