Oncology · Investigational
Vapreotide
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
Vapreotide is a synthetic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin with a receptor-binding profile that differs from that of octreotide (PMID 19072353). Like other somatostatin analogues, it reduces portal pressure and collateral blood flow, which was shown in cirrhotic rats and underlies its study in variceal bleeding (PMID 19072353).
Cell studies indicate it also interacts with the neurokinin-1 receptor (PMID 23921645). Its longer half-life compared to native somatostatin allows for intermittent or infusion dosing.
02 · Research summary & key findings
In a randomized trial of 196 patients with cirrhosis and variceal bleeding (NEJM 2001), vapreotide started before endoscopic treatment improved the combined endpoint of survival and bleeding control over 5 days (66% vs 50%) and reduced transfusions, but did not change 42-day mortality (PMID 11136956). A review noted that vapreotide had not been compared directly with other somatostatin analogues (PMID 19708854). It has not received FDA approval, and no active development program is apparent.
03 · Regulatory status
Vapreotide is in the investigational stage. While preclinical and early-phase data exist, it has not received regulatory approval for clinical use in the United States.
No lawful pathway today
Vapreotide is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding.
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04 · Administration routes
- Subcutaneous injection
- Intravenous
References
- [1]Early administration of vapreotide for variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis N Engl J Med, 2001. PMID 11136956
- [2]Vapreotide acetate for the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2008. PMID 19072353
- [3]Vapreotide: a somatostatin analog for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding Expert Opin Pharmacother, 2009. PMID 19708854
- [4]Analog of somatostatin vapreotide exhibits biological effects in vitro via interaction with neurokinin-1 receptor Neuroimmunomodulation, 2013. PMID 23921645
Primary literature
- PubMed: "Vapreotide"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "Vapreotide"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "Vapreotide"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
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