Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 121:e2419741121
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, the developer of setmelanotide, has successfully pursued regulatory approval for the drug (marketed as IMCIVREE) in conditions caused by upstream defects in the MC4R pathway, such as POMC and LEPR deficiencies, where the receptor itself is intact, and the agonist mechanism is highly effective [57]
Its central mechanism lies in disrupting hepatic phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion
This can be due to a variety of reasons, including having a diet consisting of high-inflammation foods (red and processed meat, baked goods, deep-fried items, bread, pasta, etc.) versus those that lower inflammation throughout the body (berries, fruits, avocados, nuts, etc.)
Depending on patient needs and treatment objectives, these therapies could be given topically, orally, or via injections