Comparison
Calcitonin (Lachs) vs. Degarelix
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
47931-85-1
214766-78-6
Molecular weight
3431.85 g/mol
1632.3 g/mol
Half-life
1 h
1320 h
Sequence
Cys-Ser-Asn-Leu-Ser-Thr-Cys-Val-Leu-Gly-Lys-Leu-Ser-Gln-Glu-Leu-His-Lys-Leu-Gln-Thr-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Thr-Asn-Thr-Gly-Ser-Gly-Thr-Pro-NH2Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-3Pal-Ser-4Aph(Hor)-D-4Aph(Cbm)-Leu-Ilys-Pro-D-Ala-NH2Mechanism of action
Calcitonin (Lachs)
Salmon calcitonin binds the calcitonin receptor, which is particularly densely expressed on bone-resorbing osteoclasts. The literature describes that receptor activation inhibits osteoclast activity and motility, thereby reducing bone resorption. This results in reduced release of calcium and phosphate from bone into the blood, which is regarded as the mechanistic basis for the calcium-lowering effect. The salmon variant binds the receptor more strongly and for longer than human calcitonin, which explains its higher potency. Central nervous system mechanisms are additionally discussed in relation to its pain effect in fractures, the basis of which is regarded in the literature as not fully elucidated.
Degarelix
Degarelix is a competitive GnRH receptor antagonist. It binds reversibly and immediately to the pituitary GnRH receptors and blocks their activation. This rapidly suppresses the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn lowers testosterone production in the testes. Unlike GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprorelin), which first cause a transient stimulation with a testosterone surge (flare), this direct antagonism lacks the initial stimulation phase, so testosterone declines without a preceding rise. This mechanism underlies the literature-described use in hormone-dependent prostate cancer.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Calcitonin (Lachs) and Degarelix?
- Calcitonin (Lachs) is classified as "Research other", while Degarelix is classified as "Research other". Calcitonin (Lachs): Salmon calcitonin is a synthetically produced 32-amino-acid peptide hormone that corresponds to the body's own calcitonin but exhibits higher biological potency than the human hormone. In the scientific literature it is studied in the context of inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and lowering elevated calcium levels. It was historically broadly approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; following European safety reviews, however, its use was restricted. Degarelix: Degarelix (trade name Firmagon) is a synthetic decapeptide and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Unlike GnRH agonists, it blocks the receptor directly and does not trigger an initial testosterone surge (flare). It is an approved prescription medicine for the treatment of advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer. This page neutrally summarizes the evidence base and legal status and is not a usage or dosing recommendation. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Calcitonin (Lachs) or Degarelix?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Calcitonin (Lachs) and "Human RCT" for Degarelix. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Calcitonin (Lachs) and Degarelix in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Calcitonin (Lachs) — Prescription, Degarelix — Prescription. United States: Calcitonin (Lachs) — Prescription, Degarelix — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.