Deslorelin
Also known as: D-His(Bzl)6-des-Gly10-GnRH ethylamide, Deslorelin, Deslorelin acetate, Ovuplant, STL-801, Suprelorin
Source Deslorelin at Peptiology
Save 10% with code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10
Affiliate link: we earn a commission on purchases made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Tapping Shop Now & Save 10% copies your 10% off code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10 to your clipboard. Paste it at the Peptiology checkout to claim the discount.
Summary
Deslorelin is a synthetic GnRH super‑agonist peptide approved for veterinary use. Delivered mainly as a subcutaneous slow‑release implant, it is employed to suppress fertility in dogs and cats, postpone puberty in pre‑pubertal animals, and to induce or synchronize estrus for breeding programs. Its high potency allows long‑acting hormonal control with a single administration.
Mechanism of Action
Deslorelin binds with high affinity to pituitary GnRH receptors, mimicking the natural hormone. Continuous exposure initially stimulates a surge of LH and FSH (the “flare” effect), but sustained activation leads to receptor desensitization and down‑regulation, markedly reducing gonadotropin release. The consequent fall in sex steroids suppresses ovarian or testicular activity, providing contraceptive or estrus‑controlling effects.
What the Research Shows
Veterinary reviews document the use of deslorelin among GnRH agonists for estrus induction in dogs and cats, noting preliminary results with long‑acting injectable formulations. Studies on pre‑pubertal dogs and cats report that subcutaneous implants (4.7 mg or 9.4 mg) delay puberty without an initial flare‑up and without impairing normal growth. In adult cats, slow‑release deslorelin implants (Suprelorin®) have been shown to provide short‑ and long‑term contraception for both sexes. Overall, the literature emphasizes deslorelin’s potency and utility for reversible fertility control, though most data derive from small‑scale trials in companion animals.
Reported Benefits
Deslorelin offers a potent, reversible means of controlling reproduction, requiring only a single subcutaneous implant to achieve months of contraception or puberty postponement. Its high receptor affinity allows lower dosing compared with native GnRH, and the implant format reduces handling stress and improves owner compliance. The drug is effective in both male and female dogs and cats and can be used to synchronize estrus for timed breeding.
Limitations of the Evidence
Evidence is largely confined to dogs and cats, with limited data on other species such as ferrets. Most reports are from small, non‑randomised studies, and long‑term safety or effects on subsequent fertility remain incompletely characterised. Optimal implant dose and resorption rate require further investigation, and inappropriate timing can produce an initial hormonal flare that may be undesirable.
Safety Considerations
Published trials in dogs and cats have not reported serious adverse events, and normal body development was observed in pre‑pubertal animals receiving deslorelin implants. Nevertheless, the possibility of an initial LH/FSH surge underscores the need for careful timing of administration. As a peptide, deslorelin must be given parenterally; oral use is ineffective. Comprehensive safety data, especially for prolonged use, are still limited.
How It Is Administered
Deslorelin is supplied as a subcutaneous implant (e.g., 4.7 mg or 9.4 mg) that releases the peptide slowly over several months. It can also be administered by subcutaneous injection; intravenous use is possible but not typical in clinical practice. Implant insertion is performed under the skin, usually without the need for surgical anesthesia.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Suppression of precocious pubertyEndocrinology / PediatricsModerate
- investigational treatment of prostate cancerHumanLow
- Gender-affirming puberty suppression (transgender youth)Endocrinology / Gender MedicineModerate
- Prostate cancer palliationOncologyLow
- estrus control in ferretsVeterinaryModerate
- temporary contraception in dogsVeterinaryHigh
- Endometriosis treatmentGynecologyModerate
- management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogsVeterinaryModerate
- Veterinary fertility control (male dogs)Veterinary MedicineHigh
Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to deslorelin or formulation componentsAllergicModerate
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleedingGynecologicalModerate
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- pregnancy (animals)ReproductiveHigh
- Hypersensitivity to GnRH or GnRH analogsAllergy / ImmunologyHigh
- Known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancy (non-prostate, non-target)OncologyModerate
Adverse Effects
- Hot flashes / vasomotor symptomsAutonomic / ThermoregulatoryCommon
- Injection/implant site reactionsDermatological / LocalCommon
- AnaphylaxisImmunologicRareSevere life-threatening allergic reaction
- Decreased bone mineral densityMusculoskeletalCommon
- Hot flashesEndocrine / VasomotorRare
- vaginal bleeding (animals)ReproductiveUncommon
- Injection site swellingLocalCommonSwelling at the injection site
- Mood changes / depressionPsychiatricUncommon
- Hormone flare (initial testosterone/estradiol surge)EndocrineCommon
Drug Interactions
- Androgen or estrogen supplementationModerate
- antiandrogensLow
- Antidiabetic agentsLow
- QT-prolonging agentsModerate
- combined hormonal contraceptivesModerate
Population Constraints
- Osteoporosis or low bone densityMusculoskeletalRelative
- breeding animalsVeterinaryAbsolute
- Pediatric patients (prepubertal)AgeRelative
- Patients with cardiovascular diseaseComorbidityRelative
- BreastfeedingReproductiveRelative
- ChildrenPediatricRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: temporary contraception in dogs, estrus control in ferretsAuthorized for veterinary use under EU veterinary medicines directive.
