Long-acting growth hormone: an updated Growth Hormone Research Society consensus statement

Schilbach K, Clayton P, Agrawal N, Arlien-Søborg MC, Backeljauw PF, Biller BM, Boguszewski CL, Boguszewski MC, Chanson P, Chatelain P, Cianfarani S, Fleseriu M, Gebauer J, Grimberg A, Ho KK, Hoffman AR, Johannsson G, Jorgensen JO, Juul A, Karges W, Lebl J, Luo X, Maghnie M, Maniatis A, Miller B, Neggers SJ, Polak M, Radovick S, Sävendahl L, Schweizer JR, Collett-Solberg PF, Stevens A, Strasburger CJ, van Bunderen CC, Werner H, Wölfle J, Yuen KC, Bidlingmaier M (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 195

Pages Range: R73-R96

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvag167

Abstract

Long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) preparations have moved from development to routine clinical use over the past decade. Several products are now approved for paediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD), selected non-GHD short-stature indications, and, in some regions, for adult GHD. The Growth Hormone Research Society convened an international workshop in October 2025 to reappraise the evidence base and refine clinical recommendations. Currently, data are available for up to 7 years of LAGH treatment in over 8000 individuals. This remains substantially shorter and smaller than for daily GH. Across preparations, short- to mid-term efficacy appears comparable to daily somatropin, provided dosing is individualized and monitored appropriately. Approvals and pivotal trials include both treatment initiation and switching from daily GH, depending on product and regional label. No new major safety signals have been identified in trials and real-world reports, although data on BMI trajectories require further evaluation. Injection-site reactions remain the most frequent adverse event and vary by formulation. Anti-drug antibodies have been observed, yet evidence suggests they have limited clinical impact. Effects on glucose metabolism resemble those of daily therapy, but metabolically, high-risk groups are under-represented in studies. Among cancer survivors, data on tumour recurrence and second neoplasms with LAGH are not yet available. Recommendations and practice points emphasized careful patient selection and counselling, product-specific dosing, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) monitoring. Urgent knowledge gaps include transition care, long-term efficacy, adherence, and safety in cancer survivors. Well-resourced registries are essential for addressing these gaps and supporting safe, effective, and patient-centred use of LAGH.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

University of Manchester United Kingdom (GB) New York University (NYU) United States (USA) (US) Motol University Hospital / Fakultní nemocnice v Motole Czech Republic (CZ) Huazhong University of Science & Technology China (CN) Klinikum der Universität München (LMU Klinikum) Germany (DE) Aarhus University Hospital / Aarhus Universitetshospital Denmark (DK) University of Cincinnati United States (USA) (US) Massachusetts General Hospital United States (USA) (US) Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) Brazil (BR) Université Paris-Saclay France (FR) Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCB) France (FR) Università degli Studi di Roma 'Tor Vergata' Italy (IT) Oregon Health and Science University (OSHU) United States (USA) (US) Universitätsklinikum Leipzig Germany (DE) University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) United States (USA) (US) University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia (AU) Stanford University United States (USA) (US) Sahlgrenska University Hospital / Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset Sweden (SE) Rigshospitalet Denmark (DK) Universitätsklinikum Aachen (UKA) Germany (DE) Istituto Giannina Gaslini Italy (IT) Rocky Mountain Pediatric Endocrinology United States (USA) (US) University of Minnesota (UMN) United States (USA) (US) Erasmus University Medical Center (MC) Netherlands (NL) Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades France (FR) University of Arizona United States (USA) (US) Karolinska University Hospital / Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset Sweden (SE) Rio de Janeiro State University / Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) Brazil (BR) Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Germany (DE) Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre / Radboudumc of voluit Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum (UMC) Netherlands (NL) Tel Aviv University Israel (IL)

How to cite

APA:

Schilbach, K., Clayton, P., Agrawal, N., Arlien-Søborg, M.C., Backeljauw, P.F., Biller, B.M.,... Bidlingmaier, M. (2026). Long-acting growth hormone: an updated Growth Hormone Research Society consensus statement. European Journal of Endocrinology, 195(3), R73-R96. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvag167

MLA:

Schilbach, Katharina, et al. "Long-acting growth hormone: an updated Growth Hormone Research Society consensus statement." European Journal of Endocrinology 195.3 (2026): R73-R96.

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