Melanocortin receptors in GtoPdb v.2021.3

Melanocortin receptors (provisional nomenclature as recommended by NC-IUPHAR [41]) are activated by members of the melanocortin family (α-MSH, β-MSH and γ-MSH forms; δ form is not found in mammals) and adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). Endogenous antagonists include agouti and agouti-related protein. ACTH(1-24) was approved by the US FDA as a diagnostic agent for adrenal function test, whilst NDP-MSH was approved by EMA for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria. Several synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists are under clinical development.