Quick answer: what is Lanreotide?
Lanreotide is a long-acting somatostatin analog, in the same family as octreotide, that suppresses growth hormone and other hormone secretion.
Quick facts
- Class
- Somatostatin analog (cyclic octapeptide)
- Brand names
- Somatuline Depot, Somatuline Autogel
- Approved for
- Acromegaly; gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Administration
- Deep subcutaneous injection, roughly monthly
- Status
- FDA-approved, prescription-only
- Targets
- Somatostatin receptor SSTR2 (mainly)
- Key trial
- CLARINET (neuroendocrine tumors)
- Formulation
- Autogel / depot, ~monthly
Key takeaways
- It is FDA-approved for acromegaly and for slowing the progression of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- The landmark CLARINET trial showed it prolongs progression-free survival in these tumors — establishing somatostatin analogs as antitumor therapy, not just symptom control.
- It is given as a deep subcutaneous depot roughly once a month.
Overview
Lanreotide is a somatostatin analog in the same family as octreotide, and it works on the same principle: it mimics the body's natural "off switch" hormone somatostatin, but in a long-acting form. Its modern autogel/depot formulation is a supersaturated gel given as a deep subcutaneous injection roughly once a month.[5]
It occupies a central place in the treatment of acromegaly and, increasingly, of neuroendocrine tumors, where a landmark trial established a disease-slowing benefit.[3]
How it works
Like octreotide, lanreotide binds somatostatin receptors — predominantly SSTR2 — on the pituitary and on neuroendocrine tumor cells. This suppresses secretion of growth hormone and various gut and pancreatic hormones, and also exerts an antiproliferative effect that can slow the growth of certain tumors.[2][3]
In acromegaly the practical result is lower growth hormone and IGF-1; in functioning tumors it reduces the hormone-driven symptoms.
Clinical uses & evidence
Acromegaly
Lanreotide autogel controls growth hormone and IGF-1 in a large proportion of people with acromegaly and is a standard medical option when surgery is insufficient.[5]
Neuroendocrine tumors
The pivotal CLARINET trial showed that lanreotide significantly prolonged progression-free survival in patients with metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors compared with placebo, establishing somatostatin analogs as antitumor therapy and not just symptom control.[3][4]
Forms & how it's given
Lanreotide is supplied as a prefilled long-acting depot injected deep under the skin, typically every four weeks, with the interval or dose adjusted by the treating specialist based on response. Because it is long-acting, it offers a convenient monthly schedule. It is prescription-only and given under medical supervision; we do not publish dosing protocols.
Safety & legal status
Its safety profile mirrors octreotide's: gastrointestinal effects, injection-site reactions, gallstone formation with long-term use, and possible effects on blood sugar. Bradycardia can occur. Lanreotide is an FDA-approved, prescription-only medicine used under specialist care, not an unregulated compound.
Frequently asked questions
What is lanreotide used for?
Lanreotide is used for acromegaly, where it lowers growth hormone and IGF-1, and for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, where it both controls hormonal symptoms and slows tumor progression. It is given as a long-acting monthly injection.
What did the CLARINET trial show?
The CLARINET trial showed that lanreotide significantly prolonged progression-free survival in patients with metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors compared with placebo, establishing that somatostatin analogs have an antitumor effect and not only symptom control.
How is lanreotide different from octreotide?
Both are somatostatin analogs with similar mechanisms and uses. Lanreotide's autogel formulation is a prefilled deep subcutaneous depot given about every four weeks, whereas octreotide has both short-acting and long-acting intramuscular forms. Selection depends on formulation preference and response.
What are lanreotide's side effects?
Its profile resembles octreotide's: gastrointestinal effects, injection-site reactions, gallstone formation with long-term use, possible blood-sugar changes, and sometimes a slow heart rate. It is a prescription medicine used under specialist care.
References
Each source links to its original record — peer-reviewed studies, regulator pages, or reference texts, labelled by type. We summarize findings neutrally; a citation is a reference, not an endorsement, and not a claim that its authors reviewed this page.
- Castinetti F, Saveanu A, Morange I, et al. Lanreotide for the treatment of acromegaly. Adv Ther. 2009. Peer-reviewed study
- Colao A, Grasso LFS, Giustina A, et al. Acromegaly. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019. Peer-reviewed study
- Caplin ME, Pavel M, Ćwikła JB, et al. Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. N Engl J Med. 2014. Peer-reviewed study
- Caplin ME, Pavel M, Phan AT, et al. Lanreotide autogel/depot in advanced enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: final results of the CLARINET open-label extension study. Endocrine. 2021. Peer-reviewed study
- Burness CB, Dhillon S, Keam SJ. Lanreotide autogel: a review of its use in the treatment of patients with acromegaly. Drugs. 2014. Peer-reviewed study