Last reviewed 2026-05-13 · How we verify

Omnitrope (Somatropin)

Somatropin binds dimeric GH receptors on target cells, inducing intracellular signaling and GH-dependent protein synthesis including IGF-1.

NORDITROPIN (somatropin) is a recombinant human growth hormone indicated for pediatric growth failure from GH deficiency and adult GH replacement, binding dimeric GH receptors to stimulate IGF-1 and protein synthesis. The drug demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetics with SC half-life of 7-10 hours and rapid absorption (Tmax 4-5 hours), though absolute bioavailability is unknown. Major contraindications include acute critical illness, active malignancy, closed epiphyses in children, and severe diabetic retinopathy; significant drug interactions exist with glucocorticoids and CP450-metabolized drugs requiring dose adjustments. NORDITROPIN remains a standard therapy for GH deficiency with established efficacy in promoting linear growth and metabolic effects, though careful monitoring is required in patients on concurrent medications.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Somatropin binds to dimeric growth hormone receptors located within cell membranes of target tissues, triggering intracellular signal transduction. This interaction results in induction of transcription and translation of GH-dependent proteins including IGF-1, IGF BP-3, and acid-labile subunit. Somatropin exerts direct tissue and metabolic effects or acts indirectly through IGF-1, including stimulation of chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation, hepatic glucose output, protein synthesis, and lipolysis. In pediatric patients with GHD, somatropin stimulates skeletal growth through effects on growth plates of long bones, increasing linear growth rate and height velocity, facilitated in part by increased cellular protein synthesis.

Approved indications

• Growth retardation
• Pituitary dwarfism
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Severe growth hormone deficiency in adulthood
• Turner syndrome

Common side effects

• Nasopharyngitis
• COVID-19
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Haemorrhage subcutaneous
• Urticaria
• Influenza
• Ear pain
• Dental caries
• Hepatic function abnormal
• Bacterial infection
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Drug interactions

• Glucocorticoids
• Pharmacologic glucocorticoid therapy and supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment
• Cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Omnitrope CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Omnitrope updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Serono portfolio CI