LG Chem has introduced a new growth hormone product in a pen injector format designed to improve dosing convenience. A key feature is that it is designed to enable self-administration by the child receiving treatment. By offering an easy-to-use reusable injection device, the company aims to expand treatment accessibility and options.

LG Chem announced on the 21st that it is launching and beginning full-scale sales of its first Utrofin brand growth hormone injection cartridge replacement product set, “Utrofin Eco Pen 48 (Eco Pen),” along with the dedicated injection solution “Utrofin Cartridge Inj. 48 IU.”

Unlike the existing integrated cartridge product “Utrofin S Pen Inj.,” the Eco Pen uses a method in which the user inserts the dedicated cartridge, Utrofin Cartridge Inj. 48 IU, into the injector. It is characterized by a replaceable design that allows the pen device to be used multiple times.

LG Chem analyzed that the device used during injection plays a critical role in reducing patients’ psychological and physical burden. Reflecting this, the company partnered with Swiss firm Ypsomed, a leading player in the drug delivery device field, to upgrade its pen injector. The new Eco Pen injector employs a spring-driven, semi-automatic injection mechanism rather than relying on hand pressure, which the company explained enables more comfortable dosing than before. The 48 IU cartridge compatible with the Eco Pen offers the largest capacity among growth hormone products sold in Korea. An LG Chem official stated, “Even with a child’s small hands, self-injection is easily possible using spring tension rather than pressing force,” adding, “We also fixed the injection button stroke at 3 mm regardless of dose, so that low injection pressure is consistently maintained.” In the case of growth hormone therapy, caregivers typically assist with administration, but as they become accustomed to the treatment, children sometimes inject themselves.

The main materials used in the product are metal rather than plastic, taking durability into account. For the final dose from a cartridge, a remaining-volume matching function has been applied so that the injection dose cannot be set higher than the remaining amount. In addition, features such as an audible winding sound during injection and real-time remaining volume checks have been added so that users can intuitively verify the dosing process.

Kim Sung-ho, head of LG Chem’s Specialty Care Business Division, said, “As the No. 1 growth hormone brand, we have been conducting a large-scale, long-term Utrofin observational study in Korean pediatric patients since 2012 to build strong trust with customers,” and added, “We will systematically establish real-world treatment data, present optimal treatment options, and create an easier and more convenient injection environment to serve as a reliable pillar of support for the growth treatment of children with short stature.”

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