Also known as: Imcivree
An MC4R agonist approved for rare genetic causes of severe hunger and obesity.
Educational reference, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved, and products sold as research chemicals are not checked for purity. Plan any use with a licensed clinician.
How it works
Restores signaling in the brain's leptin-melanocortin pathway, which controls hunger.
Evidence by goal
| Goal | Grade | What the grade means |
|---|---|---|
| Fat loss & weight | A | Approved for this use or large randomized trials |
At a glance
- Route
- Subcutaneous daily
- Half-life
- About 11 hours
Reported dosing
Adults: 2 mg daily for 2 weeks, then 3 mg daily.
Timing: Morning, at the start of the day.
Cycle: Continuous.
From approved labels where they exist, otherwise from published trials and practitioner reports.
Side effects
- Skin darkening
- Nausea
- Spontaneous erections
- Depressed mood
Who should avoid it
- Not useful for common obesity without the specific gene variants
Often combined with
Used alone.
Key findings
Approved for POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, confirmed by genetic testing.
Where it is legal (Oct 2026)
| US | Prescription |
|---|---|
| Canada | Prescription |
| Mexico | Verify locally |
| EU | Prescription |
Sources
Open Setmelanotide in the Peptide Guide Compare all peptides by goal
Last reviewed November 2026. Regulatory status reflects the US unless noted and changes often.