Effective Date

Date of Origin   

01-01-2025           

Genotropin®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

Pediatric: Treatment of children with growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Small for Gestational Age (SGA), Turner syndrome (TS), and Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS)

Adult: Treatment of adults with either adult onset or childhood onset GHD

4

Humatrope®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection 

Pediatric: Growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GHD); short stature associated with TS; Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) less than -2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range; short stature or growth failure in short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) deficiency; short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by 2 years to 4 years of age

Adult: Replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency

5

Ngenla™

(somatrogon-ghla)

Subcutaneous pen-injection 

Treatment of pediatric patients aged 3 years and older who have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone

38

Norditropin®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

Pediatric: Treatment of pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), short stature associated with NS, TS, and SGA with no catch-up growth by age 2 to 4 years, ISS, and growth failure due to PWS

Adult: Replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency

6

Nutropin® AQ

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

Pediatric: Treatment of children with growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD), ISS, TS, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) up to the time of renal transplantation

Adult: Treatment of adults with either childhood-onset or adult onset GHD

8

Omnitrope®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

Pediatric: Treatment of children with growth failure due to GHD, PWS, SGA, TS, and ISS

Adult: Treatment of adults with either adult onset or childhood onset GHD

7

Saizen®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

Pediatric: Treatment of children with growth failure due to GHD

Adult: Treatment of adults with either adult onset or childhood onset GHD

1

Serostim®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

- Treatment of HIV patients with wasting or cachexia to increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance

2

Skytrofa®

(lonapegsomatropin-tcgd)

Subcutaneous injection

- Treatment of pediatric patients 1 year and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg and have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone

37

Sogroya®

(somapacitan-beco)

Subcutaneous injection 

Pediatric: Treatment of pediatric patients aged 2.5 years and older who have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone 

Adult: Replacement of endogenous growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency

38

ZOMACTON®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

Pediatric: Treatment of pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), short stature associated with Turner syndrome (TS), idiopathic short stature (ISS), short stature or growth failure in short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) deficiency, and short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by 2 years to 4 years.

Adult: Replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency

9

Zorbtive®

(somatropin)

Subcutaneous injection

-Treatment of short bowel syndrome in adult patients receiving specialized nutritional support

3

Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children and Adults

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can be divided into congenital and acquired forms. The single most important clinical manifestation of GHD is growth failure, and careful documentation of height velocity is critical to making the correct diagnosis. Patients with congenital GHD have only a slightly reduced birth length and may not immediately show growth failure. Neonatal morbidity may include hypoglycemia. Children with acquired GHD present with severe growth failure, delayed bone age, and increased weight:height ratios. Causes of acquired GHD include intracranial tumors involving the hypothalamic-pituitary region, cranial irradiation, and head trauma.(10)

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of GHD in children and adolescents, as described by the 2016 Pediatric Endocrine Society Guidelines for Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Treatment in Children and Adolescents(11), the 2019 Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Genetics, and Therapy of Short Stature Children(12), and the 2000 Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) Consensus Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Growth Hormone (GH) Deficiency in Childhood and Adolescence(13) is stated as follows:

• A more comprehensive evaluation is warranted in children with one or more of the following:
  • Height-for-age curve that has deviated downward across two major height percentile curves (e.g., from above the 25^th percentile to below the 10^th percentile)(10)
  • Age 2-4 years: height velocity (HV) less than 5.5 cm/year (less than 2.2 inches/year)(10)
  • Age 4-6 years: HV less than 5 cm/year (less than 2 inches/year)(10)
  • Age 6 years to puberty:
    • HV less than 4 cm/year for boys (less than 1.6 inches/year)(10)
    • HV less than 4.5 cm/year for girls (less than 1.8 inches/year)(10)
  • Decrease in height standard deviation (SD) of more than 0.5 over one year in children over 2 years of age(13)
  • Height velocity more than 2 SD below the mean over one year, or more than 1.5 SD sustained over 2 years(13)
  • Height more than 1.5 SD below the midparental height(12,13)
  • Height greater than 2 SD below the mean for age and sex(12)
  • Severe short stature (e.g., height less than or equal to -2.5 standard deviations [SD], i.e., 0.6^th percentile), or less severe short stature combined with growth failure(12,13)
  • Features that raise concerns for hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, either congenital or acquired, with decelerating growth, even if the child’s height is within the normal range(10,12)
  • Evidence for deficits in other hypothalamic-pituitary hormones, either congenital or acquired(12)

• Once the decision to evaluate a short child has been made, a variety of different tests can be performed. Assessment of pituitary GH production is difficult because GH secretion is pulsatile. Between normal pulses of GH secretion, serum GH levels are often low, below the limits of sensitivity of most conventional assays. Because of these issues, the diagnosis of GHD is made with a combination of clinical assessment and auxology, levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and GH stimulation (provocation) tests.(10,12,13)  
• The IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and bone age testing results may be interpreted as follows:
  • Moderately or severely reduced: IGF-I and IGFBP-3 less than -2 SD with delayed bone age; possibility of GHD should be explored by provocative testing in most cases(13)
  • Somewhat low: IGF-I and IGFBP-3 between 0 and -2 SD; decision about whether to perform provocative testing depends on other factors(13)
  • Clearly normal: IGF-I and IGFBP-3 SD greater than or equal to 0; no further testing required(13)
  • If the IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are discordant, IGF-I takes precedence except for infants and young children, in whom IGFBP-3 should guide the decision about further testing.(12,13)
• Provocative (stimulation) GH testing is indicated for most patients to confirm GHD, however, because this testing has limitations, it should not be the sole diagnostic criterion.(11,13) In general, two different tests should be used for provocative GH testing. For those with known pathology of the central nervous system, history of irradiation, other pituitary hormone defects (e.g., multiple pituitary hormone deficiency [MPHD]), or a genetic defect, one test is sufficient.(12,13)

• The use of GH provocative testing is not required for diagnosis of GHD in the following conditions:
  • In patients possessing all of the following three conditions: auxological criteria, hypothalamic-pituitary defect (such as major congenital malformation [ectopic posterior pituitary and pituitary hypoplasia with abnormal stalk], tumor or irradiation), and deficiency of at least one additional pituitary hormone(10,11,12)
  • In a newborn with hypoglycemia who does not attain a serum GH concentration above 5 mcg/L and has deficiency of at least one additional pituitary hormone and/or congenital pituitary abnormality (ectopic posterior pituitary and pituitary hypoplasia with abnormal stalk)(10,11,12)
  • Infant or young child with extreme short stature (e.g., height less than -3 SD), normal nutrition, significantly reduced IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (e.g., less than -2 SD), and delayed bone age(12)
  • In newborns who present with hypoglycemia in the absence of a metabolic disorder, a serum growth hormone level of less than 20 mcg/L suggests GHD. An IGFBP-3 measurement (e.g., less than -2 SD) is of value for the diagnosis of GHD in infancy.(13)
  • When an alternative diagnosis for short stature is evident, such as Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), SHOX deficiency, chronic renal insufficiency, or in children born small for gestational age (SGA)(12)
• Some guidelines acknowledge that a threshold test result distinguishing “normal” from GHD has not been well established.(11,12) Most pediatric endocrinologists define a “normal” response by a serum GH concentration of greater than 10 mcg/L, but a cutoff of 7.5 mcg/L is often used for modern assays.(12,13)
• Treatment of children with GHD is the following:
  • Weight-based or body-surface-area dosing should be used.(11,12,13)
  • Measure serum IGF-1 levels to monitor adherence and for dose changes.(11,12,13)
  • Serum levels of IGF-1 should be measured approximately 4 weeks after beginning GH treatment and/or making a dose adjustment(13)
  • Routine follow-up (once IGF-1 levels are in target range) of pediatric patients should be conducted on a 3- to 6-month basis(13)
  • Treatment is appropriate for children with GHD whose epiphyses are open(13)
• Treatment is generally continued at least until linear growth decreases to less than 2.0 to 2.5 cm/year.(11)

Guidelines for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, as described by the 2016 Pediatric Endocrine Society Guidelines for Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Treatment in Children and Adolescents(11), the 2000 Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) Consensus Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Growth Hormone (GH) Deficiency in Childhood and Adolescence(13), the 2019 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology Guidelines for Management of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults and Patients Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care(24), and the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency(25) is stated as follows:

• Only a minority of children with childhood-onset GHD will remain deficient as adults and require ongoing GH therapy. The transition period is loosely defined as occurring from mid-to-late teens until 6-7 years after reaching near-adult height.(27)
• For patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care:
  • Because the majority of isolated childhood-onset GHD patients will have normal results when tested as adults, it is important to repeat GH stimulation testing to determine if ongoing therapy is required.(11,24,27)
  • Measurement of the serum IGF-1 concentration should be the initial test of the somatotropic axis if re-evaluation of the somatotropic axis is clinically indicated.(11)
  • GH provocative testing should be performed to evaluate the function of the somatotropic axis in the transition period if indicated by a low IGF-I level.(11,24,25)
  • Patients with multiple (≥ 3) pituitary hormone deficiencies regardless of etiology, or GHD with an established causal genetic mutation, or GHD with a specific pituitary/hypothalamic structural defect (except ectopic posterior pituitary), should be diagnosed with persistent GHD.(11,13,24,27) GH treatment should be offered to individuals with persistent GHD in the transition period.(11,24,25,27)

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of GHD in adults, as described by the 2019 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology Guidelines for Management of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults and Patients Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care(24), and the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency(25) is stated as follows:

• The diagnosis of adult GHD should be based on the combination of documented pituitary or hypothalamic disease, panhypopituitarism, and a subnormal serum IGF-1 concentration (lower than the gender- and age-specific lower limit of normal). GH levels decline with aging, whereas serum IGF-1 levels can be lowered by factors such as malnutrition and various comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, renal and/or hepatic disease). Stimulation (provocative) tests should only be performed based on the clinical context of each patient with a history suggestive of a reasonable clinical suspicion of GHD, and with the intent to initiate GH therapy if the diagnosis is confirmed.(24)
• Diagnosis of adult GHD, without the need for stimulation/provocation tests, can be made in the following patient subtypes:
  • Patients with organic hypothalamic-pituitary disease (e.g., suprasellar mass with previous surgery and cranial irradiation) and presence of deficiencies in three or more pituitary axes (multiple pituitary hormone deficiency [MPHD]) together with subnormal serum IGF-1 levels (less than -2 SD)(24,25)
  • Patients with genetic defects affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axes(24,25)
  • Patients with hypothalamic-pituitary structural brain defects(24,25)
• GH stimulation tests are needed to confirm diagnosis in the following patient subtypes:
  • In patients with less than or equal to 2 pituitary hormone deficiencies, subnormal IGF-1 levels alone are not sufficient to make a diagnosis of adult GHD; one GH stimulation test should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.(24) In transition patients who have completed longitudinal growth:
    • After at least one month of discontinuation of therapy, patients with childhood-onset GHD and subnormal serum IGF-1 levels should be retested for GHD with provocation tests.(24,25)
    • Patients with idiopathic childhood-onset GHD with organic hypothalamic-pituitary disease should have at least one stimulation test performed.(24)
    • In the past, a level of serum GH less than or equal to 5 mcg/L on the insulin tolerance test was considered confirmation of GHD. However, experts increasingly report the disuse of this test and instead the glucagon-stimulation test (GST) and the macimorelin test should be utilized.(24)

