Advertisement



Drugs A–Z

Setmelanotide

Setmelanotide is a prescription medicine (Melanocortin 4 Receptor Agonist). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Imcivree
Drug class
Melanocortin 4 Receptor Agonist
Taken
Subcutaneous
Label
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc, revised April 1, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
No · details

What it is used for

IMCIVREE is indicated to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and pediatric patients aged [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]: 4 years and older with acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO) 2 years and older with syndromic or monogenic obesity due to: o Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) o Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency confirmed by genetic testing demonstrating variants in POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS). IMCIVREE is a melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptor agonist indicated to reduce excess body weight and maintain reduction long term in adults and pediatric patients aged (1): 4 years and older with acquired hypothalamic obsesity (HO). 2 years and older with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). 2 years and older with pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency confirmed by an genetic test demonstrating variants in POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS). Limitations of Use: IMCIVREE is not indicated for the treatment of patients with the following conditions as IMCIVREE would not be expected to be effective: Obesity due to suspected POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR-deficiency with POMC , PCSK1 , or LEPR variants classified as benign or likely benign. ( 1 ) Other types of obesity not related to acquired HO, BBS or POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency, including obesity associated with other genetic syndromes and general (polygenic) obesity. ( 1 )

1.1 Limitations of Use: IMCIVREE is not indicated for the treatment of patients with the following conditions as IMCIVREE would not be expected to be effective:

  • Obesity due to suspected POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR variants classified as benign or likely benign.
  • Other types of obesity not related to acquired HO, BBS, or POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, including obesity associated with other genetic syndromes and general (polygenic) obesity

Forms and strengths

Injection: 10 mg/mL, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution in a 1 mL multiple-dose vial. Injection: 10 mg/mL, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution in a 1 mL multiple-dose vial.

Who should not take it (contraindications)

IMCIVREE is contraindicated in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE. Serious hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Prior serious hypersensitivity to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Disturbance in Sexual Arousal: Spontaneous penile erections in males and sexual adverse reactions in females have occurred. Inform patients that these events may occur and instruct patients who have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours to seek emergency medical attention. ( 5.1 ) Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Depression and suicidal ideation have occurred. Monitor patients for new onset or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Consider discontinuing IMCIVREE if patients experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or clinically significant or persistent depression symptoms occur. ( 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) have been reported. If suspected, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue IMCIVREE. ( 5.3 ). Skin Hyperpigmentation, Darkening of Pre-Existing Nevi, and Development of New Melanocytic Nevi: Generalized increased skin pigmentation, darkening of pre-existing nevi, and development of new nevi have occurred. Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment to monitor pre-existing and new pigmentary lesions. ( 5.4 ) Acute Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Acquired HO : Monitor patients for signs of acute adrenal insufficiency. ( 5.5 ) Sodium Imbalance in Patients with Acquired HO and Central Diabetes Insipidus : Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia and hypernatremia. (5.6)

5.1 Disturbance in Sexual Arousal Sexual adverse reactions may occur in patients treated with IMCIVREE. Spontaneous penile erections and increased frequency of penile erections in males occurred in clinical trials with IMCIVREE [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Inform patients that these events may occur and instruct patients who have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours to seek emergency medical attention.

5.2 Depression and Suicidal Ideation Some drugs that target the central nervous system, such as IMCIVREE, may cause depression or suicidal ideation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Patients with a history of depression or suicidal ideation may be at increased risk for recurrent episodes while taking IMCIVREE. Monitor patients for new onset or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Consider discontinuing IMCIVREE if patients experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors or if clinically significant or persistent depression symptoms occur.

5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with IMCIVREE. These reactions generally occurred within minutes to hours after injecting IMCIVREE [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue use of IMCIVREE. IMCIVREE is contraindicated in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE.

5.4 Skin Hyperpigmentation, Darkening of Pre-Existing Nevi, and Development of New Melanocytic Nevi Generalized or focal increases in skin pigmentation occurred in the majority of IMCIVREE-treated patients in clinical trials [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ]. This effect is reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. IMCIVREE may also cause the development of new melanocytic nevi or darkening of pre-existing nevi due to its pharmacologic effect. Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment with IMCIVREE to monitor pre-existing and new skin pigmented lesions.

5.5 Acute Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Acquired HO In a clinical trial of adults and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older with acquired HO and secondary adrenal insufficiency, serious adverse reactions related to acute adrenal insufficiency were reported by 5% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients. In patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency, monitor for clinical signs of acute adrenal insufficiency.

