Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
Eight residues that do the job of a 14-residue hormone for a month: a D-naphthylalanine, a D-tryptophan and a disulfide ring make lanreotide last, and a self-assembling gel makes it a depot.
Also known as: Somatuline · Somatuline Autogel · Somatuline Depot · angiopeptin · BIM-23014
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Lanreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin (D-Nal-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2, disulfide-bridged) that binds somatostatin receptors, especially sst2 and sst5, to suppress growth hormone and gut hormones. Approved by the FDA and EMA for acromegaly and for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, it is given as a deep subcutaneous gel depot every four weeks; in the CLARINET trial it significantly prolonged progression-free survival versus placebo.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic octapeptide analog of somatostatin
Primary research or clinical context: Approved (FDA and EMA) for acromegaly and for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours; prescription depot injection
What lanreotide is
Lanreotide is a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, the 14-residue hypothalamic and gut hormone that switches off growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, insulin, glucagon and a range of gut peptides. Native somatostatin lasts only minutes in blood; lanreotide compresses its receptor-binding turn into eight residues, stabilises it with two D-amino acids and a disulfide ring, and is formulated as a supersaturated gel that self-assembles under the skin and releases peptide for a month. It is an approved prescription medicine — Somatuline Autogel in Europe, Somatuline Depot in the United States — for acromegaly and for neuroendocrine tumours of the gut and pancreas.
Sequence and engineering
The selected reference backbone is XCYWKVCT: X1 represents D-2-naphthylalanine, rather than alanine. Position 4 is D-tryptophan, cysteines 2 and 7 are joined by a disulfide bond, and the C-terminal threonine is amidated. Formula C54H69N11O10S2, average mass about 1,096 Da. The Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr sequence at the heart of somatostatin's receptor-binding β-turn is preserved as Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr within the ring. Castinetti et al. (Advances in Therapy 2009) describe the result as an eight-amino-acid peptide with high binding affinity for sst2 and sst5, the receptor subtypes through which growth hormone secretion and pituitary cell proliferation are suppressed.
Mechanism
Somatostatin receptors are inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, pancreatic islet cells, gut endocrine cells and many neuroendocrine tumour cells. By activating sst2 and sst5, lanreotide reduces growth hormone and IGF-1 in acromegaly, suppresses the hormone hypersecretion that causes carcinoid syndrome, and — the finding that changed its use — exerts an antiproliferative effect on tumour cells expressing the receptors. Its side-effect profile follows the same receptors: suppressed gallbladder contractility and bile production lead to gallstones, and reduced insulin and glucagon can disturb glucose control (LiverTox; Godara et al., Expert Opinion on Drug Safety 2019).
Formulations and pharmacokinetics
Two formulations exist. Lanreotide slow-release is an intramuscular microparticle injection given every 7 to 14 days; lanreotide Autogel (Depot) is a viscous aqueous gel of the peptide itself, injected deep subcutaneously every four weeks — every four to eight weeks in some acromegaly regimens — from which the peptide dissolves slowly (Castinetti et al. 2009). The gel needs no polymer carrier because lanreotide self-assembles into nanotubes at high concentration. The month-long dosing interval is the practical advantage over short-acting octreotide, which needs several injections a day, and is comparable to octreotide's own long-acting depot.
Clinical evidence: acromegaly
In acromegaly, lanreotide lowers growth hormone and IGF-1 and is used where surgery has not been curative or is not possible; the 2009 review summarises the studies supporting both formulations and the shift toward the four-weekly gel (Castinetti et al., Advances in Therapy 2009). It sits alongside octreotide as a first-line medical therapy and alongside pasireotide, a later analogue with a broader receptor profile, for resistant disease. The octreotide and pasireotide profiles cover the rest of the family.