Idiopathic Short Stature

Idiopathic short stature (ISS) refers to extreme short stature that does not have a diagnostic explanation. "Short stature" has been defined by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists as height more than two standard deviations (SD) below the mean for age and sex. A consensus conference of the International Societies of Pediatric Endocrinology and the Growth Hormone Research Society proposed that children with ISS whose heights are less than -2.0 SDS and who are more than 2.0 SDS below their mid-parental target height or had a predicted height less than -2.0 SDS warrant consideration for treatment.(34) If the initial growth response is good while on GH therapy, (at least 2.5 cm/year above the baseline height velocity after one year of treatment), treatment continues until linear growth decreases to less than 2.0 to 2.5 cm (approximately 1 inch)/year. This decrease usually occurs in late puberty, equating to a bone age of 13 to 13.5 years in girls or 15.5 to 16 years in boys.(16)

GH therapy was approved in the United States for children with ISS with height at or less than -2.25 SDS (1.2 percentile) below the mean for age and sex, associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range (this corresponds to an adult height less than 63 inches for males and less than 59 inches for females), in whom diagnostic work up excluded other causes for short stature that should be observed or treated by other means, and in pediatric patients whose epiphyses are not closed.(33,34) The evaluation should attempt to identify children with growth patterns consistent with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) because they are likely to have catch-up growth without GH treatment. Clinical evidence supporting CDGP includes delayed bone age and/or history of delayed growth and puberty in a parent. Moreover, adolescent boys with CDGP and moderate short stature (taller than -2.5 SD) are more appropriately treated with testosterone replacement rather than GH. However, treatment of children with ISS with GH is controversial because of variable efficacy and high costs.(16,17)

Growth Failure in Chronic Kidney Disease

The goal of GH therapy in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is normalization of final height. GH therapy should be initiated when the following criteria have been met:(18,19)

• All other amenable risk factors for growth impairment have been addressed
• There is evidence of growth impairment, defined as HV for age less than -1.88 SD OR a HV for age less than 3rd percentile

Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption disorder caused by either the surgical removal of the small intestine or the loss of its absorptive function due to various diseases. Zorbtive is indicated for the treatment of SBS in adult patients receiving specialized nutritional support.(3) The beneficial effect of growth hormone (GH) as an aid to wean parenteral nutrition (PN) in short bowel syndrome (SBS) is controversial and a considerable amount of skepticism surrounds the long-term benefits.

Four randomized placebo controlled studies have been performed using growth hormone to stimulate mucosal growth. In three studies there was no significant increase in absorption but one showed a small improvement in nutrient absorption.(31) A phase 3, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 41 PN-dependent SBS patients who were studied in an inpatient-like setting for 6 weeks, with 2 weeks of diet and medication optimization and PN stabilization followed by a 4-week treatment period. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: recombinant human growth hormone plus glutamine, growth hormone without glutamine, and placebo plus glutamine. A significant reduction was seen in PN requirements in both groups treated with growth hormone at the end of the 4-week treatment period. PN reduction remained significantly reduced during a 12-week observation period only in the group treated with growth hormone plus glutamine.(32)

Growth Failure in Children Born Small for Gestational Age

Low birth weight remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in early infancy and childhood throughout the world. The International Societies of Pediatric Endocrinology and the Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) 2007 Consensus Statement Guidelines on the Management of the Child Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) recommend that SGA should be defined as a birth weight and/or birth length less than -2 SD below the population average. Approximately 90% of term SGA infants display sufficient catch-up growth to attain a height above -2 SD by the age of 2 years, whereas 10 percent remain short throughout childhood and adolescence.(20, 21) A child who reaches 24 months of age and fails to manifest catch-up growth (i.e., height remains less than 2 SD below the mean for age and gender) meets the indication to receive GH therapy.(23)

HIV Patients with Wasting or Cachexia

HIV/AIDS wasting syndrome is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an involuntary weight loss of greater than 10% of body weight. The incidence of wasting has declined since the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), but many patients still meet the criteria for serious weight loss and wasting. Tissue wasting responds rapidly to ART, and the primary therapy for HIV wasting is ART.(28,30) The diagnosis of HIV wasting requires one of the following:(29)

• 10% unintentional weight loss over 12 months
• 7.5% unintentional weight loss over 6 months
• Greater than 5% unintentional weight loss over 4 months
• 5% body cell mass (BCM) loss within 6 months
• Body mass index (BMI) less than 20 kg/m^2
• In men: BCM less than 35% of total body weight and BMI less than 27 kg/m^2
• In women: BCM less than 23% of total body weight and BMI less than 27 kg/m^2

Growth Hormone Statute

U.S. Code Title 21 Chapter 21 Chapter § 333(e) states: Prohibited distribution of human growth hormone (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), whoever knowingly distributes, or possesses with intent to distribute, human growth hormone for any use in humans other than the treatment of a disease or other recognized medical condition, where such use has been authorized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 355 of this title and pursuant to the order of a physician, is guilty of an offense punishable by not more than 5 years in prison, such fines as are authorized by title 18, or both. (2) Whoever commits any offense set forth in paragraph (1) and such offense involves an individual under 18 years of age is punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, such fines as are authorized by title 18, or both. (3) Any conviction for a violation of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be considered a felony violation of the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.] for the purposes of forfeiture under section 413 of such Act [21 U.S.C. 853]. (4) As used in this subsection the term ‘‘human growth hormone’’ means somatrem, somatropin, or an analogue of either of them. (5) The Drug Enforcement Administration is authorized to investigate offenses punishable by this subsection.(35)

Efficacy

Recombinant growth hormone products are considered clinically identical, with no evidence that one commercial product is different or more advantageous than another, apart from differences in how the GH product is stored, dosed, and administered by device. Therefore, one commercial GH product is not recommended over another because there are no prospective head-to-head trials comparing the clinical efficacy of one commercial product with another.(24)

Safety

Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin AQ, Omnitrope, Saizen, ZOMACTON have the following contraindications:(1,4-9)

• Acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure
• Children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese, have a history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or have severe respiratory impairment
• Active malignancy
• Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Children with closed epiphyses
• Hypersensitivity to somatropin or diluents/excipients

Ngenla has the following contraindications:(38)