5.6 Sodium Imbalance in Patients with Acquired HO and Central Diabetes Insipidus In a clinical trial of adults and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older with acquired HO and concomitant central diabetes insipidus (DI)/arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency, hyponatremia was reported in 6% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and 2% of placebo-treated patients, and hypernatremia was reported in 5% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and 4% of placebo-treated patients. In patients with acquired HO and concomitant DI/AVP deficiency, monitor serum sodium levels with changes in fluid intake and hydration status. Adjust the doses of concomitant therapies for DI/AVP deficiency as needed.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Disturbance in Sexual Arousal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Depression and Suicidal Ideation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Skin Hyperpigmentation, Darkening of Pre-Existing Nevi, and Development of New Melanocytic Nevi [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Acute Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Acquired HO [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Sodium Imbalance in Patients with Acquired HO and Central Diabetes Insipidus [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20% in at least 1 indication) included skin hyperpigmentation, injection site reactions, nausea, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, and spontaneous penile erection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhythm Pharmaceuticals at 1-833-789-6337 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Acquired HO (Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 4 Years and Older) The safety of IMCIVREE was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial which included a dose titration period of 4 to 8 weeks and a 52-week treatment period, in 142 patients aged 4 years and older with acquired HO (Trial 1) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . The trial duration was 56 to 60 weeks. Table 5 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in 5% or more of the IMCIVREE-treated patients and more frequently than placebo-treated patients in Trial 1. Other Adverse Reactions in Patients Aged 4 Years and Older with Acquired HO Disturbance in Sexual Arousal Spontaneous penile erections and increased frequency of penile erections were reported in 7% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and 4% of placebo-treated patients. Acute Adrenal Insufficiency Serious adverse reactions related to acute adrenal insufficiency were reported by 5% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and no placebo-treated patients. Sodium Imbalance Among patients with acquired HO and concomitant central diabetes insipidus (DI)/arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency, hyponatremia was reported in 6% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and 2% of placebo-treated patients, and hypernatremia was reported in 5% of IMCIVREE-treated patients and 4% of placebo-treated patients. Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 6 Years and Older) The safety of IMCIVREE was evaluated in a clinical trial, which included a 14‑week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by a 52-week open-label treatment period, in 44 patients aged 6 years and older with obesity and a clinical diagnosis of BBS (Trial 2) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] . The trial duration was 66 weeks. During the 14-week placebo-controlled period in Trial 2, the most common reported adverse reactions in IMCIVREE-treated patients when compared to placebo-treated patients were hyperpigmentation disorders (67% vs 0%, respectively) and vomiting (11% vs 0%, respectively). Adverse reactions were also evaluated during the 52-week active-treatment period, defined as the period from randomization to Week 52 in patients initially randomized to IMCIVREE, and from Week 14 to Week 66 in patients initially randomized to placebo. Table 6 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in 2 or more IMCIVREE-treated patients in Trial 2 during the 52-week active treatment period. POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR Deficiency (Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 6 Years and Older) The safety of IMCIVREE was evaluated in two 52-week, open-label clinical trials of 27 patients aged 6 years and older with obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with POMC , PCSK1 , or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (Trial 3 and Trial 4) [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] . Table 7 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in the open-label trials during the first 52 weeks of treatment in 3 or more patients treated with IMCIVREE. POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR Deficiency and BBS (Pediatric Patients Aged 2 to less than 6 Years) The safety of IMCIVREE was evaluated in one 52-week, open-label clinical trial of 12 patients aged 2 to less than 6 years with obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with POMC , PCSK1 , or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance, or obesity due to BBS (Trial 5) [see Clinical Studies (14.4)] . No patients with PCSK1 were enrolled in the trial. Table 8 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in the open-label trial during 52 weeks of treatment in 3 or more patients treated with IMCIVREE. Other Adverse Reactions in Patients Aged 2 to less than 6 Years with Obesity due to POMC or LEPR Deficiency or BBS Disturbance in Sexual Arousal Spontaneous penile erections were reported in 8% of IMCIVREE-treated patients. Depression Depressed mood was reported in 8% of IMCIVREE-treated patients image description image description image description image description

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of IMCIVREE. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

