Melanocortin system
Family of G-protein-coupled receptors (MC1R–MC5R) with roles in pigmentation, energy homeostasis, steroidogenesis and sexual function. MC4R in the CNS is a target of multiple experimental and approved compounds.
Peptides on this topic
4 peptiden met onderzoek naar dit onderwerpAfamelanotide (brand name Scenesse) is a synthetic 13-amino-acid analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist. Unlike most peptides covered here, it is a regularly approved medicine: EMA approval in 2014/2015, FDA approval in 2019, in each case as a subcutaneous implant for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It promotes eumelanin formation in the skin.
- Humane RCTProlonged pain-free sunlight exposure in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria compared with placebo
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide acting as a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. FDA-approved in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in pre-menopausal women.
- Humane RCTIncrease in self-reported sexual-desire scores versus placebo in randomised trials (RECONNECT)
Cyclic hepta-peptide and non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. Originally researched at the University of Arizona as a sun-protection concept — never approved as a medicine. Widespread on the black market; regulatory warnings for cardiovascular and oncological risks.
- Humane studieIncrease in pigmentation (eumelanin production) was documented in original phase-1 studies in healthy volunteers
Setmelanotide (brand name Imcivree) is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide and an agonist at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). It was developed and approved as a prescription medicine for chronic weight management in rare genetic forms of obesity within the MC4R signalling pathway (including POMC, PCSK1 and LEPR deficiency as well as Bardet-Biedl syndrome). The following information is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
- Humane studieIn single-arm, open-label phase 3 trials, a reduction in body weight was observed in individuals with severe obesity due to POMC or LEPR deficiency.