Quick summary
Lanreotide (Somatuline) is an FDA-approved somatostatin analog for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. Its self-assembling nanotube depot formulation provides a 23-30 day half-life, enabling once-monthly injection. The CLARINET trial showed a 47 percent reduction in NET progression risk.
Overview
Lanreotide (brand: Somatuline) is an FDA-approved synthetic octapeptide analog of somatostatin indicated for acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and carcinoid syndrome. Its long-acting depot formulation allows once-monthly subcutaneous injection, improving adherence compared to octreotide. Approved by the FDA in 2007.
Mechanism of action
Lanreotide binds with high affinity to somatostatin receptor subtypes SSTR2 and SSTR5 on pituitary somatotropes and NET cells. SSTR2 activation inhibits adenylyl cyclase and reduces cAMP, suppressing GH and IGF-1 secretion. SSTR5 binding contributes to antisecretory effects in carcinoid and pancreatic NETs. Compared to native somatostatin, lanreotide has substantially greater receptor affinity and a half-life of approximately 23–30 days in the Autogel/Depot formulation due to self-assembling nanotubes.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| acromegaly | subcutaneous | 60–120 mg | every 4 weeks | Start at 90 mg q4w for 3 months; adjust based on GH and IGF-1 levels |
| GEP-NET / carcinoid | subcutaneous | 120–120 mg | every 4 weeks |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Phase III trials (CLARINET, LANSCAPE) demonstrated lanreotide significantly extends progression-free survival in gastroenteropancreatic NETs and controls GH/IGF-1 in acromegaly. The CLARINET trial (2014) was landmark: lanreotide reduced the risk of progression or death by 47% in GEP-NETs. Approved indications include acromegaly, GEP-NETs, and carcinoid syndrome. Post-marketing data support long-term safety over 10+ years of use.[1][2][3][4][5]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Lanreotide for synergistic effects.
Legal status
FDA-approved (NDA 022074, August 2007) for acromegaly and GEP-NETs. Available as Somatuline Depot (US) and Somatuline Autogel (EU). Prescription-only; administered by healthcare professional.
Sourcing & access
Prescription required
Lanreotide is an FDA-approved prescription medication available through licensed healthcare providers, telehealth platforms, and 503A/503B compounding pharmacies.
Frequently asked questions
Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) is FDA-approved for three indications: acromegaly control via growth hormone and IGF-1 suppression, progression-free survival extension in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) as demonstrated in the CLARINET trial, and symptomatic management of carcinoid syndrome. It acts on somatostatin receptor subtypes SSTR2 and SSTR5 to inhibit hormone secretion from pituitary somatotropes and tumor cells.
Both are somatostatin analogs targeting SSTR2 and SSTR5 receptors. Lanreotide's self-assembling nanotube formulation provides a half-life of 23 to 30 days versus octreotide LAR's monthly intramuscular injection. Both have similar efficacy profiles for acromegaly and NETs.
Lanreotide is administered as a deep subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. Typical starting dose for acromegaly is 90 mg, adjusted based on GH and IGF-1 levels. For GEP-NETs, the standard dose is 120 mg every 4 weeks.
The landmark 2014 CLARINET trial demonstrated lanreotide significantly extended progression-free survival in GEP-NETs, reducing the risk of progression or death by 47 percent compared to placebo. This established lanreotide as a standard treatment for these tumors.
Common lanreotide side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, gallstone formation (cholelithiasis), injection-site reactions, and hyperglycemia reflecting somatostatin's inhibition of insulin secretion. Long-term use may also cause bradycardia and hypothyroidism via suppressed TSH. Periodic gallstone imaging and thyroid monitoring are recommended during chronic therapy, and hyperglycemia may require adjustment of diabetes medications in affected patients.
Research references
- Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (CLARINET trial)PubMed
- Preoperative lanreotide treatment improves outcome in patients with acromegaly resulting from invasive pituitary macroadenomaPubMed
- Octreotide-LAR vs lanreotide-SR as first-line therapy for acromegaly: a retrospective, comparative, head-to-head studyPubMed
- Effectiveness of slow-release lanreotide treatment in active acromegaly: six-month report on an Italian multicentre studyPubMed
- Effectiveness and tolerability of 3-year lanreotide Autogel treatment in patients with acromegalyPubMed