From the Guidelines
Lanreotide is available in Switzerland, as evidenced by its approval and use in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and other conditions, with the most recent guidelines supporting its use 1. The medication is marketed under the brand name Somatuline Autogel and is administered as a deep subcutaneous injection, typically every 28 days, with dosages ranging from 60 to 120 mg depending on the condition being treated and patient response. Some key points to consider when prescribing lanreotide in Switzerland include:
- The medication is prescribed by specialists, usually endocrinologists or oncologists, and is covered by basic health insurance (Grundversicherung/assurance-maladie de base) when prescribed for approved indications 1.
- Lanreotide works by mimicking the action of somatostatin, a natural hormone that inhibits the release of growth hormone and various gastrointestinal hormones.
- Patients should be aware that the medication requires proper storage in a refrigerator (2-8°C) until use, and healthcare professionals typically administer the injection, though self-administration may be possible after proper training. The most recent study from 2020 provides the strongest evidence for the use of lanreotide in Switzerland, with the CLARINET study demonstrating efficacy in tumor growth control in advanced SSTR-positive, slowly-growing GI and Pan-NETs up to a Ki-67 of 10% 1. Some benefits of lanreotide include:
- Improved symptom control and quality of life for patients with neuroendocrine tumors
- Anti-proliferative effects, with overall response rates (ORRs) of less than 5% but median progression-free survival (PFS) of more than 27 months in some studies 1
- Good long-term tolerability, with most patients experiencing stable disease at study onset 1.
From the Research
Availability of Lanreotide in Switzerland
- There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the availability of lanreotide in Switzerland 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of lanreotide in the treatment of acromegaly and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, without mentioning its availability in specific countries 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it can be inferred that lanreotide is a widely used somatostatin analogue, and its availability is likely to be regulated by local health authorities and pharmaceutical companies in each country, including Switzerland 3, 5.
Regulatory Approval and Availability
- Lanreotide has been approved for the treatment of acromegaly and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in several countries, but the studies do not provide information on its regulatory status in Switzerland specifically 2, 3, 5.
- The availability of lanreotide in Switzerland would depend on its approval by the Swiss regulatory authorities, such as the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (SWISSMEDIC), and its marketing authorization by pharmaceutical companies 3, 5.
Conclusion Not Available
- As per the provided instructions, no conclusion can be drawn, and the information provided is based solely on the available evidence.