Vapreotide

Summary

Vapreotide is a synthetic octapeptide analogue of somatostatin developed primarily for management of acute variceal bleeding and other conditions associated with excess gastrointestinal peptide secretion. It shares pharmacological properties with octreotide and lanreotide but did not achieve broad regulatory approval.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-5, with preference for SSTR2 and SSTR5), inhibiting secretion of growth hormone, glucagon, insulin, and gastrointestinal peptides; reduces splanchnic blood flow and portal pressure.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Carcinoid syndrome and neuroendocrine tumorsOncologyLow
• Acromegaly managementEndocrinologyLow
• Pancreatic fistula preventionSurgeryLow
• Acute esophageal variceal bleedingGastroenterologyModerate

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to vapreotide or somatostatin analoguesAllergyHigh
• PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data

Adverse Effects

• Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemiaMetabolic/EndocrineUncommon
• Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
• Gallstone formationHepatobiliaryUncommon
• Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
• BradycardiaCardiovascularUncommon

Drug Interactions

• Insulin and oral hypoglycemicsModerate
• Beta-blockersModerate
• CyclosporineModerate

Population Constraints

• Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
• Pediatric populationAgeRelative
• Patients with cholelithiasisHepatobiliaryRelative
• Diabetic PatientsMetabolicRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionInvestigationalNo EMA marketing authorization; limited investigational use.
• United StatesInvestigationalNever received FDA approval; studied in clinical trials for variceal bleeding.
• United KingdomUnknownNo MHRA approval identified; classified as research compound.

Vapreotide has not received FDA or EMA approval for any indication. It has been investigated in clinical trials for esophageal variceal bleeding and acromegaly. Developed by Debio/Biomeasure; limited commercial development followed.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.