Growth Hormone Injection Pen
One 'Genotropin' injection pen, model 'Pen 16' in case, by Pharmacia & Upjohn Limited, United Kingdom, 1990-1995. Supplied with five of 16 demonstration Genotropin injection cartridges, by Pharmacia Biotech, Sweden, 1990-1995.
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Children with growth disorders or adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can be injected with a growth hormone using this pen. The case contains the Genotropin ‘Pen 16' injection pen. It also has space to carry a cartridge containing Genotropin, a protein-based polypeptide hormone. This can stimulate growth and cell reproduction and regeneration. The cartridge has two chambers. White powder is in the front compartment and a clear solution is in the rear compartment. The two are mixed for injection.
The pen was manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn Limited in the UK. The injection cartridges were made in Sweden by Pharmacia Biotech. Dosage varies depending on the reason for the growth disturbance. GHD and shortness of height in children are usually due to Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency or a condition referred to as ‘small for gestational age’ (SGA). However, some have promoted this hormone as an anti-aging agent or to enhance athletic performance. These uses are controversial.
- Measurements:
-
overall: 10 mm x 115 mm x 100 mm, .05kg
- Materials:
- paper (fibre product) , plastic (unidentified) and electronic components
- Object Number:
- 2000-290/1
- type:
- injection pen
- Image ©
- The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