• Acute critical illness
• Hypersensitivity to somatrogon-ghla or excipients
• Closed epiphyses
• Active malignancy
• Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have severe respiratory impairment

Serostim has the following contraindications:(2)

• Acute critical illness due to complications following open heart or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma or acute respiratory failure
• Active malignancy 
• Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Hypersensitivity to somatropin or diluent

Skytrofa has the following contraindications:(36)

• Acute critical illness
• Hypersensitivity to somatropin or any excipients in Skytrofa
• Children with close epiphyses
• Active malignancy
• Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have severe respiratory impairment due to risk of sudden death

Sogroya has the following contraindications:(37)

• Acute critical illness
• Active malignancy
• Hypersensitivity to somapacitan-beco or excipients
• Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Closed epiphyses in children used for longitudinal growth promotion
• Children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have severe respiratory impairment due to risk of sudden death

Zorbtive has the following contraindications:(3)

• Acute critical illness due to complications following open heart or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma or acute respiratory failure
• Active neoplasia
• Known hypersensitivity to growth hormone

1

Saizen prescribing information. EMD Serono, Inc. February 2020.

2

Serostim prescribing information. EMD Serono, Inc. June 2019.

3

Zorbtive prescribing information. EMD Serono, Inc. September 2019.

4

Genotropin prescribing information. Pfizer, Inc./Pharmacia and Upjohn Co. April 2019.

5

Humatrope prescribing information. Eli Lilly and Company. December 2023.

6

Norditropin FlexPro prescribing information. Novo Nordisk Inc. March 2020.

7

Omnitrope prescribing information. Sandoz Inc. March 2024.

8

Nutropin AQ NuSpin prescribing information. Genentech. December 2016.

9

ZOMACTON prescribing information. Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. April 2024. 

10

Kelly A, Winer KK, Kalkwarf H, et al. Age-based reference ranges for annual height velocity in US children. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(6):2104-2112. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-4455.

11

Grimberg A, DiVall SA, Polychronakos C, et al. Pediatric Endocrine Society Guidelines for Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Treatment in Children and Adolescents: Growth Hormone Deficiency, Idiopathic Short Stature, and Primary Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Deficiency. Horm Res Paediatr. 2016;86:361–397.

12

Collett-Solberg PF, Ambler G, Backeljauw PF, et al. Growth Hormone Research Society International Perspective Guidelines for Diagnosis, Genetics, and Therapy of Short Stature in Children. Horm Res Paediatr. 2019;92:1-14.

13

Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) Consensus Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Growth Hormone (GH) Deficiency in Childhood and Adolescence: Summary Statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85(11):3990-3993.

14

Reference no longer needed.

15

Reference no longer used.

16

Richmond EJ, Rogol AD, et al. Growth Hormone Treatment for Idiopathic Short Stature. Literature review current through July 2023. Last updated February 2022.

17

Cohen P, Rogol AD, Deal CL, et al. Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS), Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Idiopathic Short Stature: A Summary. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(11):4210-4217.

18

National Kidney Foundation: Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Update. Am J Kidney Dis. 2008;53(3-2):S1-S124.

19

Drube J, Wan M, Bonthuis M, et al. Clinical practice recommendations for growth hormone treatment in children with chronic kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2019;15(9):577-589. doi:10.1038/s41581-019-0161-4.

20

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) for the Treatment of Growth Failure in Children. May 2010.

21

Clayton PE, Cianfarani S, Czernichow P, et al. International Societies of Pediatric Endocrinology and the Growth Hormone Research Society (GRS) Consensus Statement on Management of the Child Born Small for Gestational Age through to Adulthood. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(3):804-810.

22

Reference no longer used.

23

Lee PA, Chernausek SD, Hokken-Koelega AC, et al. International Small for Gestational Age Advisory Board Consensus Development Conference Statement: Management of Short Children Born Small for Gestational Age. Pediatrics. 2003;111(6):1253.

24

Yuen KCJ, Biller BMK, Radovick S, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Guidelines for Management of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults and Patients Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care. Endocr Pract. 2019;25(11):1191-1232.

25

Molitch ME, Clemmons DR, Malozowski S, et al.  Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency:  An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(6):1587-1609.

26

Reference no longer used.

27

Rapaport R, Cook DM. Transition of childhood-onset growth hormone-deficient patients to adult healthcare. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2006;4 Suppl 1:82-90.

28

Nemechek PM, Polsky B, Gottlieb MS. Treatment guidelines for HIV-associated wasting. Mayo Clin Proc. 2000;75(4):386-394. doi:10.4065/75.4.386.

29

Polsky B, Kotler D, Steinhart C. HIV-Associated Wasting in the HAART Era: Guidelines for Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. AIDS Patient Care STDs. 2001;15(8):411-423.

30

Mangili A, Murman DH, Zampini AM, Wanke CA, Mayer KH. Nutrition and HIV Infection: Review of Weight Loss and Wasting in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy from the Nutrition for Healthy Living Cohort. Clin Infect Dis. 2006;42(6):836-842.

31

Wales PW, Nasr A, de Silva N, Yamada J. Human Growth Hormone and Glutamine for Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jun 16;(6):CD006321. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006321.pub2.

32

Parrish CR, DiBaise JK. Managing the Adult Patient with Short Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2017;13(10):600-608.

33

Short Stature Disorder, Idiopathic (ISS):FDA Uses. (2021). In Micromedex (Columbia Basin College Library ed.) [Electronic version].

34

Deodati A, Cianfarani S. The Rationale for Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Short Stature. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2017;9(Suppl 2):23-32. doi:10.4274/jcrpe.2017.S003

35

21 U.S.C. 333 – Penalties. GovInfo. Available at: https://www.govinfo.gov/

36

Skytrofa prescribing information. Ascendis Pharma, Inc. May 2024.

37

Sogroya prescribing information. Novo Nordisk Inc. April 2023.

38

Ngenla prescribing information. Pfizer. June 2023.

Genotropin

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

5 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

12 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.2 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.4 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.6 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.8 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.2 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.4 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.6 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.8 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

2 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

5 MG/1.5ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

10 MG/1.5ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

15 MG/1.5ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

30 MG/3ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

1. Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cart

13.3 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

3 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

3.6 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

4.3 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

5.2 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

6.3 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

7.6 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

9.1 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

11 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Sogroya

somapacitan-beco solution pen-injector

10 MG/1.5ML ; 15 MG/1.5ML ; 5 MG/1.5ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Ngenla

somatrogon-ghla solution pen-injector

24 MG/1.2ML ; 60 MG/1.2ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Saizen

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Inj 5 MG

5 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Saizen ; Saizenprep reconstitution

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Inj 8.8 MG

8.8 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Serostim

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 4 MG

4 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Serostim

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 5 MG

5 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Serostim

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 6 MG

6 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Zorbtive

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 8.8 MG

8.8 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Zomacton

Somatropin For Inj 10 MG

10 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Somatropin For Inj 5 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

2. Non-Preferred

Omnitrope

Somatropin For Inj 5.8 MG

5.8 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Humatrope

Somatropin For Inj Cartridge

6 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Humatrope

Somatropin For Inj Cartridge

12 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Humatrope

Somatropin For Inj Cartridge

24 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Zomacton

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj 5 MG

5 MG

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Omnitrope

Somatropin Solution Cartridge

5 MG/1.5ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Omnitrope

Somatropin Solution Cartridge

10 MG/1.5ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Nutropin aq nuspin 5

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

5 MG/2ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Nutropin aq nuspin 10

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

10 MG/2ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Nutropin aq nuspin 20

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

20 MG/2ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

2. Non-Preferred

Genotropin

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

12 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.6 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.8 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.2 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.8 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

0.4 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.6 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

2 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.4 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Genotropin miniquick

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj Prefilled Syr

1.2 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

30 MG/3ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

5 MG/1.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

10 MG/1.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Norditropin flexpro

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

15 MG/1.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Somatropin For Inj 5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Humatrope

Somatropin For Inj Cartridge

6 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Humatrope

Somatropin For Inj Cartridge

24 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Humatrope

Somatropin For Inj Cartridge

12 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Ngenla

somatrogon-ghla solution pen-injector

24 MG/1.2ML ; 60 MG/1.2ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nutropin aq nuspin 10

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

10 MG/2ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nutropin aq nuspin 20

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

20 MG/2ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Nutropin aq nuspin 5

Somatropin Solution Pen-Injector

5 MG/2ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Omnitrope

Somatropin For Inj 5.8 MG

5.8 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Omnitrope

Somatropin Solution Cartridge

5 MG/1.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Omnitrope

Somatropin Solution Cartridge

10 MG/1.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Saizen

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Inj 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Saizen ; Saizenprep reconstitution

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Inj 8.8 MG

8.8 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Serostim

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 4 MG

4 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Serostim

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Serostim

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 6 MG

6 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cart

13.3 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

5.2 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

4.3 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

6.3 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

3.6 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

7.6 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

11 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

3 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Skytrofa

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd For Subcutaneous Inj Cartridge

9.1 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Sogroya

somapacitan-beco solution pen-injector

10 MG/1.5ML ; 15 MG/1.5ML ; 5 MG/1.5ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zomacton

Somatropin For Inj 10 MG

10 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zomacton

Somatropin For Subcutaneous Inj 5 MG

5 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Zorbtive

Somatropin (Non-Refrigerated) For Subcutaneous Inj 8.8 MG

8.8 MG

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

Adults: Long and Short Acting Growth Hormone with Preferred Exception

TARGET AGENT(S)

Adults – Initial Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met: 

1. The patient is an adult (as defined by the prescriber) AND
2. The patient has ONE of the following diagnoses:
   1. The patient has a diagnosis of AIDS wasting/cachexia AND ALL of the following:
      1. The requested agent is a short-acting growth hormone (GH) AND
      2. The patient is currently treated with antiretroviral therapy AND
      3. The patient will continue antiretroviral therapy in combination with the requested agent AND
      4. BOTH of the following:
         1. ONE of the following:
            1. The patient has had weight loss that meets ONE of the following:
               1. Unintentional weight loss greater than 10% over 12 months OR
               2. Unintentional weight loss greater than 7.5% over 6 months OR
            2. The patient has a body cell mass (BCM) loss greater than or equal to 5% within 6 months OR
            3. The patient’s sex is male and has BCM less than 35% of total body weight and body mass index (BMI) less than 27 kg/m^2 OR
            4. The patient’s sex is female and has BCM less than 23% of total body weight and BMI less than 27 kg/m^2 OR
            5. There is support that the patient’s BCM less than 35% or less than 23% (based on sex) and BMI less than 27 kg/m^2 are medically appropriate for diagnosing AIDS wasting/cachexia for the patient’s sex OR
            6. The patient’s BMI is less than 20 kg/m^2 AND
         2. All other causes of weight loss have been ruled out OR
   2. The patient has a diagnosis of short bowel syndrome (SBS) AND BOTH of the following:
      1. The requested agent is a short-acting GH AND
      2. The patient is receiving specialized nutritional support OR
   3. The patient has a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND ONE of the following:
      1. The patient had a diagnosis of childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency AND has failed at least one growth hormone (GH) stimulation test as an adult OR
      2. The patient has a low insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level AND ONE of the following:
         1. Organic hypothalamic-pituitary disease OR
         2. Pituitary structural lesion or trauma OR
         3. The patient has panhypopituitarism or multiple (greater than or equal to 3) pituitary hormone deficiency OR
      3. The patient has an established causal genetic mutation OR hypothalamic-pituitary structural defect other than ectopic posterior pituitary OR
      4. The patient has failed at least two growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests as an adult OR
      5. The patient has failed at least one GH stimulation test as an adult AND the patient has an organic pituitary disease OR
   4. The patient has another FDA labeled indication for the requested agent and route of administration OR 
   5. The patient has another indication that is supported in compendia for the requested agent and route of administration AND
3. The request is for a long-acting GH agent AND if the patient has an FDA labeled indication, then ONE of the following:
   1. The patient's age is within FDA labeling for the requested indication for the requested agent OR
   2. There is support for using the requested agent for the patient's age for the requested indication AND  
4. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent AND
5. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., endocrinologist) or the prescriber has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
6. The requested quantity (dose) is within FDA labeled dosing (or supported in compendia) for the requested indication AND
7. ONE of the following:
   1. The request is for a short-acting GH agent AND if the client has preferred agent(s), then ONE of the following:
      1. BOTH of the following:
         1. The request is for a preferred agent AND
         2. The preferred agent is supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
      2. If the request is for a nonpreferred agent, then BOTH of the following:
         1. The non preferred agent is supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication AND
         2. ONE of the following:
            1. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required) OR
            2. There is support for the efficacy of the requested nonpreferred agent over ALL preferred agent(s) for the intended diagnosis (medical record required)
   2. The request is for a long-acting GH agent AND if the client has preferred agent(s), then ALL of the following:
      1. The requested agent is FDA labeled for the requested indication AND
      2. ONE of the following:
         1. The preferred short-acting GH agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
         2. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred short-acting GH agent OR
         3. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred short-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested agent (medical record required) AND
      3. ONE of the following:
         1. The requested agent is a preferred agent OR
         2. The preferred agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
         3. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred long-acting GH agent OR
         4. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred long-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required)

