Octreotide
The original somatostatin analogue, approved since 1988 for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome and VIPoma. Extensively characterised.
Growth Hormone
Lanreotide
An approved depot somatostatin analogue for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours. It suppresses growth hormone rather than raising it.
Overview
Somatostatin is the brake on growth hormone release. Lanreotide is a long-acting synthetic version of it, given as a deep injection roughly once a month. In acromegaly, where a pituitary tumour produces too much growth hormone, it brings GH and IGF-1 back toward normal. It also slows the growth of certain neuroendocrine tumours, which is a separate approved indication based on a randomised trial.
A cyclic octapeptide somatostatin analogue with high affinity for SSTR2 and SSTR5. Formulated as a supersaturated aqueous gel that forms a depot after deep subcutaneous injection, giving a release profile over 28 days or longer. SSTR2 activation on pituitary somatotrophs inhibits GH secretion via Gi-coupled reduction in cAMP and modulation of potassium and calcium channels; the same receptor mediates antiproliferative effects in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, demonstrated in the CLARINET trial. Also inhibits insulin, glucagon and several gastrointestinal hormones.
Research areas
AcromegalyNeuroendocrine tumoursCarcinoid syndrome
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 90 mg by deep subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks, adjusted to 60 or 120 mg based on GH and IGF-1 response | Approved product labelling |
| 120 mg every 28 days in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours | CLARINET, New England Journal of Medicine 2014 |
Trial status
Multiple completed phase 3 trials including CLARINET in neuroendocrine tumours.
Reported safety signals
- Gallstones and biliary sludge are common with long-term somatostatin analogue therapy.
- Can worsen glucose tolerance by suppressing insulin, or occasionally cause hypoglycaemia by suppressing glucagon.
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain and injection-site reactions are frequent.
- Bradycardia and conduction effects have been reported.
Common questions
Is lanreotide a growth hormone booster?
The opposite. It suppresses growth hormone. It is listed under the growth hormone category because it acts on that axis, but its clinical purpose is to lower GH in conditions where too much is being produced.
Primary sources
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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