Octreotide (brand name Sandostatin,
Novartis Pharmaceuticals) is an
octapeptide that mimics natural somatostatin pharmacologically, though is a more potent inhibitor of growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin than the natural hormone, and has a much longer
half-life (about 90 minutes, compared to 2–3 minutes for somatostatin). Since it is absorbed poorly from the gut, it is administered parenterally (subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously). It is indicated for
symptomatic treatment of
carcinoid syndrome and
acromegaly. It is also finding increased use in polycystic diseases of the liver and kidney.
Lanreotide (Somatuline,
Ipsen Pharmaceuticals) is a medication used in the management of acromegaly and symptoms caused by neuroendocrine tumors, most notably carcinoid syndrome. It is a long-acting
analog of somatostatin, like octreotide. It is available in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, and was approved for sale in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration on August 30, 2007.
Pasireotide, sold under the brand name Signifor, is an
orphan drug approved in the United States and the European Union for the treatment of
Cushing's disease in patients who fail or are ineligible for surgical therapy. It was developed by
Novartis. Pasireotide is somatostatin
analog with a 40-fold increased affinity to
somatostatin receptor 5 compared to other somatostatin analogs. ==Evolutionary history==