Melanocortin receptors in GtoPdb v.2025.3

Abstract

Melanocortin receptors (provisional nomenclature as recommended by NC-IUPHAR [41]) are activated by members of the melanocortin family (α-MSH, β-MSH and γ-MSH forms; δ form is not found in mammals) and adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). Endogenous antagonists include agouti and agouti-related protein. ACTH(1-24) was approved by the US FDA as a diagnostic agent for adrenal function test. setmelanotide was approved by the US FDA for weight management in patients with POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR defiency, bremelanotide was approved by the US FDA for generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, and NDP-MSH (afamelanotide) was approved by the EMA for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria. Several synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists are under clinical development.