Accretropin™ (recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH); somatropin) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is produced during fermentation in E. coli yielding a protein containing 192 amino acids. The N-terminal amino acid, methionine, is later removed to yield a protein that is chemically and physicochemically identical to pituitary derived human growth hormone, consisting of 191 amino acids in a single polypeptide chain.

Accretropin™ (somatropin injection) is distributed in a liquid solution containing 1 mL of a 5 mg/mL solution of growth hormone (15 IU/mL). The formulation also contains 0.75% NaCl, 0.34% Phenol (as preservative), 0.2% Pluronic F-68 (a non-ionic surfactant) and is designed for subcutaneous administration. Accretropin™ (somatropin injection) is stabilized to pH 6.0 with 10 mM NaPO₄ buffer.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/8/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.