Peptide Comparison
AbarelixvsTriptorelin
GnRH Antagonist for Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment
GnRH agonist that helps manage prostate cancer, endometriosis, and early puberty by controlling sex hormones
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Abarelix
100 mg–500 mg mg
Triptorelin
0.1 mg–22.5 mg mg
Frequency
Abarelix
Once daily
Triptorelin
Once daily
Administration
Abarelix
Intramuscular injection (depot formulation)
Triptorelin
Intramuscular injection
Cycle Length
Abarelix
Ongoing/indefinite
Triptorelin
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Abarelix
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Triptorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Abarelix
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Triptorelin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Rapid Hormone Control
Advanced Cancer Management
Patient Tolerability
Hormone Regulation
Cancer Management
Endometriosis Relief
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Abarelix
Molecular Formula
C72H95ClN14O14
Molecular Weight
1416.1 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 13 days
Bioavailability
~100% (intramuscular depot injection)
CAS Number
183552-38-7
Triptorelin
Molecular Formula
C64H82N18O13
Molecular Weight
1311.4 g/mol
Half-Life
2-3 hours (free peptide); 2-4 weeks (depot pamoate formulations)
Bioavailability
~100% (intramuscular/subcutaneous injection)
CAS Number
57773-63-4
Applications
Best
suited for
Abarelix
Reducing testosterone levels in prostate cancer
Abarelix is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on reducing testosterone levels in prostate cancer. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Slowing cancer progression in advanced disease
Abarelix is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on slowing cancer progression in advanced disease. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Managing hormone-dependent cancer symptoms
Abarelix is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing hormone-dependent cancer symptoms. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Triptorelin
Managing advanced prostate cancer when combined with other treatments
Triptorelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing advanced prostate cancer when combined with other treatments. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Relieving severe endometriosis pain and symptoms
Triptorelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on relieving severe endometriosis pain and symptoms. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Delaying puberty development in children with early sexual maturation
Triptorelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on delaying puberty development in children with early sexual maturation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Abarelix
Common
- Mild discomfort at treatment site
- Hot flashes and sweating
- Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction
- Increased liver enzymes
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
- Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms
- Headache and dizziness
- Weight changes
- Gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement)
- Bone density loss with long-term use
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
Triptorelin
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Abarelix
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
Abarelix carries significant safety concerns primarily related to histamine release reactions, which led to its voluntary withdrawal from the U.S. market in 2006. Serious allergic responses including anaphylaxis, flushing, and hypotension have been documented. Long-term use poses substantial risks of bone density loss, cardiovascular effects from hormonal suppression, and metabolic complications including weight gain and altered lipid profiles. Liver enzyme elevations occur in 5-10% of patients. All use requires intensive medical supervision with regular monitoring of testosterone levels, liver function, bone density, and cardiovascular markers.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or lactation
- xSevere hypersensitivity reactions to peptide therapeutics
- xHistory of anaphylaxis with similar compounds
Triptorelin
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Triptorelin (GnRH agonist) has extensive FDA-approved safety data spanning decades for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty indications. Initial testosterone surge upon initiation ("flare reaction") can worsen prostate cancer or spinal cord compression symptoms, requiring careful patient monitoring in first 1-2 weeks and use of androgen antagonists in high-risk patients. Hypogonadal effects including hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and bone loss develop predictably with chronic GnRH suppression; bone density monitoring is recommended in patients on therapy >6 months.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy (can affect fetal development)
- xUndiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- xKnown hypersensitivity to GnRH agonists
- xSevere untreated depression
- xActive spinal cord compression in prostate cancer (requires urgent decompression)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Abarelix if...
- Reducing testosterone levels in prostate cancer
- Slowing cancer progression in advanced disease
- Managing hormone-dependent cancer symptoms
Choose Triptorelin if...
- Managing advanced prostate cancer when combined with other treatments
- Relieving severe endometriosis pain and symptoms
- Delaying puberty development in children with early sexual maturation