Compendia Allowed: AHFS or DrugDex 1 or 2a level of evidence

 Length of Approval: 

*Step therapy requirement may not apply if a prior health plan paid for the medication - documentation of a paid claim may be required.

Adults – Renewal Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met: 

1. The patient has been approved for therapy with GH previously through the plan’s prior authorization process [Note: patients not previously approved for the requested agent will require initial evaluation review] AND
2. The patient is an adult (as defined by the prescriber) AND
3. ONE of the following:
   1. The request is for a short-acting GH agent AND if the client has preferred agent(s), then ONE of the following:
      1. BOTH of the following:
         1. The request is for a preferred agent AND
         2. The preferred agent is supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
      2. If the request is for a nonpreferred agent, then BOTH of the following:
         1. The nonpreferred agent is supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication AND
         2. ONE of the following:
            1. The preferred agent(s) are NOT supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
            2. ONE of the following:
               1. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required) OR
               2. There is support for the efficacy of the requested nonpreferred agent over ALL preferred agent(s) for the intended diagnosis (medical record required) OR
   2. The request is for a long-acting GH agent AND if the client has preferred agent(s), then ALL of the following:
      1. The requested agent is FDA labeled for the requested indication AND
      2. ONE of the following:
         1. The preferred short-acting agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
         2. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred short-acting GH agent OR
         3. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred short-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested agent AND
      3. ONE of the following:
         1. The requested agent is a preferred agent OR
         2. The preferred agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
         3. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred long-acting GH agent OR
         4. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred long-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent AND
4. ONE of the following:
   1. The patient has a diagnosis of short bowel syndrome (SBS) AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent OR
   2. The patient has a diagnosis of AIDS wasting/cachexia AND ALL of the following:
      1. The patient is currently treated with antiretroviral therapy AND
      2. The patient will continue antiretroviral therapy in combination with the requested agent AND
      3. The patient has had clinical benefit with the requested agent (i.e., an increase in weight or weight stabilization) OR
   3. The patient has growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND BOTH of the following:
      1. The patient's IGF-I level has been evaluated to confirm the appropriateness of the current dose AND
      2. The patient has had clinical benefit with the requested agent (i.e., body composition, hip-to-waist ratio, cardiovascular health, bone mineral density, serum cholesterol, physical strength, or quality of life) OR
   4. The patient has a diagnosis other than SBS, AIDS wasting/cachexia, GHD, or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent AND
5. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent AND
6. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., endocrinologist) or has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
7. The requested quantity (dose) is within FDA labeled dosing (or supported in compendia) for the requested indication AND
8. The patient is being monitored for adverse effects of GH therapy

Compendia Allowed: AHFS or DrugDex 1 or 2a level of evidence

Length of Approval: 

Children: Long-Acting Growth Hormone with Preferred Exception

TARGET AGENT(S)

Children – Initial Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

1. ONE of the following
   1. The patient has a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND ONE of the following:
      1. The patient has extreme short stature (e.g., height less than or equal to -3 SD), normal nutrition, significantly reduced IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (e.g., less than -2 SD), and delayed bone age OR
      2. BOTH of the following:
         1. The patient has ONE of the following:
            1. Height greater than 2 SD below the mean for age and sex OR
            2. Height greater than 1.5 SD below the midparental height OR
            3. A decrease in height SD of greater than 0.5 over one year in children greater than 2 years of age OR
            4. Height velocity (HV) greater than 2 SD below the mean over one year or greater than 1.5 SD sustained over two years OR
            5. Height-for-age curve that has deviated downward across two major height percentile curves (e.g., from above the 25th percentile to below the 10th percentile) OR
            6. BOTH of the following:
               1. The patient’s age is 2-4 years AND
               2. The patient has a HV less than 5.5 cm/year (less than 2.2 inches/year) OR
            7. BOTH of the following:
               1. The patient’s age is 4-6 years AND
               2. The patient has a HV less than 5 cm/year (less than 2 inches/year) OR
            8. The patient’s age is 6 years to puberty AND ONE of the following:
               1. The patient’s sex is male and HV is less than 4 cm/year (less than 1.6 inches/year) OR
               2. The patient’s sex is female and HV is less than 4.5 cm/year (less than 1.8 inches/year) AND
         2. ONE of the following:
            1. The patient has failed at least 2 growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests (e.g., peak GH value of less than 10 mcg/L after stimulation, or otherwise considered abnormal as determined by testing lab) OR
            2. The patient has failed at least 1 GH stimulation test (e.g., peak GH value of less than 10 mcg/L after stimulation, or otherwise considered abnormal as determined by testing lab) AND ONE of the following:
               1. Pathology of the central nervous system OR
               2. History of irradiation OR
               3. Other pituitary hormone defects (e.g., multiple pituitary hormone deficiency [MPHD]) OR
               4. A genetic defect OR
            3. The patient has a pituitary abnormality and a known deficit of at least one other pituitary hormone OR
   2. The patient has another FDA labeled indication for the requested agent and route of administration OR 
   3. The patient has another indication that is supported in compendia for the requested agent and route of administration AND
2. The patient is a child (as defined by the prescriber) AND
3. If the patient has an FDA labeled indication, then ONE of the following:
   1. The patient’s age is within FDA labeling for the requested indication for the requested agent OR
   2. There is support for using the requested agent for the patient’s age for the requested indication AND
4. If the client has preferred agent(s), then BOTH of the following:
   1. The requested agent is FDA labeled for the requested indication AND
   2. ONE of the following:
      1. The preferred short-acting GH agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
      2. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred short-acting GH agent OR
      3. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred short-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested agent (medical record required) AND
   3. ONE of the following:
      1. The requested agent is a preferred agent OR
      2. The preferred agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
      3. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred long-acting GH agent OR
      4. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred long-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required) AND
5. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., endocrinologist) or has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
6. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent AND
7. The requested quantity (dose) is within FDA labeled dosing (or supported in compendia) for the requested indication

Compendia Allowed: AHFS or DrugDex 1 or 2a level of evidence

Length of Approval:  12 months

*Step therapy requirement may not apply if a prior health plan paid for the medication - documentation of a paid claim may be required.

Children – Renewal Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met: 

1. The patient has been previously approved for therapy with GH through the plan’s prior authorization process  [Note: patients not previously approved for the requested agent will require initial evaluation review] AND
2. The patient is a child (as defined by the prescriber) AND
3. If the client has preferred agent(s), then ALL of the following:
   1. The requested agent is FDA labeled for the requested indication AND
   2. ONE of the following:
      1. The preferred short-acting GH agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
      2. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred short-acting GH agent OR
      3. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred short-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested agent (medical record required) AND
   3. ONE of the following:
      1. The requested agent is a preferred GH agent OR
      2. The preferred GH agent(s) are NOT FDA labeled for the requested indication OR
      3. The patient has received at least 12 months of therapy with a preferred long-acting GH agent OR
      4. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred long-acting GH agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required) AND
4. ONE of the following:
   1. The patient has a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND BOTH of the following:
      1. The patient does NOT have closed epiphyses AND
      2. The patient’s height has increased greater than or equal to 2 cm over the previous year with GH therapy OR
   2. The patient has a diagnosis other than GHD or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent AND
5. The patient is being monitored for adverse effects of GH therapy AND
6. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., endocrinologist) or has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
7. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent AND
8. The requested quantity (dose) is within FDA labeled dosing (or supported in compendia) for the requested indication

Compendia Allowed: AHFS or DrugDex 1 or 2a level of evidence

Length of Approval:  12 months

Children: Short-Acting Growth Hormone with Preferred Exception

TARGET AGENT(S)

Children – Initial Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

1. The patient is a child (as defined by the prescriber) AND
2. The patient has ONE of the following diagnoses:
   1. ALL of the following:        
      1. The patient is a newborn (less than or equal to 4 months of age) with hypoglycemia AND
      2. The patient has a serum growth hormone (GH) concentration less than or equal to 5 mcg/L AND
      3. ONE of the following:
         1. Congenital pituitary abnormality (e.g., ectopic posterior pituitary and pituitary hypoplasia with abnormal stalk) OR
         2. Deficiency of at least one additional pituitary hormone OR
   2. ALL of the following:
      1. The patient is a newborn (less than or equal to 4 months of age) with hypoglycemia AND
      2. The patient has a growth hormone (GH) concentration less than 20 mcg/L AND
      3. The patient does not have a known metabolic disorder AND
      4. The patient has a reduced IGFBP-3 level (e.g., less than -2 SD) OR
   3. The patient has a diagnosis of Turner syndrome OR
   4. The patient has a diagnosis of Noonan syndrome OR
   5. The patient has a diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome OR
   6. The patient has a diagnosis of SHOX gene deficiency OR
   7. The patient has a diagnosis of short bowel syndrome (SBS) AND is receiving specialized nutritional support AND ONE of the following:
      1. The patient’s age is within FDA labeling for the requested indication for the requested agent OR
      2. There is support for using the requested agent for the patient’s age for the requested indication OR
   8. The patient has a diagnosis of panhypopituitarism or has deficiencies in at least 3 or more pituitary axes AND serum IGF-I levels below the age- and sex-appropriate reference range when off GH therapy OR
   1. The patient has a diagnosis of chronic renal insufficiency and BOTH of the following:
      1. The patient’s height velocity (HV) for age is less than -1.88 standard deviations (SD) OR HV for age is less than the third percentile AND
      2. Other etiologies for growth impairment have been addressed OR
   10. The patient has a diagnosis of small for gestational age (SGA) and ALL of the following:
       1. The patient is 2 years of age or older AND
       2. The patient has a documented birth weight and/or birth length that is 2 or more standard deviations (SD) below the mean for gestational age AND
       3. At 24 months of age, the patient failed to manifest catch-up growth evidenced by a height that remains 2 or more standard deviations (SD) below the mean for age and sex OR
   11. The patient has a diagnosis of idiopathic short stature (ISS) AND ALL of the following:
       1. The patient has a height less than or equal to -2.25 SD below the corresponding mean height for age and sex AND
       2. The patient has open epiphyses AND
       3. ONE of the following:
          1. The patient has a predicted adult height that is below the normal range AND ONE of the following:
             1. The patient’s sex is male and predicted adult height is less than 63 inches OR
             2. The patient’s sex is female and predicted adult height is less than 59 inches OR
          2. The patient is greater than 2 SD below their mid-parental target height AND
       4. BOTH of the following:
          1. The patient has been evaluated for constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) AND
          2. The patient does NOT have a diagnosis of CDGP OR
   50. The patient has a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone AND ONE of the following:
       1. The patient has extreme short stature (e.g., height less than or equal to -3 SD), normal nutrition, significantly reduced IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (e.g., less than -2 SD), and delayed bone age OR
       2. BOTH of the following:
          1. The patient has ONE of the following:
             1. Height greater than 2 SD below the mean for age and sex OR
             2. Height greater than 1.5 SD below the midparental height OR
             3. A decrease in height SD of more than 0.5 over one year in children greater than 2 years of age OR
             4. Height velocity (HV) greater than 2 SD below the mean over one year or greater than 1.5 SD sustained over two years OR
             5. Height-for-age curve that has deviated downward across two major height percentile curves (e.g., from above the 25th percentile to below the 10th percentile) OR
             6. BOTH of the following:
                1. The patient’s age is 2-4 years AND
                2. The patient has a HV less than 5.5 cm/year (less than 2.2 inches/year) OR
             7. BOTH of the following:
                1. The patient’s age is 4-6 years AND
                2. The patient has a HV less than 5 cm/year (less than 2 inches/year) OR
             8. The patient’s age is 6 years to puberty AND ONE of the following:
                1. The patient’s sex is male and HV is less than 4 cm/year (less than 1.6 inches/year) OR
                2. The patient’s sex is female and HV is less than 4.5 cm/year (less than 1.8 inches/year) AND
          2. ONE of the following:
             1. The patient has failed at least 2 GH stimulation tests (e.g., peak GH value of less than 10 mcg/L after stimulation, or otherwise considered abnormal as determined by testing lab) OR
             2. The patient has failed at least 1 GH stimulation test (e.g., peak GH value of less than 10 mcg/L after stimulation, or otherwise considered abnormal as determined by testing lab) AND ONE of the following:
                1. Pathology of the central nervous system OR
                2. History of irradiation OR
                3. Other pituitary hormone defects (e.g., multiple pituitary hormone deficiency [MPHD]) OR
                4. A genetic defect OR
             3. The patient has a pituitary abnormality and a known deficit of at least one other pituitary hormone AND
   1000. The patient has another FDA labeled indication for the requested agent and route of administration OR 
   14. The patient has another indication that is supported in compendia for the requested agent and route of administration AND
3. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent AND
4. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., endocrinologist) or has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
5. The requested quantity (dose) is within FDA labeled dosing (or supported in compendia) for the requested indication AND
6. If the client has preferred agent(s), then ONE of the following:
   1. BOTH of the following:
      1. The request is for a preferred agent AND
      2. The preferred agent(s) are supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
   2. The request is for a nonpreferred agent and BOTH of the following:
      1. The nonpreferred agent is supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication AND
      2. ONE of the following:
         1. The preferred agent(s) are NOT supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
         2. ONE of the following:
            1. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required) OR
            2. There is support for the efficacy of the requested nonpreferred agent over ALL preferred agent(s) for the intended diagnosis (medical record required)

Compendia Allowed: AHFS or DrugDex 1 or 2a level of evidence 

Length of Approval: 4 weeks for SBS

                                12 months for all other indications

*Step therapy requirement may not apply if a prior health plan paid for the medication - documentation of a paid claim may be required.

Children – Renewal Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met: 

1. The patient has been previously approved for therapy with GH through the plan’s prior authorization process [Note: patients not previously approved for the requested agent will require initial evaluation review] AND
2. The patient is a child (as defined by the prescriber) AND
3. If the client has preferred agent(s), then ONE of the following:
   1. BOTH of the following:
      1. The request is for a preferred agent AND
      2. The preferred agent(s) are supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
   2. The request is for a nonpreferred agent and BOTH of the following:
      1. The nonpreferred agent is supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication AND
      2. ONE of the following:
         1. The preferred agent(s) are NOT supported in FDA labeling for the requested indication OR
         2. ONE of the following:
            1. The patient has an intolerance, hypersensitivity, or FDA labeled contraindication to a preferred agent that is not expected to occur with the requested nonpreferred agent (medical record required) OR
            2. There is support for the efficacy of the requested nonpreferred agent over ALL preferred agent(s) for the intended diagnosis (medical record required) AND 
4. ONE of the following:
   1. The patient has a diagnosis of short bowel syndrome (SBS) AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent AND ONE of the following:
      1. The patient’s age is within FDA labeling for the requested indication for the requested agent OR
      2. There is support for using the requested agent for the patient’s age for the requested indication OR
   2. The patient has a diagnosis of ISS and BOTH of the following:
      1. Height has increased greater than or equal to 2 cm over the previous year with GH therapy AND
      2. Bone age is less than 16 years in patients with a sex of male and 15 years in patients with a sex of female AND the patient has open epiphyses OR
   3. The patient has a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone, short stature disorder (i.e., Noonan's syndrome, SHOX deficiency, Turner syndrome, small for gestational age), or renal function impairment with growth failure AND BOTH of the following:
      1. The patient does NOT have closed epiphyses AND
      2. The patient’s height has increased greater than or equal to 2 cm over the previous year with GH therapy OR
   4. The patient has a diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent OR
   5. The patient has a diagnosis other than SBS, ISS, GHD, growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone, short stature disorder (i.e., Noonan's syndrome, SHOX deficiency, Turner syndrome, small for gestational age), or renal function impairment with growth failure, and Prader-Willi AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent AND
5. The patient is being monitored for adverse effects of GH AND
6. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent AND
7. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., endocrinologist) or has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
8. The requested quantity (dose) is within FDA labeled dosing (or supported in compendia) for the requested indication

Compendia Allowed: AHFS or DrugDex 1 or 2a level of evidence

Length of Approval: 4 weeks for SBS

                                12 months for all other indications