What is Suprelorin?
Suprelorin is a deslorelin implant that is approved for use in male dogs in Australia and New Zealand. It was first marketed in Australia in December 2004, and in New Zealand in September 2005. Deslorelin is a GnRH agonist. When GnRH agonists are given continually at low doses, they suppress the release of reproductive hormones from the pituitary. This action results in safe, reversible contraception.
Down regulation of GnRH receptors at the gonadotropin-producing cells of the anterior pituitary reversibly blocks the production and release of the gonadotropins LH and FSH. Without their stimulating effects, gonads cease to produce gametes (egg cells and sperm) and female and male sex hormones. Therefore, all reproduction related body functions and behavior cease temporarily – until the block is removed.
This method was discovered 30 years ago, and has since been used to treat human prostate cancer patients. It was initially viewed as unsuitable for contraception in the bitch and queen, since the initial response, before down regulation occurs, is the induction of estrus. However, this can be safely overcome by administering low doses of progestens for a week prior to and after implantation with deslorelin.
As in human subjects, adverse effects have not been observed in dogs and cats. The duration of contraception may vary beyond 1 year among individuals. Treatment can be safely repeated. (excerpted from writings of Dr. Brenda Griffin) This is not a permanent form of sterilization.
After initial introduction of a six month duration dose, Peptech later introduced a 12 month dose. Both doses are available both in Australia and New Zealand. The six month treatment has received regulatory approval in the European Union and is anticipated to be introduced there during 2008.From Tim Trigg, ACC&D committee member and Managing Director of Peptech Amimal Health in December 2004, "Suprelorin is available in Australia from veterinary wholesalers. It is not approved in the US yet and will be a while. It is possible for individuals to import it into the US for research purposes. If anyone wants further information they can either visit our website or contact me, or the Product Manager, Dr .Katie Yeates(kyeates@peptech.com) for further information."
Click here to read an interview of Peptech General Manager Dr. Paul Schrober by Joyce Briggs, on the first year plus results for Suprelorin.
