An early GnRH antagonist for prostate cancer, later withdrawn in the US.
Also known as: Plenaxis · GnRH antagonist
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Abarelix is a synthetic decapeptide GnRH antagonist developed for advanced prostate cancer. It was introduced in the United States in 2003 but discontinued there in 2005, while remaining available in some European markets. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic decapeptide analog of GnRH
Primary research or clinical context: GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer; introduced in the US in 2003 but discontinued there in 2005, and remains available in some European markets
Regulatory history
Abarelix illustrates that even approved peptides can be withdrawn from a market. In the US it was discontinued in 2005 amid commercial factors and reports of allergic reactions, while it continued to be marketed in some European countries.
Mechanism
As a GnRH antagonist, abarelix produces immediate suppression of luteinizing hormone and testosterone without the testosterone flare seen early in agonist therapy. This was a key rationale for antagonist development in prostate cancer.
FAQ about Abarelix
What is Abarelix?+
Abarelix is a synthetic decapeptide GnRH antagonist developed for advanced prostate cancer. It was introduced in the United States in 2003 but discontinued there in 2005, while remaining available in some European markets. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Is Abarelix an approved medicine?+
Abarelix is discussed here as a research / educational topic. GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer; introduced in the US in 2003 but discontinued there in 2005, and remains available in some European markets. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Abarelix?+
Abarelix is commonly described as approximately 10 amino acids (GnRH antagonist (decapeptide analog)).