Last reviewed · How we verify

Sandostatin (OCTREOTIDE)

Novartis · FDA-approved approved Recombinant protein Verified Quality 75/100

Sandostatin works by mimicking the natural hormone somatostatin to inhibit the release of various hormones and growth factors.

Sandostatin (Octreotide) is a somatostatin analog developed by Novartis, targeting the somatostatin receptor type 2. It is a small molecule drug class, approved by the FDA in 1988 for various indications including acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and diarrhea from pancreatic VIPoma. As an off-patent medication, it is available from multiple generic manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its short half-life of 1.7 hours and low bioavailability of 2%. Sandostatin is commercially available, with no active Orange Book patents.

At a glance

Generic nameOCTREOTIDE
SponsorNovartis
Drug classSomatostatin Analog
TargetSomatostatin receptor type 2
ModalityRecombinant protein
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved
First approval1988
Annual revenue305

Mechanism of action

Octreotide exerts pharmacologic actions similar to the natural hormone somatostatin, but is more potent inhibitor of GH, glucagon, and insulin than somatostatin. Like somatostatin, it also suppresses luteinizing hormone (LH) response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), decreases splanchnic blood flow, and inhibits release of serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
FDA labelMechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results
SEC EDGARRevenue + earnings

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: