At a glance
- Class
- GnRH receptor agonist
- Receptor targets
- GnRHR
- Length
- 9 amino acids
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 1.21 kDa
- Origin
- Synthetic GnRH analogue
- Research area
- Reproductive & neuroendocrine
- Also known as
- Leuprorelin
What Leuprolide is
Leuprolide replaces one residue of native GnRH with a D-amino acid and changes the C-terminus. Those changes protect it from enzymatic breakdown and give it a much longer half-life than the natural decapeptide.
In research it is used to study how the pituitary responds to different patterns of GnRH receptor exposure. Pulsatile and continuous exposure produce opposite effects, a classic example of receptor desensitisation.
What the research literature studies
- GnRH receptor signalling and desensitisation in cell models
- Pituitary hormone release under pulsatile versus continuous exposure in animal models
- Stability gains from a D-amino acid substitution
Evidence rating: 5/5
Approved drug, phase 3 trials. Approved medicine with decades of clinical use in its authorised indications. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- Most outcome data come from the branded medicine, not from research-grade material.
- Findings on receptor desensitisation depend heavily on the exposure pattern used in each model.
Regulatory status
Leuprolide is authorised as a prescription medicine by the MHRA, EMA and FDA under brand names. Laboratory research material is not that medicine and must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
Leuprolide at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
Not currently listed at Nordapep.
Compare Leuprolide
Leuprolide FAQ
How does leuprolide differ from gonadorelin?
Gonadorelin is the synthetic copy of native GnRH and is cleared quickly. Leuprolide is a modified analogue with a longer half-life, so the two behave very differently in experiments.
Why does continuous exposure have the opposite effect to pulsatile exposure?
Continuous receptor activation leads to desensitisation and downregulation, while pulses preserve responsiveness.
Where can I buy Leuprolide for research?
Nordapep does not currently list Leuprolide. You can ask Nordapep about availability, or compare related compounds that are in stock.
Is Leuprolide approved?
Leuprolide is authorised as a prescription medicine by the MHRA, EMA and FDA under brand names. Laboratory research material is not that medicine and must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for Leuprolide
Further reading
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). Leuprolide: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/leuprolide