LG Life Sciences completes overseas growth hormone clinical tests

By Nam Kwang-sik
SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- LG Life Sciences Ltd., a South Korean pharmaceutical
manufacturer, said Thursday it has successfully completed overseas clinical
tests of a growth hormone for adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
The tests of 152 GHD patients in the United States and Europe showed that
LB03002, a sustained-release recombinant human growth hormone, is effective in
GHD treatment, the company said.
LBO3002, developed by LG Life Sciences in 2001, dissolves through the bloodstream
and requires injection once per week, unlike current daily therapies.
The South Korean company gave its Swiss business partner, Biopartners, a license
to further develop the hormone and tap the European and African markets.
LG Life said that it plans to seek approval for the sale of the new growth
hormone from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the near future.
In addition, LG Life has been conducting clinical tests of another growth
hormone for GHD children, it said.
The company said it aims to post 150 billion won (US$120 million) in annual
sales of LB03002 by securing 10 percent of the U.S. market, where there are over
35,000 GHD patients.
ksnam@yna.co.kr
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