Last reviewed · How we verify
Somatostatin (octreotide)
Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that binds to somatostatin receptors on neuroendocrine cells and blood vessels to inhibit the secretion of various hormones and reduce blood flow to tumors.
Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that binds to somatostatin receptors on neuroendocrine cells and blood vessels to inhibit the secretion of various hormones and reduce blood flow to tumors. Used for Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid syndrome, VIPomas, gastrinomas), Acromegaly, Variceal bleeding in portal hypertension.
At a glance
| Generic name | Somatostatin (octreotide) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital Freiburg |
| Drug class | Somatostatin analog |
| Target | Somatostatin receptors (SSTR2, SSTR5) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology; Endocrinology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Octreotide mimics the natural hormone somatostatin by binding to somatostatin receptors (particularly SSTR2 and SSTR5) on neuroendocrine tumor cells and surrounding tissues. This binding suppresses the release of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and other hormones, while also causing vasoconstriction that reduces blood supply to tumors. The drug is used both therapeutically to control hormone-related symptoms and diagnostically in somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.
Approved indications
- Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid syndrome, VIPomas, gastrinomas)
- Acromegaly
- Variceal bleeding in portal hypertension
- Acute pancreatitis
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gallstone formation (cholelithiasis)
- Hyperglycemia
- Injection site pain
Key clinical trials
- Study to Evaluate the Safety, PK, and Dose Response of Paltusotine in Subjects With Carcinoid Syndrome (PHASE2)
- Carcinoid Syndrome Efficacy Study Featuring an Oral Daily Paltusotine Regimen (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of Radiotherapy Compared to Everolimus in Somatostatin Receptor Positive Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung and Thymus. (PHASE3)
- A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Debio 4126 in Participants With Acromegaly Previously Treated With Somatostatin Analogs (PHASE3)
- Study of RYZ101 Compared With SOC in Pts w Inoperable SSTR+ Well-differentiated GEP-NET That Has Progressed Following 177Lu-SSA Therapy (PHASE3)
- Phase I Trial to Determine the Dose and Evaluate the PK and Safety of Lutetium Lu 177 Edotreotide Therapy in Pediatric Participants With SSTR-positive Tumors (PHASE1)
- Clinical Application of Somatostatin Receptor and Norepinephrine Transporter Targeted Imaging for Diagnosis and Staging of Neuroblastoma and Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma
- Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula by Somatostatin (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Somatostatin (octreotide) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Somatostatin (octreotide) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Hospital Freiburg portfolio CI