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Imcivree (SETMELANOTIDE)
Imcivree works by activating the melanocortin 4 receptor, a protein that helps regulate appetite and metabolism.
At a glance
| Generic name | SETMELANOTIDE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Rhythm |
| Drug class | Melanocortin 4 Receptor Agonist [EPC] |
| Target | Melanocortin receptor 4 |
| Modality | Recombinant protein |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 2020 |
Mechanism of action
Setmelanotide is an MC4 receptor agonist with 20-fold less activity at the melanocortin (MC3) and melanocortin (MC1) receptors. MC4 receptors in the brain are involved in regulation of hunger, satiety, and energy expenditure. In patients with obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR deficiency associated with insufficient activation of the MC4 receptor, setmelanotide may re-establish MC4 receptor pathway activity to reduce hunger and promote weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased energy expenditure. Nonclinical evidence shows that MC4 receptors are important for setmelanotide-regulated appetite and weight loss. The MC1 receptor is expressed on melanocytes, and activation of this receptor leads to accumulation of melanin and increased skin pigmentation independently of ultraviolet light [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Approved indications
- BardetBiedl syndrome
- Leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency
- Obesity
- Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency
Common side effects
- Injection site reaction
- Skin hyperpigmentation
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Spontaneous penile erection
Key clinical trials
- Setmelanotide to Treat Obesity in a Patient With Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1a (PHP1a) (PHASE2)
- A Study of Setmelanotide in Patients With Prader-Willi Syndrome (PHASE2)
- A Trial of Setmelanotide in Patients With Congenital Hypothalamic Obesity (Sub-study of NCT05774756) (PHASE3)
- EMANATE: A Study of Setmelanotide in Patients With Specific Gene Variants in the MC4R Pathway (PHASE3)
- Open-Label Extension Study of Setmelanotide (PHASE3)
- A Trial of Setmelanotide in Acquired Hypothalamic Obesity (PHASE3)
- DAYBREAK: A Study of Setmelanotide in Participants With Specific Gene Variants in the Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) Pathway (PHASE2)
- Long Term Extension Trial of Setmelanotide (PHASE2,PHASE3)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Imcivree CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Imcivree updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Rhythm portfolio CI