Somapacitan vs Norditropin for Growth Disorders
(REAL 8 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares two treatments for children with growth disorders, including those born small or with conditions like Turner Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, or idiopathic short stature. It evaluates how a new medicine, somapacitan (a growth hormone therapy), compares to Norditropin®, a treatment some doctors already prescribe. Participants will receive either somapacitan weekly for up to 5.5 years or Norditropin® daily for one year, followed by somapacitan weekly for up to 4.5 years. The trial seeks children who haven't received growth treatments before and have significant growth challenges, such as being notably shorter than peers. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop all current medications. However, you cannot have had prior growth-promoting therapy, and certain medications affecting growth, like systemic corticosteroids or treatments for ADHD, are not allowed. Thyroid hormone therapy must be stable for 90 days if applicable.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you are taking treatments that affect growth, like certain ADHD medications, or if you are on sex hormones or aromatase inhibitors.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that somapacitan is generally well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to other treatments and no major safety issues identified. It is already approved for some patients with growth hormone deficiency, indicating its safety for similar conditions.
Doctors have prescribed Norditropin® for a long time, and it has a well-known safety record, demonstrating its safe use in many patients.
Both treatments in this trial have supporting safety data. Although somapacitan is newer, studies confirm its safety. Norditropin® is already trusted by doctors. Participants can feel confident about the safety of these treatments based on existing research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about Somapacitan for growth disorders because it offers a new approach to treatment with its long-acting formulation. Unlike the standard daily injections of growth hormone treatments like Norditropin®, Somapacitan is designed for less frequent dosing, potentially improving convenience and adherence for patients. Additionally, this treatment maintains effective hormone levels over a longer period, which could enhance overall outcomes and quality of life for those with growth disorders.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for growth disorders?
This trial will compare Somapacitan with Norditropin® for growth disorders. Research has shown that Somapacitan holds promise for aiding children's growth. In earlier studies, children who took Somapacitan grew about 3.4 inches per year on average, similar to the growth seen with daily treatments like Norditropin®. Another study found that Somapacitan matched Norditropin® in boosting growth rates. Norditropin® is already a trusted treatment for growth disorders, and Somapacitan offers a once-a-week option, which might be easier to manage. Both treatments have proven effective in supporting growth in children with conditions like Turner Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, or idiopathic short stature.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Clinical Transparency dept. 2834
Principal Investigator
Novo Nordisk A/S
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children who were born small and remain small, or have Turner Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, or idiopathic short stature. They must not have had growth-promoting therapy before and meet specific criteria related to age, puberty status, BMI, and height. Children with certain medical conditions or on conflicting medications are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either Somapacitan once a week for up to 5.5 years or Norditropin® once a day for 1 year followed by Somapacitan once a week for up to 4.5 years
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Extension
Participants in the Norditropin® group transition to Somapacitan for an additional 221 weeks
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Norditropin®
- Somapacitan
Norditropin® is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH)
- Short stature associated with Noonan syndrome
- Short stature associated with Turner syndrome
- Short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 to 4 years
- Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS)
- Growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)
- Replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
- Pediatric patients with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH)
- Short stature associated with Noonan syndrome
- Short stature associated with Turner syndrome
- Short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 to 4 years
- Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS)
- Growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)
- Replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Novo Nordisk A/S
Lead Sponsor
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen
Novo Nordisk A/S
Chief Executive Officer since 2017
MSc in Finance and Business Administration, Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University, Denmark
Martin Holst Lange
Novo Nordisk A/S
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from University of Copenhagen