Lactoferricin vs Octreotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Lactoferricin
Lactoferricin is an antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other secretions. It has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Full details →Octreotide
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic somatostatin analog FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. It inhibits growth hormone and various GI hormones.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Lactoferricin | Octreotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and disrupts microbial membranes through electrostatic interactions. Also binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to neutralize endotoxins and has immunomodulatory effects. | Binds to somatostatin receptors (primarily SSTR2 and SSTR5) to inhibit GH, glucagon, insulin, and gastric secretions. Reduces blood flow to GI tract and inhibits tumor hormone secretion. |
| Typical Dosage | Research applications vary widely. Oral lactoferrin supplements (containing lactoferricin precursor) typically dosed at 100-400mg daily. | Varies by indication. Acromegaly: 50-100mcg three times daily initially, up to 500mcg TID. LAR (long-acting): 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. |
| Administration | Available through lactoferrin supplementation orally. Purified lactoferricin primarily used in research settings. | Subcutaneous injection for immediate-release (between meals). Intramuscular for LAR depot form. Requires monitoring of gallbladder, glucose, and thyroid. |
| Side Effects | Lactoferrin supplementation is generally well-tolerated. May cause GI upset in some individuals. Derived from milk so caution with dairy allergies. | GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), gallstones (up to 25% of long-term users), injection site reactions, and blood glucose changes. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Lactoferricin and Octreotide are commonly used for: