Degarelix
An injectable hormone blocker for prostate cancer that lowers testosterone within days without the initial surge caused by agonists.
CS21 (2008): non-inferior testosterone suppression versus leuprolide with faster onset and lower PSA rebound. Possible cardiovascular advantage in men with pre-existing disease (PRONOUNCE inconclusive). Monthly injections with injection-site reactions.
- Medicare
- Part B (clinician-administered)
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. Monthly subcutaneous depot in the clinic.
- Commercial insurance
- covered on label
Covered under the medical benefit; some plans require justification versus leuprolide.
- Assistance programmes
- PAN Foundation — Disease-specific co-pay and premium funds; open and closed funds change monthly.
- HealthWell Foundation
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
- Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
- Appraised for
- Advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer with spinal metastases
- NHS England
- Routinely funded for the appraised indication (or via managed access)
Sources: NICE TA404 · SMC advice: degarelix. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Approvals
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 2008 | Advanced prostate cancer |
| EU | 2009 | Same |
Trials
topRecruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Latest papers
topQuery for this drug: (TITLE:"Degarelix" OR ABSTRACT:"Degarelix" OR TITLE:"Firmagon" OR ABSTRACT:"Firmagon") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Degarelix, not a curated reading list.
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