The agonistic analogues of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone decrease biochemical findings and clinical signs of gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty. We tested a new analogue, nafarelin acetate, in 15 girls with gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty. The hydrophobic nature and potency of this compound allow it to be administered by intranasal inhalation. Laboratory assessment of vaginal cytology, estradiol and urinary gonadotropin levels, and growth velocity revealed that nafarelin acetate 800 to 1200 micrograms/day diminished these values during a 6-month treatment period. These results suggest gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty in girls can be treated with intranasal administration of nafarelin acetate.