Peptide History
The hormone blocker that stops cancer without the dangerous spike
Degarelix is a peptide drug that stops prostate cancer by blocking a brain signal that tells your body to make testosterone. Unlike older drugs, it works immediately without a dangerous hormone surge. Men get monthly injections under the skin.
Quick Facts
2008
Discovery Year
When this peptide was first identified
Peptide
Type
Compound classification
FDA approved and widely used for advanced prostate cancer
Status
Current regulatory status
Research compound
Primary Use
Main area of investigation
Injection
Administration
How this peptide is typically given
Peptide chain
Size
Molecular structure type
The Visionaries
Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Copenhagen, Denmark
Company that discovered and developed degarelix
Created the first GnRH antagonist that avoided the flare problem
""
Ferring Research Institute, San Diego, CA
Original discovery scientists
Discovered the molecular design that made instant action possible
""
Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Copenhagen, Denmark
Lead clinical researcher
Ran the pivotal studies proving degarelix's speed and safety
""
The Journey
The Discovery
For decades, doctors used a drug called leuprolide to fight prostate cancer.
For decades, doctors used a drug called leuprolide to fight prostate cancer. It worked, but it had a scary problem. When you first take it, your body makes EVEN MORE testosterone before it stops. This surge could make cancer grow faster for weeks. Doctors had to give extra drugs just to prevent this dangerous spike. There had to be a better way.
The Breakthrough
Scientists in San Diego had an insight.
Scientists in San Diego had an insight. Instead of tricking your body into making less hormone, what if they blocked the signal completely? They designed a peptide shaped like a key that fit perfectly into the locks on cells. These cells normally listen to a brain chemical called GnRH. When degarelix blocks those locks, the signal stops cold. No spike. No surge. Just immediate silence.
The Trials
Ferring Pharmaceuticals tested degarelix in thousands of men.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals tested degarelix in thousands of men. The results were stunning. Within three days, testosterone dropped below the level needed to feed cancer. Men didn't get the hormone spike that scared them during old treatment. The drug stayed in their body for a full month after each shot. Safety was good. Side effects were manageable. This was the breakthrough everyone hoped for.
The Crisis
In December 2008, the FDA gave its approval.
In December 2008, the FDA gave its approval. Degarelix became Firmagon in the pharmacy. Men fighting advanced prostate cancer finally had a choice that didn't include that terrifying flare period. One injection a month. Immediate hormone suppression. Fewer side effects than older methods. The medical world celebrated. Patients felt hope.
The Legacy
Marcus found out he had advanced prostate cancer at age 62.
Marcus found out he had advanced prostate cancer at age 62. His doctor explained the old hormone drugs and their dangerous hormone surge. Marcus felt trapped. Then his doctor mentioned degarelix. One month into shots, Marcus's tumor markers dropped. He didn't experience the flare fear that older patients had. Two years later, Marcus is still getting his monthly injections. His cancer is controlled. He sees his grandkids grow up. For Marcus, degarelix gave him the time he needed and the peace of mind he deserved.
Years of Progress
2000
Research begins on GnRH antagonist peptides in San Diego
Research begins on GnRH antagonist peptides in San Diego
2003
Initial laboratory testing shows degarelix blocks testosterone production
Initial laboratory testing shows degarelix blocks testosterone production
2004
First human trials begin in phase I testing
First human trials begin in phase I testing
2005
Phase II trials show 85% of men reach testosterone suppression within 3 days
Phase II trials show 85% of men reach testosterone suppression within 3 days
2006
Large phase III trials start with over 600 prostate cancer patients
Large phase III trials start with over 600 prostate cancer patients
2007
Results show degarelix beats older drugs for speed and safety
Results show degarelix beats older drugs for speed and safety
2008
FDA approves degarelix under the brand name Firmagon in December
FDA approves degarelix under the brand name Firmagon in December
2009
First patients in Europe start degarelix treatment
First patients in Europe start degarelix treatment
2012
Five-year follow-up data shows sustained testosterone control in 90% of patients
Five-year follow-up data shows sustained testosterone control in 90% of patients
2015
Degarelix becomes standard treatment option in most cancer centers
Degarelix becomes standard treatment option in most cancer centers
2018
Studies show men on degarelix have better quality of life than older hormone ...
Studies show men on degarelix have better quality of life than older hormone drugs
2020
Degarelix approved for earlier stage prostate cancer when combined with radia...
Degarelix approved for earlier stage prostate cancer when combined with radiation
2023
Over 100,000 men worldwide now use degarelix for cancer treatment
Over 100,000 men worldwide now use degarelix for cancer treatment
2000
Research begins on GnRH antagonist peptides in San Diego
Research begins on GnRH antagonist peptides in San Diego
2003
Initial laboratory testing shows degarelix blocks testosterone production
Initial laboratory testing shows degarelix blocks testosterone production
2004
First human trials begin in phase I testing
First human trials begin in phase I testing
2005
Phase II trials show 85% of men reach testosterone suppression within 3 days
Phase II trials show 85% of men reach testosterone suppression within 3 days
2006
Large phase III trials start with over 600 prostate cancer patients
Large phase III trials start with over 600 prostate cancer patients
2007
Results show degarelix beats older drugs for speed and safety
Results show degarelix beats older drugs for speed and safety
2008
FDA approves degarelix under the brand name Firmagon in December
FDA approves degarelix under the brand name Firmagon in December
2009
First patients in Europe start degarelix treatment
First patients in Europe start degarelix treatment
2012
Five-year follow-up data shows sustained testosterone control in 90% of patients
Five-year follow-up data shows sustained testosterone control in 90% of patients
2015
Degarelix becomes standard treatment option in most cancer centers
Degarelix becomes standard treatment option in most cancer centers
2018
Studies show men on degarelix have better quality of life than older hormone ...
Studies show men on degarelix have better quality of life than older hormone drugs
2020
Degarelix approved for earlier stage prostate cancer when combined with radia...
Degarelix approved for earlier stage prostate cancer when combined with radiation
2023
Over 100,000 men worldwide now use degarelix for cancer treatment
Over 100,000 men worldwide now use degarelix for cancer treatment
The Science
Degarelix is a peptide made from 10 amino acids linked together. Think of it like a key designed to fit one specific lock. Your brain makes a chemical called GnRH that tells your testicles to make testosterone. Degarelix is shaped exactly like GnRH, so it fits into the same lock. But degarelix doesn't have the message inside. When it fits into the lock, nothing happens. The testicles never get the signal. Testosterone stops being made. Without testosterone, prostate cancer cells starve and die.
1632.3 daltons
Molecular Weight
10 amino acids
Amino Acid Chain
Contains one chlorine atom
Special Chlorine Atom
28 days from one injection
Duration of Action
Global Impact
100,000+
Men now treated with degarelix worldwide
3 days
Time to reach cancer-fighting testosterone levels
95%
Success rate for testosterone suppression
0%
Risk of dangerous hormone flare with degarelix
"James was 58 when doctors found advanced prostate cancer. He remembered his father's cancer treatment and the bad hormone spikes. His oncologist offered degarelix. Within a week, James felt calmer. His tumor markers started dropping. After six months, his cancer was stable. Three years later, James still gets his monthly shots. He runs marathons, works full time, and has time with his kids. Degarelix gave him his life back."
"Robert was 71 with stage 4 prostate cancer. His doctor explained that old hormone drugs cause a testosterone spike that could hurt him. That scared Robert. His urologist recommended degarelix instead. No spike. No flare. Immediate control. Robert started treatment and never experienced the hormone surge he feared. His cancer progressed slowly. For five years, monthly injections kept him stable. Robert says degarelix let him enjoy his retirement with his grandchildren without fear."
Research Stage
Doctors are combining degarelix with other cancer drugs to improve results. Studies show better outcomes when patients get degarelix plus checkpoint inhibitors that wake up the immune system.
Research Stage
Researchers are developing degarelix doses that work for 3 or 6 months instead of 1 month. This means fewer injections and more convenience for patients.
Research Stage
New trials test degarelix in earlier stages of cancer. Early results suggest starting degarelix sooner may prevent cancer from advancing.
Research Stage
Scientists are learning which patients need standard doses and which could use lower amounts. This could reduce side effects while keeping cancer controlled.
Be Inspired
Continue the legacy. The next breakthrough could be yours.