Clinical evidence: CLARINET and neuroendocrine tumours
The CLARINET trial (Caplin et al., New England Journal of Medicine 2014) randomised 204 patients with advanced, well- or moderately differentiated, non-functioning, somatostatin-receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (Ki-67 under 10%) to lanreotide Autogel 120 mg or placebo every 28 days for 96 weeks; lanreotide significantly prolonged progression-free survival, establishing an antitumour effect beyond symptom control and leading to the FDA and EMA approvals for this indication. In the open-label extension (Caplin et al., Endocrine 2021), 89 patients continued; those treated with lanreotide throughout had a median exposure of 59 months and a median progression-free survival of 38.5 months, with adverse-event rates lower in the extension than in the core study.
| Study | Population | Regimen | Key result |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARINET (2014) | 204 patients, GEP-NET, Ki-67 < 10% | Lanreotide 120 mg vs placebo q28d, 96 weeks | Progression-free survival significantly prolonged |
| CLARINET OLE (2021) | 89 patients continued | Lanreotide 120 mg q28d, median 59 months' exposure | Median PFS 38.5 months (lanreotide throughout) |
Side effects
Lanreotide is generally well tolerated with low discontinuation rates (Godara et al. 2019). The predictable effects are gastrointestinal — diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea — plus gallstones and biliary sludge from suppressed gallbladder motility, changes in blood glucose in either direction, injection-site reactions, and bradycardia. LiverTox lists cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and accompanying liver injury as maintenance-therapy risks. Prescribing information addresses monitoring; this profile does not.
Lanreotide vs octreotide
Both are eight-residue somatostatin analogues with the same receptor preference and the same indications. Octreotide came first (1988) and exists as a short-acting injection and a monthly microsphere depot; lanreotide's distinguishing feature is the polymer-free self-assembling gel, which can be given by a deep subcutaneous route and, in some patients, by extended intervals. Head-to-head efficacy in acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours is broadly similar, and choice usually turns on formulation, interval and local availability. As of September 2026, 117 trials list lanreotide as an intervention, including combination studies with targeted agents and a completed phase 3 in polycystic kidney disease.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Lanreotide cyclic parent peptide amide. Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
XCYWKVCT
X1 is D-2-naphthylalanine; W4 is D-Trp; Cys2-Cys7 disulfide; Thr8 amidation.. X marks a noncanonical residue; see the expanded sequence and reference chemistry below.
Analyze sequences in the playground →Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
The selected parent has D-2Nal1, D-Trp4, a Cys2-Cys7 disulfide and Thr8 amidation. Official label mass1096.34 Da is for the base, excluding acetate. The old CID has no stereochemical layer.
- Molecular form
- Lanreotide cyclic parent peptide amide
- Species
- Synthetic somatostatin analogue; no natural source species applies
- Termini (N / C)
- Free D-2-naphthylalanyl amino terminus / L-threoninamide (Thr8-NH2)
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- PubChem PUG REST selected parent properties · 2026-10-05
- PubChem selected-parent biologic notation · 2026-10-05
- PubChem selected-parent identifiers with depositor attribution · 2026-10-05
- NIH GSRS independently selected parent record · 2026-10-05
- Official product label chemical description, selected parent distinguished from formulation · 2026-10-05
H-D-2Nal-Cys(1)-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys(1)-Thr-NH2
- Molecular formula
- C54H69N11O10S2
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,096.3
- Plasma half-life
- Long enough for four-weekly dosing as the Autogel/Depot formulation (slow-release intramuscular form every 7–14 days); native somatostatin lasts minutes
- Receptors
- Somatostatin receptors, with highest affinity for sst2 and sst5; suppresses growth hormone, TSH, insulin, glucagon and other gut peptides
- Backbone
- Lanreotide cyclic parent peptide amide
- C-terminus
- L-threoninamide (Thr8-NH2)
- Status
- Approved (FDA, EMA): acromegaly; gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours; carcinoid-syndrome symptom control in some markets
- PubChem CID: 6918011
- CAS RN: 108736-35-2
- UNII: 0G3DE8943Y
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 118 registered studies with “Lanreotide” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07842172 | Somatostatin Analogues vs. Observation After Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) in Nonfunctional Neu | Phase 3 | not yet recruiting | 2026-09-25 |
| NCT06878664 | Randomized Interval Assessment Trial of Lu177-Dotatate in Slowly Progressive G1-2 Advanced Midgut Neuroendocri | Phase 3 | recruiting | 2026-09-16 |
| NCT07087054 | Carcinoid Syndrome Efficacy Study Featuring an Oral Daily Paltusotine Regimen | Phase 3 | recruiting | 2026-09-15 |
| NCT05050942 | A Trial to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Octreotide Subcutaneous Depot in Patients With GEP-NET | Phase 3 | active not recruiting | 2026-07-28 |
| NCT07534371 | Analysis of Optimal Treatment Sequencing of Surufatinib and Somatostatin Analogs in Neuroendocrine Tumors: A R | — | active not recruiting | 2026-04-16 |
| NCT05048901 | Cabozantinib and Lanreotide as Treatment for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors | Phase 2 | recruiting | 2026-04-09 |
Lanreotide — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Lanreotide cyclic parent peptide amideAverage reference mass: 1,096.34 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
Change log
Dated observations from the data pipeline (registry flags, trial footprints, identifiers) and editorial reviews of this profile.