Lactation: not recommended when breastfeeding ( 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue IMCIVREE when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. IMCIVREE contains the preservative benzyl alcohol. Because benzyl alcohol is rapidly metabolized by a pregnant woman, benzyl alcohol exposure in the fetus is unlikely. There are no available data with IMCIVREE in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. For the general US population, weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, setmelanotide subcutaneously administered to pregnant rats from before mating to the end of organogenesis was not teratogenic at doses 11 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3 mg. Setmelanotide subcutaneously administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis was not teratogenic at clinical doses. Setmelanotide administered subcutaneously to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation did not result in adverse developmental effects at doses 7 times the MRHD ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Maternal obesity increases the risk for congenital malformations, including neural tube defects, cardiac malformations, oral clefts, and limb reduction defects. In addition, weight loss during pregnancy may result in fetal harm including increased risk of small for gestational age. Appropriate weight gain based on pre-pregnancy weight is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or have obesity, due to the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy. Data Animal Data Embryo-fetal development was evaluated in female rats administered setmelanotide subcutaneously during mating to end of major organogenesis (14 days prior to mating to gestation day 17) at doses of 0.5, 3, and 5 mg/kg/day, resulting in exposures up to 11 times the human exposure at MRHD of 3 mg, based on AUC. Dose-related decreases in maternal food intake and body weight gain were observed during the premating period but not during gestation. No evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity was observed. Embryo-fetal development was evaluated in pregnant rabbits subcutaneously administered setmelanotide during organogenesis (gestation days 7 to 19) at doses of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/kg/day, resulting in clinically relevant exposures at the MRHD, based on AUC. Decreases in maternal food consumption and body weight were observed at all doses. Increases in embryo-fetal resorptions and post-implantation losses were observed at ≥0.1 mg/kg/day in the presence of significant maternal toxicity, and fetal body weights were 7% lower than controls at 0.2 mg/kg/day. Pre- and post-natal development was evaluated in rats subcutaneously administered setmelanotide during organogenesis and continuing until weaning (gestation day 6 to lactation day 21) at doses of 0.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/kg/day, which resulted in exposures up to 7 times the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC. Pup body weights at birth were 9% lower than controls at 3.0 and 5.0 mg/kg/day, which was consistent with reduced maternal body weight gain and food consumption during gestation. No adverse setmelanotide-related effects on pup survival, growth, maturation, visual function, neurobehavioral performance, or reproductive performance were observed up to the highest dose.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Treatment with IMCIVREE is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. IMCIVREE from multiple-dose vials contains the preservative benzyl alcohol. Because benzyl alcohol is rapidly metabolized by a lactating woman, benzyl alcohol exposure in the breastfed infant is unlikely. There is no information on the presence of setmelanotide or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, setmelanotide is present in the milk of rats ( see Data ). When a drug is present in rat milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. Data Dose-related setmelanotide concentrations were observed in milk 2 hours after subcutaneous injection in the preweaning phase of a pre- and post-natal development study in rats. No quantifiable setmelanotide concentrations were detected in plasma from nursing pups on postnatal Day 11.

8.4 Pediatric Use Acquired HO The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have been established to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in pediatric patients aged 4 years and older with acquired HO. Use of IMCIVREE for this indication is supported by evidence from a 56- to 60‑week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 76 pediatric patients with acquired HO aged 4 to 17 years [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Adverse reactions with IMCIVREE treatment in pediatric patients aged 4 to 17 years with acquired HO were generally similar to those reported in adults [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment with IMCIVREE to monitor pre-existing and new skin pigmented lesions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 4 years of age with acquired HO. BBS or POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have been established to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with obesity due to: BBS [see Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.4)] POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with variants in POMC , PCSK1 , or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS) [see Clinical Studies (14.3, 14.4)] Use of IMCIVREE for these indications is supported by evidence from one 66-week trial, which included a 14-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by a 52-week open-label period, and included 22 pediatric patients with BBS aged 6 to 17 years (Trial 2); from two 1-year, open-label trials that included 9 pediatric patients with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency aged 6 to 17 years (Trial 3 and Trial 4); and one 1-year, open-label trial that included 12 pediatric patients with POMC or LEPR deficiency or BBS aged 2 to less than 6 years (Trial 5) [see Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.3, 14.4)] . Adverse reactions with IMCIVREE treatment in pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 6 years with BBS, POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency were generally similar to those reported in adults and in pediatric patients aged 6 years and older. Pediatric patients with BBS, POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency treated with IMCIVREE had greater incidences of vomiting, skin hyperpigmentation, and new or darkening nevi compared to adults with BBS, POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency treated with IMCIVREE [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment with IMCIVREE to monitor pre-existing and new skin pigmented lesions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with BBS, POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency.

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical trials of IMCIVREE did not include patients aged 65 and over. It is not known whether geriatric patients would respond differently than younger adult patients. […]

How it works

Setmelanotide is an MC4 receptor agonist with 20-fold less activity at the melanocortin 3 (MC3) and melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptors. MC4 receptors in the brain are involved in regulation of hunger, satiety, and energy expenditure. Based on nonclinical evidence, setmelanotide may re establish MC4 receptor pathway activity to reduce food intake and promote weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased energy expenditure in patients with obesity due to acquired HO, BBS, or POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency associated with insufficient activation of the MC4 receptor. The MC1 receptor is expressed on melanocytes, and activation of this receptor leads to accumulation of melanin and increased skin pigmentation independently of ultraviolet light [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Is there a generic Setmelanotide?

No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Setmelanotide in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls

Get alerts for Setmelanotide

We will email you if the FDA reports a recall, if its shortage status changes, or when we publish news about it — at most one email a day. No account needed.









Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 70c3ccf7-4df0-4c75-ba07-fede9970c8d9.


Advertisement



Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

Advertisement