Dear PES Members,
Earlier this month, I spent several days of my vacation hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park with my husband, as well as one day with some old friends. After driving up the scenic dirt-paved Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Visitor Center, we climbed the steps to 12,005 feet above sea level. The breathlessness was worth the view. Climbing a mountain is a different type of challenge than the ones we face in our daily lives and work. Just remember, like a mountain, our obstacles can be conquered. And consider hanging a photo in your office that serves as a calming presence — for me, it’s a nice nature photo!
Sincerely,
Laurie Cohen, MD
News from the D&T: Drug Shortages
Medication Shortage Alert: Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection:
Update 08/06/2025: As of August, there has been a national shortage of Solu-Cortef. The current reasons are due to Pfizer is experiencing ‘manufacturing delays’. Drug Shortage Detail: Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection; Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate Injection Drug Shortage Notice – Drugs.com
Medication Shortage Alert: Insulin Glargine Injection (Recombinant):
Update 08/06/2025: As of August, there has been a national shortage of Insulin Glargine injection. Biocon attributes the insulin glargine shortage to increased demand following competitor market exits and is currently expanding capacity at its production facility. The company anticipates continued supply interruptions through the remainder of 2025. Lilly reports availability of both Basaglar and Rezvoglar, while Sanofi has not disclosed a reason for the shortage. Winthrop also has insulin glargine injection available. Drug Shortage Detail: Insulin Glargine Injection (Recombinant); Insulin Glargine Injection (Recombinant) Drug Shortage Notice – Drugs.com
Map Spotlight: Ascendis Pharma- lonapegsomatropin-tcgd approved for aGHD
On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; developed as TransCon hGH for the replacement of endogenous growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (aGHD), a rare disorder resulting from loss of growth hormone production(1). Adult GHD can present as persistence of pediatric GHD into adulthood or newly developed during adulthood (2).
Lonapegsomatropin (approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of pediatric GHD) is a prodrug of somatropin (human growth hormone, or hGH) administered once weekly, providing sustained release of active, unmodified somatropin. The FDA’s approval of lonapegsomatropin-tcgd for adult GHD was based on results from foresiGHt, a Phase 3 randomized, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled (double-blind) and active-controlled (open-label) clinical trial that compared the efficacy and safety of weekly TransCon hGH with weekly placebo and daily somatropin in adults with GHD. The trial evaluated 259 adults with GHD aged 23 to 80 years old, randomized 1:1:1, titrated to receive a target fixed dose of TransCon hGH, placebo, or daily hGH based on age and oral estrogen intake with approximately equivalent hGH mg/week for TransCon hGH and daily hGH. TransCon hGH demonstrated superiority on its primary efficacy and key secondary efficacy endpoints at Week 38, with TransCon hGH-treated participants showing a statistically significant reduction from baseline in trunk fat and increase in total body lean mass at Week 38 compared to placebo. In the trial, TransCon hGH was generally safe and well tolerated, with no discontinuations related to study drug and with comparable safety and tolerability to daily hGH treatment.
Adult GHD is a condition in which an individual’s body does not produce enough growth hormone. In adults, growth hormone boosts protein production, promotes fat utilization, enhances muscle mass, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Symptoms and morbidity can include central obesity, metabolic syndrome, decreased bone density, alterations in lipid profile and markers of cardiovascular risk, fatigue, general weakness, lack of muscle tone, and psychological symptoms such as cognitive impairment, social isolation, lack of motivation, and depression.
Product Prescribing Information
Yuen KCJ, et al. Endocr Pract. 2019;25(11): 1191-1232.
Ascendis Pharma is part of the PES Mission Alliance Partnership. This announcement was prepared in compliance with PES guidelines to ensure objective educational content.
Online Education
Ethics & DSD SIG Journal Club – What’s in a Name?
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 I 6:00 PM Eastern
You are invited to join an interactive discussion of a recent commentary published in Nature Reviews Urology titled “Evolving language reflects evolving understanding: updated terms for anatomical description in i/VSC/DSD” (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-025-01035-5).
