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approvedGrowth Hormone

Lanreotide

Also known as: Somatuline, Somatuline Depot, Somatuline Autogel, BIM-23014

Lanreotide is a synthetic octapeptide somatostatin analog with high affinity for SSTR2 and moderate SSTR5 affinity. FDA-approved as Somatuline Depot, it is administered as a deep subcutaneous injection every 28 days using a prefilled syringe. The landmark CLARINET trial established lanreotide as antiproliferative therapy for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and it is also indicated for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome.

4 cited references·5 researched benefits

Quick Answer

Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) is a long-acting somatostatin analog administered as a monthly deep subcutaneous injection for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The CLARINET phase 3 trial demonstrated 65% reduction in disease progression risk for NETs. It normalizes IGF-1 in 45–60% of acromegaly patients. Unlike octreotide LAR which requires intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional, lanreotide can be self-administered subcutaneously.

Key Facts

Mechanism
Lanreotide binds SSTR2 with high affinity and SSTR5 with moderate affinity, activating inhibitory G-protein signaling cascades. This suppresses adenylyl cyclase activity, reduces intracellular cAMP, opens inwardly rectifying K+ channels, and closes voltage-dependent Ca²+ channels. The net effect is inhibition of hormone secretion (GH, insulin, glucagon, gastrin, serotonin) and antiproliferative activity through SSTR2-mediated p21/p27 upregulation and PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition. The formulation uses a supersaturated solution that forms a gel depot upon injection, providing steady-state drug release over 28 days.
Research Status
approved
Half-Life
~23–30 days (depot formulation)
Molecular Formula
C₅₄H₆₉N₁₁O₁₀S₂
Primary Use
Growth Hormone
Table of Contents

Benefits

  • Antiproliferative in NETs — CLARINET trial showed 65% reduction in disease progression risk for GEP-NETsstrong
  • Acromegaly control — normalizes IGF-1 in 45–60% and reduces GH in 50–55% of patientsstrong
  • Self-administration — prefilled syringe allows patient self-injection, unlike octreotide LAR which requires healthcare professionalstrong
  • Carcinoid symptom control — effective for managing flushing and diarrhea in carcinoid syndromestrong
  • Extended dosing intervals — some stable patients can extend to every 6–8 weeks based on responsemoderate

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Deep subcutaneous injection60–120 mgEvery 28 daysInjected into the upper outer quadrant of the buttock using a prefilled syringe with automatic needle insertion. Standard starting dose: 90 mg for acromegaly, 120 mg for NETs. Can be self-administered after training. The supersaturated solution forms an in-situ gel depot at the injection site.

Medical disclaimer

Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Side Effects

  • Gallstones/biliary sludge — occurs in 15–25% during long-term therapy, similar to octreotidecommon
  • Diarrhea and abdominal pain — GI effects in 10–25%, often during initial treatmentscommon
  • Injection-site reactions — induration, pain, or nodule at deep subcutaneous injection sitecommon
  • Hyperglycemia — impaired insulin secretion may worsen glucose control in 5–15% of patientscommon
  • Bradycardia — sinus bradycardia in 3–10%, usually asymptomaticrare

Frequently Asked Questions

How does lanreotide compare to octreotide LAR?
Both are SSTR2-preferring somatostatin analogs with similar efficacy for acromegaly and NETs. Key differences: lanreotide is a deep subcutaneous injection (can be self-administered at home), while octreotide LAR is an intramuscular injection (typically requires healthcare professional). Lanreotide uses a supersaturated aqueous solution, while octreotide LAR uses polymer microspheres. Head-to-head studies show similar GH/IGF-1 normalization rates. Choice often depends on patient preference for self-injection capability.
What was the CLARINET trial?
CLARINET (Controlled Study of Lanreotide Antiproliferative Response in Neuroendocrine Tumors) was a landmark phase 3 randomized trial of 204 patients with non-functioning GEP-NETs. Lanreotide 120 mg monthly demonstrated a 65% reduction in risk of disease progression versus placebo (HR 0.47). Median PFS was not reached in the lanreotide group versus 18 months for placebo. This established somatostatin analogs as antiproliferative (not just symptom-controlling) therapy for NETs.
Can patients self-inject lanreotide at home?
Yes. Unlike octreotide LAR, which requires intramuscular gluteal injection by a healthcare professional, lanreotide is administered as a deep subcutaneous injection that patients or caregivers can perform at home after proper training. The prefilled syringe has an automatic needle insertion system. A caregiver injection into the buttock is preferred, but self-injection into the upper thigh is possible. This home administration capability is a significant convenience advantage.
Is lanreotide available as a generic or biosimilar?
Ipsen holds patent protection for Somatuline Depot, though some patents have expired or are expiring. Generic competition has been limited due to the complexity of the supersaturated formulation technology. Several pharmaceutical companies are developing generic lanreotide formulations. The current US list price is approximately $4,000–$6,000 per monthly injection, making it one of the more expensive chronic treatments.
When should lanreotide be switched to pasireotide?
In acromegaly, if lanreotide fails to normalize GH/IGF-1 after 6–12 months at maximum dose, switching to pasireotide (which has broader SSTR activity including SSTR5) may benefit an additional 15–20% of patients. For NETs that progress on lanreotide, options include dose escalation, switching to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), or adding targeted therapies. The SSTR profile of the individual tumor (determined by SSTR scintigraphy or DOTATATE PET) can guide therapy selection.

References

  1. 1
    Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (CLARINET)(2014)PubMed ↗
  2. 2
    Lanreotide Autogel for acromegaly: a comprehensive review(2008)PubMed ↗
  3. 3
    Somatostatin analogs in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: an update(2019)PubMed ↗
  4. 4
    Long-term lanreotide treatment in acromegaly: integrated analysis of safety and efficacy(2015)PubMed ↗

Latest Research

Last updated: 2026-02-19