ESA News

ESA Newsletter: April 2004

Now PBS listed - Somatuline Autogel
Ready to inject for the treatment of acromegaly

For the first time in Australia, a somatostatin analogue is ready to inject in a pre-filled syringe. New Somatuline® Autogel® (lanreotide) is approved for use in the treatment of acromegaly. Somatuline Autogel is indicated for the treatment of acromegaly when the circulating levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 remain abnormal after surgery and/or radiotherapy or in patients who are dopamine agonist treatment refractory.

In clinical trials, Somatuline Autogel has been found to be effective at reducing growth hormone, IGF-1 levels and clinical symptoms, and is well-tolerateded.^1,2

Somatuline Autogel is available in 60 mg, 90 mg and 120 mg formulations for deep subcutaneous administration every 28 days.

With a small injection volume (0.2-0.4ml), Somatuline Autogel is ready to inject and reconstitution is not required. Pharmacokinetic analysis reveals a smooth, sustained release profile, providing therapeutic plasma levels of lanreotide for at least 28 days.³

PBS Information: Authority Required (Section 100). Refer to PBS schedule for full information.

Please review Product Information before prescribing.

References:

1. Caron PH et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metabol 2002: 87: 99–104.
2. Caron PJ. Poster presented at the Endocrine Society’s 84th Annual Meeting, June 2002, San Francisco (data on file, 710, Ipsen Ltd).
3. Australian Product Information: Somatuline Autogel (9 September 2003).

See also: Article in November 2003 Newsletter

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