Overview
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In plain language
Lanreotide (brand name Somatuline Depot, and generics) is an FDA-approved medicine that copies somatostatin, a natural hormone that switches off the release of other hormones.
It is used for acromegaly (a condition caused by too much growth hormone) and for certain slow-growing tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, where it can slow tumor growth and control symptoms such as diarrhea. It is a deep injection under the skin every four weeks.
For students
Lanreotide is a cyclic octapeptide somatostatin analogue (about 1,096 Da) that binds mainly somatostatin receptors 2 and 5. Natural somatostatin has a half-life of only a few minutes; lanreotide's ring structure and D-amino acids make it far more stable.
In water, lanreotide self-assembles into nanotubes. This lets it form a gel depot under the skin that slowly releases the drug over weeks, without needing polymer microspheres.
For researchers and instructors
Clinical evidence. The CLARINET trial showed longer progression-free survival than placebo in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. It also controls carcinoid-syndrome diarrhea and flushing.
Safety. Gallstones, gastrointestinal effects, changes in blood glucose and slowed heart rate.
Status. FDA-approved for acromegaly, GEP-NETs and carcinoid syndrome.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 8
- Molecular weight
- ~1,096.3 Da
- Formula
- C₅₄H₆₉N₁₁O₁₀S₂
- Sequence
- D-2-Nal–Cys–Tyr–D-Trp–Lys–Val–Cys–Thr–NH₂ (disulfide)
Origin and history
Lanreotide was developed by the French company Ipsen with peptide chemist David Coy at Tulane University as another long-acting somatostatin analogue.
It was approved in the U.S. as Somatuline Depot in 2007 for acromegaly. The 2014 CLARINET trial showed it slows certain neuroendocrine tumors, leading to a new approval.
Key people
- David H. CoyTulane University
- IpsenDeveloper
Timeline
- 2007
U.S. approval for acromegaly
- 2014
CLARINET trial in neuroendocrine tumors
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Human evidence
Randomized trials (including CLARINET) support its use in neuroendocrine tumors.
Registration and enrollment are not proof of benefit; check study results directly.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
FDA-approved.
This profile is educational and does not provide treatment, dosing or sourcing guidance.
Sources
- PubMed literature search: Lanreotide
- PubChem compound search: Lanreotide
- DailyMed (FDA label search): Lanreotide
- PubMed: CLARINET lanreotide
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: Lanreotide
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). Lanreotide: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/lanreotide.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy