PLACEHOLDER: Free shipping over $XX — confirm threshold

Topical cosmetics and devices only — not for injection

Cellular Sequence

Peptide Encyclopaedia

Approved medicineApproved medicine

Setmelanotide

Also known as Imcivree.

Approved-medicine listing only. This is not available from the Cellular Sequence shop. Licensed products require a prescriber and an ARTG-registered presentation.

At-a-glance profile

Classification
MC4 receptor agonist
Approval status
Approved medicine
Research status
Labelled indications are defined in product information.
Molecular formula
Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Molecular weight
Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Sequence
Cyclic peptide melanocortin-4 receptor agonist.
Primary biological target
Melanocortin-4 receptor
Half-life
Insufficient reliable evidence identified.
Routes investigated
Subcutaneous
Human evidence level
A — Approved clinical use / strong human evidence

What is it?

An approved medicine for rare genetic obesity disorders (POMC, PCSK1, LEPR deficiencies and other labelled genotypes), not general obesity.

Mechanism of action

Established (labelled / textbook receptor pharmacology)

MC4R agonism in hypothalamic energy-balance circuits, as labelled.

Reduces hunger and body weight in the labelled rare-disease populations.

What is it being studied for?

  • Rare monogenic obesity

Investigational findings are not proven clinical benefits unless an authority has labelled that indication.

Evidence level

Overall human evidence grade: A · Approved clinical use / strong human evidence

Human research

Pivotal rare-disease trials support labelled genotypes.

Preclinical research

Animal, cell and in-vitro findings are listed separately from human effects.

MC4R energy-balance biology is established.

Doses reported in published research

This section does not provide personalised medical dosing. Values are those reported in papers or protocols. Animal mg/kg doses are not converted to human doses.

Doses reported in human studies

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Preclinical / animal study dosing

Insufficient reliable evidence identified.

Pharmacokinetics

Reliable human pharmacokinetic data were not identified for this encyclopaedia entry, or are limited to product information for approved presentations.

Safety

Skin darkening, sexual-arousal effects, GI symptoms — see PI.

Unknowns. Absence of a published harm signal is not evidence of safety.

Contraindications. See PI.

Regulatory status

FDA/EMA approved for specified genetic obesities.

Verify ARTG. Not sold here.

Citations

  1. [1] Setmelanotide in POMC deficiency obesity

    Setmelanotide in POMC deficiency obesity

    Open source

For educational and research reference only. This page summarises published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, prescribing information or a recommendation to use an investigational compound. Research doses shown describe doses reported in published studies and are not personalised dosing instructions.

Last reviewed 2026-09-13. Research areas: Metabolic · Compare peptides