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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain
Published on: April 11, 2018
Leuprolide acetate given by a subcutaneous extended-release injection: less of a pain?
Michael C Cox1, Charity D Scripture, William D Figg
1Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg 10, Rm 5A01, MSC 1910, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. coxmi@mail.nih.gov
Abstract:
Androgen deprivation therapy is a mainstay for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Hormonal therapy commonly consists of injection of gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone agonists. Based on the need for improved convenience of administration, a novel formulation of leuprolide acetate (Eligard; Atrix Laboratories Inc. & Sanofi Aventis) which incorporates a mixture of selected polymers and solvents to achieve sustained drug delivery after subcutaneous injection, was developed. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved 1-, 3-, 4- and 6-month formulations of leuprolide acetate. In clinical trials, leuprolide acetate achieves sustained suppression of serum testosterone to castration levels (< or =50 ng/dl). The adverse-event profile is consistent with the effects of testosterone suppression. This novel delivery system in addition to the availability of a 6-month formulation of leuprolide acetate, offers patients the option of a convenient twice-yearly injection schedule.
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