Saizen is a commercial preparation ofsynthetic somatropin (growth hormone, a.k.a. GH) used forgrowth hormone treatment. Manufactured byMerck Serono, Saizen is produced byrecombinant DNA technology from amammaliancell line (mouse C127) that was modified by the addition of the human GHgene, resulting in an identical 191-amino acid sequence and structure.
Saizen is injected. It is intended for long-term treatment of individuals who are growth hormone deficient. Saizen, like all synthetic somatropin, has special importance for children and adolescents whose growth failure is due to inadequate production of growth hormone. Studies have shown that somatropin usage fails to produce athletic performance enhancement despite claims to the contrary. More recently, Saizen has been used inIVF protocols by a few physicians for female patients undergoinginfertility treatment in an attempt to increase the number and quality ofoocytes retrieved. It affects:
Saizen usage should be performed under the regular guidance of a physician who is experienced in the diagnosis and management ofgrowth hormone deficiency.
Individuals with inadequate secretion of growth hormone sometimes experience fastinghypoglycemia that is improved by treatment with growth hormone. Using Saizen may decreaseglucose tolerance. Because human growth hormone may induce a state ofinsulin resistance, patients should be observed for evidence of glucose intolerance. As with all human growth hormone supplementation, Saizen should be used with caution in patients withdiabetes mellitus or a family history of diabetes mellitus.
