Growth hormone okayed.The Food and Drug Administration last week approved the marketing of a bacterially manufactured human growth hormone human growth hormone (HGH): see growth hormone. . The hormone joins an insulin product as the only U.S.-approved human drugs made by recombinant DNA recombinant DNA n. Genetically engineered DNA prepared by transplanting or splicing one or more segments of DNA into the chromosomes of an organism from a different species. Such DNA becomes part of the host's genetic makeup and is replicated. processes. The approval is timely for the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 U.S. children whose pituitary glands pituitary gland, small oval endocrine gland that lies at the base of the brain. It is sometimes called the master gland of the body because all the other endocrine glands depend on its secretions for stimulation (see endocrine system). do not produce enough of the growth-stimulating hormone. Last April the federal government halted distribution of a cadaver-derived version because three recipients had developed a rare, fatal viral disease. A spokesperson for Genentech, Inc., in South San Francisco South San Francisco, city (1990 pop. 54,312), San Mateo co., W Calif.; inc. 1908. South San Francisco has several industrial parks; its manufactures include medical supplies and equipment, foods, paint, paper products, consumer goods, and clothing. , makers of the newly approved version, says that for ease of marketing and to prevent medically unsubstantiated uses, such as administering the drug to children with normal pituitaries and to athletes, the company is marketing the product only through hospital pharmacies in about 150 medical centers. |
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