Histrelin (Vantas)

Mechanism of action

Histrelin acetate, an LH-RH agonist, acts as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion when given continuously in therapeutic doses. Both animal and human studies indicate that following an initial stimulatory phase, chronic, subcutaneous administration of histrelin acetate desensitizes responsiveness of the pituitary gonadotropin which, in turn, causes a reduction in testicular steroidogenesis.

Diseases for which it is used

• Prostate cancer

History of changes in FDA indication

• 10/12/2004: Initial FDA approval "in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer."