Comparison
Degarelix vs. LL-37
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
597562-32-8
Molecular weight
1632.3 g/mol
4493.33 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-NH2LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTESMechanism 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.
LL-37
LL-37 is a cationic, amphipathic helical peptide and the only member of the cathelicidin family in humans. It is generated by proteolytic cleavage from the C-terminal portion of the precursor protein hCAP18 (CAP-18). Mechanistically it associates with and can permeabilize microbial membranes; in addition it modulates immune cells, influences cytokine release, exerts chemotactic activity, and can bind extracellular self-DNA. Preclinical models have described both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects, depending on concentration and tissue context.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
1
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
0
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Degarelix and LL-37?
- Degarelix is classified as "Research other", while LL-37 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. LL-37: LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin, a 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide generated by cleavage of the precursor protein hCAP18. In research it plays a central role in innate immune defence and wound healing, yet acts in a context-dependent manner as both anti- and pro-inflammatory and has been linked to autoimmune processes. LL-37 is not an approved drug; the evidence base is predominantly basic and preclinical. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Degarelix or LL-37?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Degarelix and "Human trial" for LL-37. 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 LL-37 in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Degarelix — Prescription, LL-37 — Research only. United States: Degarelix — Prescription, LL-37 — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.