Novo Nordisk's Norditropin NordiFlex (somatropin [rDNA origin] injection) 5 mg and 10 mg, the only pre-filled, multi-dose, disposable growth hormone pen, can now be kept unrefrigerated after initial use. The US FDA approved storage flexibility guideline is designed to improve patient adherence. The company also added the 10 mg pen to its popular line of Norditropin NordiFlex 5 mg and 15 mg pens, further simplifying treatment with dose increments of 0.05 mg.

According to a company release, for the first time in the United States, patients taking Norditropin NordiFlex in the 5 mg pen or the newly available 10 mg pen have the option to safely store their growth hormone pens at room temperature (up to 77°F) for three weeks after initial use or in the refrigerator (between 36°F-46°F) for use within four weeks. Previously, all growth hormone pens had to be stored in the refrigerator after initial use. These storage flexibility guidelines also apply to the Norditropin cartridge 5 mg/1.5 ml. Norditropin NordiFlex 15 mg delivery pen must still be refrigerated both prior to and after the initial injection.

"Between schools, chores, extracurricular activities and errands, today's kids are leading busy and active lifestyles, without easy access to refrigeration. These new storage flexibility guidelines empower patients and parents to safely take Norditropin NordiFlex, a growth hormone treatment known for its ease of operation, with them on the journey of life, whether at home or on the way to a soccer field. I expect patients and parents to find this a welcome and convenient option," said Rosemary Scales, paediatric endocrinology nurse, University of Utah, Utah Diabetes Centre.

In addition to the new storage convenience, Norditropin NordiFlex is easy to use, has flexible settings and is disposable.

An estimated 50,000 people in the United States have growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone treatment helps children grow to normal height, ensures strong,

Norditropin cartridges from Novo Nordisk contain growth hormone that has been biosynthetically produced to be as close as possible to the growth hormone the body makes naturally.

Norditropin NordiFlex is indicated for the long-term treatment of children with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone and adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHDA). Norditropin NordiFlex was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2004.

Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company that has a leading position in diabetes care, haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy, and hormone therapy for women.