Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

desmopressin MELT formulation

desmopressin MELT formulation is a Vasopressin analog / Antidiuretic agent Small molecule drug developed by University Hospital, Ghent. It is currently FDA-approved for Central diabetes insipidus, Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), Polycystic kidney disease (off-label). Also known as: Minirin® Melt, Nocturin®, FE992026, Minirin.

Desmopressin is a synthetic vasopressin analog that binds to V2 receptors on kidney collecting duct cells to increase water reabsorption and reduce urine output.

Desmopressin is a synthetic vasopressin analog that binds to V2 receptors on kidney collecting duct cells to increase water reabsorption and reduce urine output. Used for Central diabetes insipidus, Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), Polycystic kidney disease (off-label).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Desmopressin mimics the action of endogenous antidiuretic hormone (ADH/vasopressin) by selectively activating V2 receptors in the renal collecting ducts, promoting aquaporin-2 water channel insertion and increasing water reabsorption. The MELT (melt) formulation is an orally disintegrating tablet that allows rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, providing faster onset compared to standard tablets. This formulation is particularly useful for conditions requiring rapid antidiuretic effect.

Approved indications

• Central diabetes insipidus
• Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
• Polycystic kidney disease (off-label)
• Von Willebrand disease and mild hemophilia A

Common side effects

• Hyponatremia (low sodium)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Facial flushing

Key clinical trials

• Influence of Food-intake on Desmopressin Oral Tablets and MELT-formulation (PHASE4)
• An Extension Study Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of a Fast-Dissolving ("Melt") Formulation of Desmopressin for the Treatment of Nocturia in Adults (PHASE3)
• Efficacy and Safety of Desmopressin Melt for the Treatment of Nocturia (PHASE3)
• A Study of Minirin Melt in Japanese Patients With Central Diabetes Insipidus (CDI). (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• desmopressin MELT formulation CI brief — competitive landscape report
• desmopressin MELT formulation updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• University Hospital, Ghent portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about desmopressin MELT formulation

Related

• Drug class: All Vasopressin analog / Antidiuretic agent drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting V2 vasopressin receptor
• Manufacturer: University Hospital, Ghent — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Endocrinology / Urology
• Indication: Drugs for Central diabetes insipidus
• Indication: Drugs for Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
• Indication: Drugs for Polycystic kidney disease (off-label)
• Also known as: Minirin® Melt, Nocturin®, FE992026, Minirin

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing