Sogroya® hits the Canadian market as a once-weekly growth hormone option
Novo Nordisk has announced that Sogroya® (somapacitan injection) is now commercially available in Canada, marking a new milestone for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treatment. Sogroya® is indicated for the long-term management of pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate endogenous growth hormone and for adults with growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). As the first and only once-weekly growth hormone (GH) therapy approved for both children and adults, it offers a convenient alternative to daily injections that can improve adherence and quality of life for patients and their families.
What makes Sogroya® different?
Sogroya® is a prescription human growth hormone analog designed to be administered once weekly. The introduction of a weekly schedule is particularly meaningful for pediatric patients and their caregivers, who must integrate treatment into daily life alongside school and activities. Novo Nordisk emphasizes that the therapy aims to maintain steady GH exposure with fewer injections, potentially reducing the treatment burden for families while delivering clinically meaningful outcomes over time.
Clinical foundation and real-world implications
Health Canada approved Sogroya® for children with GHD and adults with AGHD on July 26, 2023. Its efficacy and safety have been studied in pivotal trials, including the REAL 4 pediatric study and the REAL 1 adult study. In REAL 4, once-weekly Sogroya® demonstrated non-inferiority to daily somatropin in achieving height velocity in treatment-naïve children aged 2.5–11 years over 52 weeks. The most common adverse reactions included headaches, injection-site reactions, and metabolic changes, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring—especially for thyroid function and glucose metabolism.
In adults, REAL 1 showed that Sogroya® significantly improved body composition measures, such as reducing truncal fat and increasing lean mass, with benefits persisting through 86 weeks. Importantly, the safety profile was generally comparable to daily GH therapy, reaffirming Sogroya® as a viable option for adults seeking a more convenient dosing regimen.
Statements from Canadian health and patient leaders
Dr. Preetha Krishnamoorthy, a pediatric endocrinologist, highlighted that growth hormone deficiency can impact growth, bone density, and cardiovascular health in children. She noted that having another treatment option, particularly a weekly one, can support safer and more effective management of GHD for young patients and their families.
John Burrows, Vice President of Rare Disease at Novo Nordisk Canada, emphasized that reducing daily injections to a once-weekly dose delivers a meaningful difference for families living with GHD. He stressed the company’s commitment to making medication delivery simpler and more convenient, thereby supporting adherence and overall quality of life.
About GHD and treatment goals
Growth hormone deficiency is a rare condition arising from insufficient GH production by the pituitary gland. Symptoms can vary and may include reduced energy, changes in body composition, and metabolic risks. The standard therapy has long been recombinant human growth hormone, and Sogroya® expands options by offering once-weekly dosing while maintaining effective GH exposure and IGF-I activity. Ongoing follow-up with healthcare providers remains essential to tailor therapy to each patient’s needs.
About Sogroya® and where to learn more
Sogroya® is indicated for long-term treatment in pediatric patients with GHD and adults with AGHD. For more information on Sogroya®, its safety profile, and access considerations in Canada, patients and healthcare professionals can visit the Novo Nordisk Canada website or review the product monograph.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company focused on diabetes care and other serious chronic diseases. With a history spanning nearly a century, the company is committed to pioneering therapies, expanding access, and driving ongoing improvements in care for patients with rare diseases and other conditions.
