ABSTRACT
Description: Pegvisomant, the active ingredient of Somavert, is a PEGylated recombinant analogue of human growth hormone (hGH). It has been engineered to introduce nine mutations into the hGH amino acid sequence. This analogue binds to the hGH cell surface receptor but does not trigger an intracellular response. As such, it effectively acts in an antagonistic fashion, reducing the effects of endogenous hGH. The molecule is PEGylated in υitro in order to increase its serum half-life. It is generally presented in lyophilized form, to be reconstituted prior to subcutaneous use.
