Comparison
Degarelix vs. Histrelin
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
220810-26-4
Molecular weight
1632.3 g/mol
1323.52 g/mol
Half-life
1320 h
no data
Sequence
Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-3Pal-Ser-4Aph(Hor)-D-4Aph(Cbm)-Leu-Ilys-Pro-D-Ala-NH2no data
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.
Histrelin
Continuous GnRH-agonist stimulation downregulates and desensitises the pituitary GnRH receptors — after the initial rise, LH, FSH and the sex hormones fall persistently.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
0
of which in humans
4
0
Effects recorded
4
2
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Degarelix and Histrelin?
- Degarelix is classified as "Research other", while Histrelin 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. Histrelin: Histrelin is a nonapeptide GnRH agonist delivered as a once-yearly implant. Approved for central precocious puberty in children (Supprelin LA) and advanced prostate cancer (Vantas). This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Degarelix or Histrelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Degarelix and "Human RCT" for Histrelin. 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 Histrelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Degarelix — Prescription, Histrelin — Prescription. United States: Degarelix — Prescription, Histrelin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.