Genentech wanted to see if its injectable growth hormone could be taken orally.

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It can be taken orally or applied to the skin.

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The drug is supposed to be taken orally.

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Dr Mundy said this could be because statins are designed to zero in on the liver when taken orally.

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The dose they employed - up to four grams per kilo of bodyweight - was far greater than any that could be achieved using diet or vitamin pills, as the digestive system does not absorb more than a fixed amount taken orally.

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