Setmelanotide vs Substance P
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an FDA-approved MC4R agonist for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific genetic conditions (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency).
Full details →Substance P
Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide involved in pain transmission, inflammation, and various neurological processes. While not used therapeutically itself, understanding it is crucial for pain research.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Setmelanotide | Substance P |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. | Binds primarily to NK1 receptors to transmit pain signals from peripheral nerves to the CNS. Also promotes inflammation, causes vasodilation, and stimulates immune cells. |
| Typical Dosage | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. | Not used as a therapeutic agent. NK1 receptor antagonists (blocking Substance P) are used clinically for chemotherapy-induced nausea. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. | Research compound only. Therapeutic applications focus on blocking rather than administering Substance P. |
| Side Effects | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. | Administration would cause pain, inflammation, and neurogenic responses. Not given therapeutically. |
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