Histrelin

Histrelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that acts as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin when administered as an implant delivering continuous therapeutic doses. This drug is a synthetic analog of naturally occurring GnRH with a higher potency. Histrelin implants are non-biodegradable, diffusion-controlled, hydrogel polymer reservoirs containing histrelin acetate that need to be replaced every 52 weeks.

Initially, histrelin implants were developed to reduce testosterone to castration levels in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The Vantas product was approved by the FDA in October 2004 for the palliative treatment of this condition. Vantas was later discontinued by Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. on September 21, 2021.

GnRH agonists are the first line of treatment for children with central precocious puberty (CPP) due to their capacity to reduce LH levels and the concentration of sex steroids. As the product Supprelin LA, histrelin is indicated for the treatment of CPP in children (approved by the FDA in May 2007).