Genentech Inc. and Alkermes Inc. announced their decision to discontinue commercialization of Nutropin Depot (somatropin [rDNA origin] for injectable suspension). The decision is based on the significant resources required by both companies to continue manufacturing and commercializing the product.

Nutropin Depot, approved in 1999 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for growth hormone deficiency in pediatric patients, is a long-acting form of Genentech's human growth hormone using Alkermes' ProLease injectable extended-release drug delivery system. Alkermes performs the manufacturing operations that convert Genentech's bulk product somatropin (somatropin [rDNA origin] for injection) into the long-acting dosage form. Genentech markets the product as Nutropin Depot in the United States.

"We are committed to patients who require growth hormone therapy and will continue to provide options through our current Nutropin line," commented Susan Hellmann, president, Product Development at Genentech.

Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercialises biotherapeutics for significant unmet medical needs. 18 of the currently approved biotechnology products are based on Genentech science.

Alkermes, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that develops products based on sophisticated drug delivery technologies to enhance therapeutic outcomes in major diseases. The company's lead commercial product, Risperdal Consta [(risperidone) long-acting injection], is the first and only long-acting typical antipsychotic medication approved for use in schizophrenia.