A Long-Acting Human Growth Hormone With Delayed Clearance (VRS-317): Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose Study in Growth Hormone–Deficient Adults

BACKGROUND: Administration of daily recombinant human GH (rhGH) poses a considerable challenge to patient compliance. Reduced dosing frequency may improve treatment adherence and potentially overall treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the safety and tolerability and the potential for achieving IGF-I levels within the target range in adults with GH deficiency after a single dose of the long-acting rhGH analog, VRS-317. DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study. PATIENTS: Fifty adults with growth hormone deficiency (mean age, 45 years) were studied in 5 treatment groups of 10 subjects each (8 active drug and 2 placebo). SETTING: The study was conducted in 17 adult endocrinology centers in North America and Europe. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adverse events, laboratory safety assessments, and VRS-317 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3) were analyzed. RESULTS: At 0.80 mg/kg, VRS-317 had a mean terminal elimination half-life of 131 hours. Single VRS-317 doses of 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.40, and 0.80 mg/kg (approximately equivalent to daily rhGH doses of 0.3–5.0 μg/kg over 30 d) safely increased the amplitude and duration of IGF-I responses in a dose-dependent manner. After a single 0.80 mg/kg dose, serum IGF-I was maintained in the normal range between −1.5 and 1.5 SD values for a mean of 3 weeks. No unexpected or serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination half-life for VRS-317 is 30- to 60-fold longer and stimulates more durable IGF-I responses than previously studied rhGH products. Prolonged IGF-I responses do not come at the expense of overexposure to high IGF-I levels. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics combined with the observed safety profile indicate the potential for safe and effective monthly dosing.