Comparison
Degarelix vs. Triptorelin
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
57773-63-4
Molecular weight
1632.3 g/mol
1311.45 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-NH2pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2Mechanism 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.
Triptorelin
Triptorelin binds with high affinity to the GnRH receptor in the pituitary. After initial stimulation of LH and FSH secretion (flare phase, about 1-2 weeks), receptor desensitisation follows with consecutive gonadotropin suppression. This results in a reversible chemical castration: in men testosterone, in women oestrogen suppression to the postmenopausal range.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
3
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Degarelix and Triptorelin?
- Degarelix is classified as "Research other", while Triptorelin 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. Triptorelin: Synthetic decapeptide GnRH agonist with increased affinity over native gonadotropin-releasing hormone. FDA- and EMA-approved since the 1980s for prostate cancer, endometriosis and precocious puberty. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Degarelix or Triptorelin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Degarelix and "Human RCT" for Triptorelin. 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 Triptorelin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Degarelix — Prescription, Triptorelin — Prescription. United States: Degarelix — Prescription, Triptorelin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.