Spotlight on Mammalian Cell-Derived Somatropin in HIV-Associated Wasting

HIV-associated wasting, characterized by progressive loss of lean body mass and bodyweight, remains a significant problem in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Loss of body cell mass, a component of lean body mass, is associated with decreased survival. Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone) derived from mammalian cells (Serostim®) is the only US FDA-approved treatment indicated to increase lean body mass, bodyweight, and physical endurance in HIV-associated wasting.