Comparison
Degarelix vs. Desmopressin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
214766-78-6
16679-58-6
Molecular weight
1632.3 g/mol
1069.2 g/mol
Half-life
1320 h
3 h
Sequence
Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-3Pal-Ser-4Aph(Hor)-D-4Aph(Cbm)-Leu-Ilys-Pro-D-Ala-NH2Mpa-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-D-Arg-Gly-NH2 (Disulfid 1-6)Mechanism of action
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.
Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a structurally modified analogue of the nine-residue peptide hormone vasopressin. Deamination at the N-terminus (1-deamino) and replacement of L-arginine by D-arginine at position 8 prolong the duration of action and render the compound largely selective for the vasopressin V2 receptor, while the V1-mediated vasoconstrictive effect is strongly reduced. Acting on V2 receptors in the renal collecting ducts, it promotes insertion of aquaporin-2 water channels into the apical membrane, increasing water reabsorption and reducing urine volume (antidiuretic effect). In addition, via V2 receptors on the vascular endothelium, desmopressin stimulates the release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial stores (Weibel-Palade bodies), improving primary haemostasis.
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 Degarelix and Desmopressin?
- Degarelix is classified as "Research other", while Desmopressin is classified as "Research other". 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. Desmopressin: Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous hormone vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH). Deamination of the first amino acid and substitution of L-arginine with D-arginine give it selective activity at the V2 receptor with strongly reduced pressor (V1) activity. It has been approved for decades for indications including central diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, and bleeding tendency in von Willebrand disease type 1 and mild haemophilia A. The principal safety concern is hyponatremia or water intoxication. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Degarelix or Desmopressin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Degarelix and "Human RCT" for Desmopressin. 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 Degarelix and Desmopressin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Degarelix — Prescription, Desmopressin — Prescription. United States: Degarelix — Prescription, Desmopressin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.