Clinical experience with somatrem in growth hormone deficiency.

Three studies of human growth hormone (hGH) in hGH deficiency were initiated. In the first of these, adolescent patients were switched from pituitary hGH to somatrem (SI preparation) for 1 month. No significant differences were noted in any of the clinical parameters measured during treatment with either preparation.

Human growth hormone produced with recombinant DNA technology: development and production.

The molecular basis of recombinant DNA technology is described, and the principles of genetically engineered proteins developed. The production of hGH by such methods utilizes a strain of Escherichia coli as host and a vector plasmid containing the appropriate information. Fermentation and purification of the hGH produced gives a preparation of high purity, containing only 1-2 ppm of E.

Drug use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. A classification system for drug information.

Since 1978 the Swedish catalogue of registered pharmaceutical specialties (FASS) has carried a special section entitled "Pregnancy and breast-feeding" in each product presentation, intended to form an aid for the prescription of drugs to women during childbearing and lactation. After a brief review of transplacental transport and milk secretion, reproduction-toxicology studies in animals, and methods for clinical evaluation of drugs for use during pregnancy, the classification system is presented. On the basis of available data with regard to effects on early and late stages of pregnancy and labour, all the pharmaceutical specialties concerned are assigned to one of the following pregnancy categories: A, B 1, B 2, B 3, C or D.