Discovery and Optimization of beta-MSH Derived Melanocortin-4 Selective Agonists

摘要

The proopiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides (ACTH, alpha, beta, and gamma MSH) are expressed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and have been shown to exert control over energy homeostasis. While numerous a-MSH based agonists have been reported in the literature, we pursued an SAR strategy based on the beta-MSH variant with the goal of developing an effective antiobesity agent.