Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
A somatostatin analog in the octreotide/lanreotide family, studied for variceal bleeding.
Also known as: Sanvar · RC-160 · somatostatin analog
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Vapreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin that activates somatostatin receptors. It has been studied and used in some countries for esophageal variceal bleeding related to cirrhosis, though regulatory status varies by market. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin
Primary research or clinical context: Somatostatin analog studied and used in some countries for esophageal variceal bleeding; regulatory status varies by market
Somatostatin analog family
Native somatostatin has a very short half-life. Cyclic analogs such as octreotide, lanreotide, and vapreotide were engineered for greater stability and receptor selectivity, expanding the somatostatin pathway into practical therapeutics.
Studied applications
Because somatostatin agonists reduce splanchnic blood flow and inhibit several gut hormones, vapreotide has been examined in gastrointestinal bleeding and other secretory conditions. Availability and approval differ across countries.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Vapreotide free parent peptide (RC-160). Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
PubChem encodes the D-Phe1/D-Trp4 sequence, Cys2–7 bond and terminal amide. GSRS has all8 stereocenters defined and an identical standard InChI. The1991 original RC-160 paper independently describes the sequence. The reference excludes acetate or other counterions. This PubChem record has the same connectivity/formula but undefined stereochemistry (no stereochemical InChI layer). It cannot independently identify the specific D-Phe1/D-Trp4 parent selected here.
- Molecular form
- Vapreotide free parent peptide (RC-160)
- Species
- Synthetic somatostatin analogue; not a species-derived natural peptide
- Termini (N / C)
- Free D-Phe amino terminus / Trp carboxamide
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- PubChem PUG molecular properties, CID 6918026 · 2026-10-05
- PubChem structure-derived biologic notation, CID 6918026 · 2026-10-05
- NIH NCATS/FDA GSRS, UNII 2PK59M9GFF · 2026-10-05
- Original RC-160 research paper (1991) · 2026-10-05
H-D-Phe-Cys(1)-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys(1)-Trp-NH2
- Molecular formula
- C57H70N12O9S2
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,131.4
- Backbone
- Vapreotide free parent peptide (RC-160)
- C-terminus
- Trp carboxamide
- PubChem CID: 6918026
- CAS RN: 103222-11-3
- UNII: 2PK59M9GFF
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 2 registered studies with “Vapreotide” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT00014651 | Vapreotide in Treating Patients Undergoing Elective Pancreatic Resection | Phase 3 | terminated | 2010-08-10 |
| NCT00331188 | Use of Sanvar® With Endoscopic Treatment for the Control of Acute Variceal Bleeding | Phase 3 | completed | 2008-07-08 |
Vapreotide — 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: Vapreotide free parent peptide (RC-160)Average reference mass: 1,131.4 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.
FAQ about Vapreotide
What is Vapreotide?+
Vapreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin that activates somatostatin receptors. It has been studied and used in some countries for esophageal variceal bleeding related to cirrhosis, though regulatory status varies by market. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Vapreotide?+
Canadian product status for Vapreotide 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 Vapreotide?+
The selected reference form (Vapreotide free parent peptide (RC-160)) has 8 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.O'Byrne et al. (1999). Phase II study of RC-160 (vapreotide), an octapeptide analogue of somatostatin, in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Br J Cancer
- 2.Norman (2000). Vapreotide (Debipharm). IDrugs
- 3.Deghenghi et al. (2001). Somatostatin octapeptides (lanreotide, octreotide, vapreotide, and their analogs) share the growth hormone-releasing peptide receptor in the human pituitary gland. Endocrine
- 4.Uzunhisarcıklı et al. (2022). Neuroprotective Effects of Vapreotide on Tau Transfection-Induced Neurodegeneration. Neurotox Res
- 5.González-Barcena et al. (2003). Response of patients with advanced prostatic cancer to administration of somatostatin analog RC-160 (vapreotide) at the time of relapse. Prostate
- 6.Fortune et al. (2009). Vapreotide: a somatostatin analog for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding. Expert Opin Pharmacother
- 7.Thakur et al. (1996). Vapreotide labeled with Tc-99m for imaging tumors. Int J Oncol
- 8.Sarr et al. (2003). The potent somatostatin analogue vapreotide does not decrease pancreas-specific complications after elective pancreatectomy: a prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Coll Surg
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Vapreotide (CID 23725064)
- 10.Wikipedia — Vapreotide