Leuprorelin (INN) or leuprolide acetate (USAN) is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist).
By causing constant stimulation of the pituitaryGnRH receptors, it initially causes stimulation (flare), but thereafter decreases pituitary secretion (downregulation) of gonadotropins luteinizing hormone(LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH).
Like other GnRH agonists, leuprolide may be used in the treatment of hormone-responsive cancers such as prostate canceror breast cancer, estrogen-dependent conditions (such as endometriosisor uterine fibroids), to treat precocious puberty, and to control ovarian stimulation in IVF.
Leuprolide Human Synthetic is a single, non-glycosylated, polypeptide chain containing 9 amino acids and having a molecular mass of 1209 Dalton. The molecular formula is C59H84N16O12.