Lanreotide acetate, an octapeptide somatostatin analog, reached its first
worldwide market in France for acromegaly when surgery or radiotherapy have
failed to restore normal growth hormone secretion. Lanreotide is a selective inhibitor of
growth hormone and reduces the secretion of growth hormone, thyrotropin, motilin and
pancreatic polypeptide in humans. Lanreotide has antiproliferative properties and is
reportedly in clinical trials for the prevention of restenosis following coronary artery
angioplasty, for diabetic retinopathy, and as a therapy for psoriasis. Its potential for
neuroendocrine tumors and hormone-responsive prostate cancer has also been
demonstrated.
