Melanocortin Receptor Agonist PL9588

 

Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor system, announced the development of a new molecule to lower intra-ocular pressure (IOP). The company gave this information through a poster entitled, “Melanocortin Receptor Agonist PL9588 Reduces Intraocular Pressure in Normotensive Rabbits” at the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Conference.

Topically administered PL9588 showed reductions in IOP with magnitudes similar or greater to the positive controls, latanoprost, and timolol, which are FDA-approved for treating glaucoma. The IOP-lowering effect of a single topical dose of PL9588 persisted for 24 hours. A therapeutic melanocortin agonist could provide new options for treatment, both as a single agent or in combination with a standard of care. Palatin's data provides support for the continued development of PL9588 with the aim of providing a novel, once-daily treatment for glaucoma.

Melanocortins are hormone agonists that include several melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs) and adrenocorticotropin hormones. These exert their effect through binding to melanocortin receptors (MCrs). Melanocortin agonism contributes to the resolution of inflammation through multiple pathways.

The melanocortin receptor ("MCr") system has effects on inflammation, immune system responses, metabolism, food intake, and sexual function. There are five melanocortin receptors, MC1r through MC5r. Modulation of these receptors, through the use of receptor-specific agonists, which activate receptor function, or receptor-specific antagonists, which block receptor function, can have medically significant pharmacological effects. Many tissues and immune cells located throughout the body, including the gut, kidney, and eye, express melanocortin receptors, empowering our opportunity to directly activate natural pathways to resolve disease inflammation.

Drugs based on melanocortin agonists have been approved by the FDA for treating several conditions, including inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, rare forms of genetic obesity, and female sexual dysfunction. In the eye, they are being evaluated for dry eye disease, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. With the development of this new molecule (PL9588) for use in glaucoma, a new pathway is being explored in the management of this disease.

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