- Trials1 registered study added on ClinicalTrials.gov (now 118).
- EditorialProfile content reviewed and updated by the editorial team.
FAQ about Lanreotide
What is Lanreotide?+
Lanreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin (D-Nal-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2, disulfide-bridged) that binds somatostatin receptors, especially sst2 and sst5, to suppress growth hormone and gut hormones. Approved by the FDA and EMA for acromegaly and for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, it is given as a deep subcutaneous gel depot every four weeks; in the CLARINET trial it significantly prolonged progression-free survival versus placebo.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Lanreotide?+
Canadian product status for Lanreotide has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the length of the selected reference form for Lanreotide?+
The selected reference form (Lanreotide cyclic parent peptide amide) has 8 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
What is lanreotide?+
A synthetic cyclic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin that activates sst2 and sst5 receptors, approved for acromegaly and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours as a monthly gel depot (Somatuline).
How does lanreotide work?+
It mimics somatostatin at inhibitory receptors on pituitary, gut and tumour cells, suppressing growth hormone, IGF-1 and gut hormones and slowing tumour growth in receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumours.
What did the CLARINET trial show?+
In 204 patients with advanced GEP-NETs, lanreotide 120 mg every 28 days significantly prolonged progression-free survival versus placebo over 96 weeks; median PFS with continued treatment was 38.5 months in the extension.
What are the side effects of lanreotide?+
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, gallstones and biliary sludge, blood-glucose changes, injection-site reactions and bradycardia; discontinuation for toxicity is uncommon.
Lanreotide vs octreotide — what is the difference?+
Both are somatostatin octapeptides with similar efficacy. Lanreotide is a polymer-free self-assembling gel given deep subcutaneously every four weeks; octreotide has a short-acting form and a monthly microsphere depot.
What is the sequence of lanreotide?+
D-Nal-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH2 with a Cys2–Cys7 disulfide; formula C54H69N11O10S2, mass about 1,096 Da.
Further reading
- PK conceptsWhy Peptides Have Short Half-Lives (And How Engineers Fix It)Proteases, renal clearance, DPP-4, PEGylation, lipidation, cyclization—educational guide to peptide pharmacokinetics concepts.
- PharmacologyGLP-1 and Incretin Peptide Half-Lives Compared: From 2 Minutes to 8 DaysA sourced table of the plasma half-lives of native GLP-1, exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, cagrilintide and the newer co-agonists — and the three engineering strategies (DPP-4 resistance, albumin binding, Fc fusion) that stretch minutes into a week.
- FoundationsWhat Are Research Peptides? A Clear Educational GuideLearn what “research peptides” means, how they differ from approved peptide drugs, quality markers (COA, purity), and how to study them responsibly.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Caplin et al. (2014). Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. N Engl J Med
- 2.Caplin et al. (2021). Lanreotide autogel/depot in advanced enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: final results of the CLARINET open-label extension study. Endocrine
- 3.Ferone et al. (2024). An international simulated-use study to assess nurses' preferences between two lanreotide syringes for patients with neuroendocrine tumours or acromegaly (PRESTO 3). J Endocrinol Invest
- 4.Lin et al. (1999). An open, phase III study of lanreotide (Somatuline PR) in the treatment of acromegaly. Endocr J
- 5.Wolin et al. (2016). Lanreotide Depot: An Antineoplastic Treatment of Carcinoid or Neuroendocrine Tumors. J Gastrointest Cancer
- 6.Godara et al. (2019). The safety of lanreotide for neuroendocrine tumor. Expert Opin Drug Saf
- 7.Castinetti et al. (2009). Lanreotide for the treatment of acromegaly. Adv Ther
- 8.Caron (2002). [Somatuline(R) Autogel(R), a new formulation of lanreotide for the treatment of acromegalic patients]. Ann Endocrinol (Paris)
- 9.LiverTox (2017). Lanreotide. NIDDK
- 10.IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology — lanreotide (ligand 2031)
- 11.PubChem — Lanreotide (CID 71349)