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Degarelix (Firmagon)

Peptide

Degarelix is a third-generation GnRH antagonist peptide. FDA-approved for advanced prostate cancer. Phase III trial (CS21) showed 97.2% achieved testosterone ≤0.5 ng/mL. Achieves castration in 96% of patients by day 3 (vs 0% with leuprolide). No testosterone flare or need for antiandrogen flare protection. Median PSA significantly lower at days 14 and 28 vs leuprolide (p<0.001).

Quick Answer

What it is

Degarelix is a third-generation GnRH antagonist peptide. FDA-approved for advanced prostate cancer.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Testosterone Suppression (Prostate Cancer)
  • Grade A: PSA Suppression (Prostate Cancer)
  • Grade A: PSA Progression-Free Survival (Prostate Cancer)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Degarelix (Firmagon)

Quick Facts: Degarelix (Firmagon)

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:11
  • Grade A Findings:5
  • Grade B Findings:3
  • Key Effect:Prostate Cancer
A5
B3
C0
D3
1 conditions · 11 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

A
Testosterone Suppression
Phase III: 97.2% achieve T ≤0.5 ng/mL. 96% castrate by day 3 (vs 0% leuprolide). Fastest testosterone suppression among ADT options.
large↓Improves
A
PSA Suppression
Median PSA significantly lower at days 14 and 28 vs leuprolide (p<0.001). Faster PSA decline than GnRH agonists.
large↓Improves
A
PSA Progression-Free Survival
Extension trial showed statistically significant PSA PFS benefit for degarelix over leuprolide with 27.5-month median follow-up.
moderate↑Improves
A
Disease Control
Pooled analysis of 5 RCTs confirms non-inferior disease control. Better S-ALP control suggests improved bone metastases management.
large↑Improves
A
Flare Prevention
No testosterone flare by design (antagonist mechanism). Eliminates need for antiandrogen flare protection therapy.
large↑Improves
B
Anti-Cancer Activity
62 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
B
Safety/Tolerability
13 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
B
Hormone Levels
10 human trials support this finding. Human clinical trial data available.
moderate↑Improves
D
Cardiac Protection
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves
D
Blood Glucose Control
2 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
small↓Improves
D
Immune Function
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (57)

Testosterone recovery after androgen deprivation therapy.
(2025)
PMID: 39242300
Exploration of cardiac adverse events associated with relugolix and degarelix: a multi-center pharmacovigilance study based on the FAERS database.
(2025)
PMID: 40177731
Comparative Cardiovascular Safety of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonists and Agonists Among Patients Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Real-world Evidence Studies.
(2025)
PMID: 39343637
Risk of cardiovascular disease following degarelix versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in patients with prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
(2025)
PMID: 39818461
Comparing the risk of cardiovascular disease between degarelix and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists:a systematic review and meta-analysis.
(2025)
PMID: 41103953
Effectiveness and safety of degarelix compared to GnRH agonists for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
(2025)
PMID: 41216753
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular disease risk with degarelix and GnRH agonists in prostate cancer
(2024)
PMID: 39500846
Testosterone bounce predicts favorable prognoses for prostate cancer patients treated with degarelix.
(2024)
PMID: 38413843
Duration of androgen deprivation therapy with postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer: a comparison of long-course versus short-course androgen deprivation therapy in the RADICALS-HD randomised trial.
(2024)
PMID: 38763153
Risk of cardiovascular events following intermittent and continuous androgen deprivation therapy in patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.
(2024)
PMID: 39003108

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