Growth hormone receptor antagonists therapy for acromegaly

Knowledge of the interaction between growth hormone (GH) and the growth hormone receptor (GHR) has led to the rational design of a GHR antagonist. An analogue of GH able to block the action of GH at the cellular level offers greater specificity of effect compared with current medical therapies and is not dependent on tumour characteristics. This chapter reviews the interaction between GH and the GHR, and discusses the outstanding issues regarding GHR antagonist therapy in acromegaly.