Melanocortin and ACTH Analogues
9 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AfamelanotideAfamelanotide is a synthetic analogue of α‑melanocyte‑stimulating hormone that activates melanocortin‑1 receptors to boost melanin production. It is approved as a prescription drug and administered subcutaneously, primarily to lessen painful photosensitivity in X‑linked protoporphyria. Emerging literature also discusses its experimental use for vitiligo repigmentation and acne, but clinical data outside protoporphyria remain limited.
- AlsactideAlsactide (tetracosactide) is a synthetic 17‑amino‑acid analogue of ACTH used primarily as a diagnostic stimulus for adrenal cortisol production and, experimentally, as a chronotherapy agent to boost morning glucocorticoid secretion. It is administered by injection (intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous) in microgram doses, exploiting its rapid, transient stimulation of cortisol without markedly affecting aldosterone or testosterone.
- BremelanotideBremelanotide (Vyleesi™) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide that acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist. It is FDA‑approved for on‑demand subcutaneous use in premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a condition marked by persistent low sexual desire that causes distress.
- Corticorelin ovine triflutateCorticorelin ovine triflutate (Acthrel) is a synthetic form of ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone used as a diagnostic agent to distinguish pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease from ectopic ACTH syndrome and adrenal tumors. It stimulates pituitary ACTH secretion and is administered as an intravenous injection for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism.
- CorticotropinCorticotropin, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is a pituitary-derived peptide that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other steroids. It is prescribed as an injectable drug and is primarily employed in clinical practice to assess adrenal function and to help differentiate causes of Cushing syndrome. The hormone is part of the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis, and its measurement or administration provides insight into endocrine disorders.
- EbiratideEbiratide (HOE‑427) is a synthetic ACTH(4‑9) peptide analogue belonging to the melanocortin/ACTH family. It is biologically active in the central nervous system but lacks endocrine activity. Research has examined its ability to modulate arousal, sleep architecture, and subjective fatigue, as well as its capacity to cross the blood‑brain barrier. It is investigated primarily as a neuro‑behavioral agent and as a tool to study peptide transport and cholinergic interactions, not as an approved therapeutic.
- Melanotan IISynthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH; primarily researched for tanning and sexual dysfunction, but never approved for medical use; widely distributed as unregulated research chemical and cosmetic tanning agent
- SetmelanotideSetmelanotide is a synthetic peptide that acts as a potent agonist of the melanocortin‑4 receptor (MC4R). It is approved for subcutaneous use in individuals with rare genetic forms of severe obesity, such as pro‑opiomelanocortin (POMC) or leptin‑receptor (LEPR) deficiency. By activating central pathways that regulate hunger and satiety, setmelanotide can produce clinically meaningful weight loss and reduce hyperphagia in these populations.
- TetracosactideTetracosactide is a synthetic 1‑24 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that activates the adrenal cortex. It is employed clinically to stimulate cortisol production for diagnostic testing of adrenal insufficiency and, in depot form, as hormonal therapy for infantile spasms (West syndrome).