UK children with growth disturbance given access to weekly injections

Approval of growth hormone somatrogon fast-tracked by medicines watchdog, replacing need for daily jabs

Thousands of children who fail to grow normally because of a hormone deficiency have been given access to a weekly injection for the condition after new guidance from the medicines watchdog.

Children with the disorder, known as growth disturbance, have previously required daily injections of the growth hormone somatropin to ensure their healthy development. But a fast-track assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) means patients can now use a more convenient weekly injection called somatrogon.