{"id":6366,"date":"2026-08-04T06:57:05","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T06:57:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hcp.biomarin.com\/en-us\/voxzogo\/?page_id=6366"},"modified":"2026-08-27T09:14:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T09:14:37","slug":"understanding-ach","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hcp.biomarin.com\/en-us\/voxzogo\/understanding-ach\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding ACH"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In achondroplasia, endochondral bone growth is inhibited throughout the body1-4<\/sup><\/h1>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Endochondral bone growth, in which cartilage is replaced by bone at open growth plates, requires a balance of cell signals\u2014CNP (which promotes bone growth) and FGFR3 (which slows bone growth).1,3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Endochondral bones make up >90% of the bones in the body4-13<\/sup><\/h2>\n

Overactive FGFR3 signaling<\/strong> relative to CNP signaling<\/strong> in growth plate cells is the underlying cause of inhibited bone growth in achondroplasia. Endogenous CNP levels cannot adequately regulate overactive FGFR3 signals.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Learn more about inhibited bone growth and the impact of timely care in achondroplasia.1,2<\/sup><\/p>\n \n

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CNP,<\/strong> C-type natriuretic peptide; FGFR3,<\/strong> fibroblast growth factor receptor 3.<\/small><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Achondroplasia is associated with potential multisystemic skeletal complications26<\/sup><\/span><\/h2>\n

Many complications are more common in the first 2 years of life<\/strong>.2,26-28<\/sup><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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VOXZOGO has been approved to increase linear growth in children with achondroplasia and open growth plates.29<\/sup> Proactive and multidisciplinary care can help inform management and treatment approaches, which are important for multisystemic complications.2,30<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Inhibited bone growth throughout the body can lead to reduced and disproportionate growth1-4,27<\/sup><\/h2>\n

Disproportionate growth (differences in body proportions) is a characteristic feature of achondroplasia associated with reduced mobility, pain, and dependence on devices and caregiver assistance.27,31<\/sup><\/p>\n

Achondroplasia affects how body proportions change over time,<\/strong> which is commonly measured by arm span, arm span-to-height ratio, and upper-to-lower body segment ratio.31-34<\/sup><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Arm span in adults with achondroplasia is ~<\/sup>35% shorter than average stature31<\/sup><\/h2>\n

Arm span-to-height ratio:<\/strong> Arm span divided by standing height34<\/sup><\/p>\n