A cyclic MC4R agonist approved for specific rare genetic disorders.
Also known as: Imcivree · RM-493
Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster
Overview
Setmelanotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide that selectively activates the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a signaling hub in the brain's appetite pathway. Sold as Imcivree, it is an approved prescription medicine for certain rare genetic conditions. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic cyclic octapeptide
Primary research or clinical context: Prescription medicine approved for rare genetic conditions
Receptor target
The MC4 receptor sits within the leptin-melanocortin pathway that helps regulate energy balance. Setmelanotide is engineered as a cyclic, disulfide-containing octapeptide to bind MC4R with high selectivity. Its design reflects decades of melanocortin peptide chemistry aimed at receptor specificity.
Approval and status
Setmelanotide received FDA approval in 2020 and EU approval in 2021 for narrowly defined rare genetic disorders, and is a prescription-only therapeutic. It is used strictly under specialist supervision. This summary describes the peptide and its target for educational purposes and makes no therapeutic claims.
FAQ about Setmelanotide
What is Setmelanotide?+
Setmelanotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide that selectively activates the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a signaling hub in the brain's appetite pathway. Sold as Imcivree, it is an approved prescription medicine for certain rare genetic conditions. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Setmelanotide an approved medicine?+
Setmelanotide: Prescription medicine approved for rare genetic conditions. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Setmelanotide?+
Setmelanotide is commonly described as approximately 8 amino acids (Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist peptide).