Comparison
Degarelix vs. Leuprorelin
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
53714-56-0
Molecular weight
1632.3 g/mol
1209.4 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-NH2Pyr-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEtMechanism 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.
Leuprorelin
Leuprorelin is a GnRH-receptor agonist. After binding to pituitary GnRH receptors, it first causes a transient surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release — the so-called flare. With continuous, non-pulsatile exposure the receptors are downregulated and desensitized, suppressing gonadotropin secretion and consequently lowering sex steroids (testosterone or estradiol) to low levels. This mechanism underlies the literature-described use in hormone-dependent conditions.
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
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Degarelix and Leuprorelin?
- Degarelix is classified as "Research other", while Leuprorelin 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. Leuprorelin: Leuprorelin (also leuprolide) is a synthetic nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH). It is an approved prescription medicine in several jurisdictions, including for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and central precocious puberty. 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, Degarelix or Leuprorelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Degarelix and "Human RCT" for Leuprorelin. 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 Leuprorelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Degarelix — Prescription, Leuprorelin — Prescription. United States: Degarelix — Prescription, Leuprorelin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.