Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: Historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization

Mac E. Hadley, Robert T. Dorr

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

90 Scopus citations

Abstract

The melanocortins (MCs) are a family of multifunctional peptidergic hormones. Several superpotent, prolonged acting, enzymatically resistant, MC analogs have been designed and synthesized to help clarify the nature and role of MCs and their receptors (MCRs) in physiological functions. Two of these analogs, a linear peptide, melanotan I, and a cyclic truncated peptide, melanotan II (MTI and MTII, respectively) have been patented and tested clinically for studies on tanning of the skin (MTI) and for diagnosis and treatment of male erectile dysfunction (MTII). A new MTII analog, PT-141 (Palatin Technologies) has initial phase I/II trials and is scheduled to enter pivotal stage III clinical trials leading to commercialization. MTI may provide a therapeutic tan with the potential to lower the risk of skin cancer. PT-141 may improve sexual functionality in both males and females.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)921-930
Number of pages10
JournalPeptides
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2006

Keywords

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Melanocortin
  • Melanocyte
  • Melanogenesis
  • Melanoma
  • POMC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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