Part of the discussion will include an opportunity to hear from and dialogue with some of the authors.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the history behind terminology related to differences or variations in sex characteristics
- Appreciate different perspectives on preferred terminology
- Reflect on the ethical implications of careful attention to language
Speakers
- J Whitehead, Lurie Children’s Hospital
- Adam Davies, Northwestern School of Medicine
- Marissa Adams, Independent Researcher
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/2VBeGULQSH2azgz1xe7Jww
2025 Board Review Course Materials Available
The 2025 Board Review Course covers the topics included in the new ABP Pediatric Endocrine Content Outline and is now available for purchase. The Board Review Course took place live in National Harbor, MD May 13-15, 2025. The content was delivered as in-person lectures, followed by a live question and answer session addressing the previous lectures.
If you could not participate in person, no worries, you can now purchase access to the all the course materials:
- Access to video files that capture the audio recordings of lectures, synchronized to the images of the slides presented.
- Full color pdf of all slides plus and any supplemental information from speakers that was not covered during the presentation.
You can watch the videos on your own time – and as many times as you need.
See webpage for more information and link to purchase
Industry Sponsored Symposium: A New Treatment Era for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Androgen Management and Glucocorticoid Dose Reduction in Clinical Practice
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 I 12:00 – 1:00 PM Mountain
Sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences
This interactive, case-based presentation will provide an in-depth look at clinical data for a newly approved, non-glucocorticoid treatment for classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and will feature a clinical conversation about how to reduce glucocorticoids and manage androgens in real-world clinical practice. It will also provide a refresher on CAH pathophysiology and the impact of high androgens and chronic high dose glucocorticoid treatment in pediatric patients with CAH.
Learning Objectives:
This interactive, case-based presentation will provide an in-depth look at clinical data for a newly approved, non-glucocorticoid treatment for classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and will feature a clinical conversation about how to reduce glucocorticoids and manage androgens in real-world clinical practice. It will also provide a refresher on CAH pathophysiology and the impact of high androgens and chronic high dose glucocorticoid treatment in pediatric patients with CAH.
Speaker: Natalie Nokoff, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Industry Sponsored Symposium: Managing Achondroplasia Together: Physician and Caregiver Perspectives
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 I 7:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern
Sponsored by BioMarin
Learn about the underlying cause of Learn about the underlying cause of inhibited bone growth in achondroplasia and explore management options with a clinical expert. Hear from a caregiver as they share their experiences and perspectives navigating achondroplasia.
Speaker: Pedro A. Sanchez, MD, FAAP, FACMG, Director of Pediatric Medical Genetics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Register here: https://pages.bmrn.com/WB-25-10-07-CMP-12644-ACH-HCP-ManagingACH_Register.html
Accepting Nominations for 2026 Laureate Awards & Lectures
Recognize excellence in Pedsendo! Nominate a colleague today.
Deadline: October 10, 2025 @ 5:00 PM Eastern
Laureate Awards:
- Judson J. Van Wyk Prize
- New Investigator Award
- Clinician Award
- Educator Award
- Senior Researcher Award
- Outstanding PES Mentor Award
Lectures:
- The Del and Beverly Fisher Pediatric Endocrinology History Lectureship (offered even years)
- Paul Kaplowitz, MD Endowed Lectureship
All nominations must be submitted through the online application linked on each award and lecture page. Be sure to review the required nomination materials before starting your application.
Visit the website for more information and nomination applications: Awards, Grants & Lectureships – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Fellow Spotlight: Bassem Shoucri, MD, PhD
Meet Bassem: August Fellow Spotlight – Bassem Shoucri, MD, PhD – Pediatric Endocrine Society
APP Spotlight: Nichole Towns, MSN, CPNP
Meet Nichole: August APP Spotlight – Nichole Towns, MSN, CPNP – Pediatric Endocrine Society
Podcast Club: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 I 8:00 PM Eastern
We’re excited to announce that we will be discussing The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and its related podcast. How one woman, without her knowing, may have saved us all. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Join us for robust discussion: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/fyPzlN_JSh-h1ydgUzTuaw
Health Systems Disparity Spotlight: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Submitted by Jennifer Raymond
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a vital reminder of the mental health challenges faced by youth living with chronic diseases, including endocrine disorders, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions not only affect physical health, but they also increase vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Learn more: Health Systems Disparity Initiative – Pediatric Endocrine Society