- United StatesInvestigationalInvestigational human trials for prostate cancer and endometriosis; not FDA‑approved for human use.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Temporary suppression of fertility in male dogs (veterinary)Veterinary approval maintained post-Brexit. Human use in gender clinics (e.g., NHS) has occurred under specialist oversight.
Approved for veterinary use in the US, EU and other jurisdictions (e.g., Suprelorin® implant). Not approved for human therapeutic use.
Evidence & Sources
- Journal ArticleModerateKutzler MA2005-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateJekl V, Hauptman K2017-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateSchäfer-Somi S, et al.2014-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateKutzler MA2007-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModeratePadula AM2005-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateGoericke-Pesch S, Wehrend A, Georgiev P2014-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Frequently Asked Questions
How does deslorelin differ from natural GnRH?
Deslorelin is a modified decapeptide that binds GnRH receptors with far greater affinity—estimated up to 100‑fold—than native GnRH. Continuous exposure causes receptor desensitisation, leading to suppression of LH and FSH, whereas natural GnRH is released in short pulses.
Which animals can be treated with deslorelin?
The published literature focuses on dogs and cats, where deslorelin implants are used for contraception, puberty postponement, and estrus control. Some reviews also discuss its potential use in ferrets, but peer‑reviewed data are limited to canids and felids.
Is the contraceptive effect permanent?
No. The effect is reversible; fertility typically returns after the implant has been fully resorbed, which can take several months to over a year depending on the dose. Return of normal estrous cycles has been documented in treated dogs and cats.
What side effects might occur?
Studies in dogs and cats have not identified serious adverse events, but an initial surge of LH/FSH (flare) can occur if the implant is placed at a time when the animal is hormonally quiescent. Monitoring for transient behavioural or hormonal changes is advised.
How is the implant placed?
A small, sterile implant is inserted subcutaneously, usually in the dorsal neck region, using a trocar or needle. The procedure is quick, causes minimal discomfort, and does not require general anaesthesia in most cases.
What is Deslorelin?
Deslorelin is a synthetic GnRH super‑agonist peptide approved for veterinary use. Delivered mainly as a subcutaneous slow‑release implant, it is employed to suppress fertility in dogs and cats, postpone puberty in pre‑pubertal animals, and to induce or synchronize estrus for breeding programs. Its high potency allows long‑acting hormonal control with a single administration.
What is Deslorelin used for?
Deslorelin is educationally associated with: Suppression of precocious puberty, investigational treatment of prostate cancer, Gender-affirming puberty suppression (transgender youth), Prostate cancer palliation, estrus control in ferrets, temporary contraception in dogs, Endometriosis treatment, management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs, Veterinary fertility control (male dogs). Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Deslorelin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous, Subcutaneous Implant, Subcutaneous Injection.
What are the potential side effects of Deslorelin?
Reported adverse effects include: Hot flashes / vasomotor symptoms, Injection/implant site reactions, Anaphylaxis, Decreased bone mineral density, Hot flashes, vaginal bleeding (animals), Injection site swelling, Mood changes / depression, Hormone flare (initial testosterone/estradiol surge). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Deslorelin?
Recorded contraindications: hypersensitivity to deslorelin or formulation components, Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, Pregnancy, pregnancy (animals), Hypersensitivity to GnRH or GnRH analogs, Known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancy (non-prostate, non-target). Consult a qualified clinician before use.