Selective Melanotropin 4 Ligands for Neurodegenerative Diseases

This technology is the development of ligands that selectively bind to the Melanocortin 3 Receptor (MC3R) and Melanocortin 4 Receptor (MC4R) and modulate receptor activity for neurodegenerative diseases. The melanocortin receptor ligand is bound to an MC3R and/or MC4R selective moiety, which allows the complex to cross the blood brain barrier. The ligand-moiety complex has improved selectivity to MC3R and/or MC4R and anti-inflammation function.

Background:
MC3R and MC4R are under-targeted in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, existing ligand analogues have low selectivity and anti-inflammation function relative to the present invention.

Applications:

• Treatment for neurodegenerative diseases 

Advantages:

• Targets a unique pathway in neurodegenerative disease development
• Ligand-moiety complex has improved selectivity for the MC3R and/or MC4R receptors
• Retains a better anti-inflammation function than existing ligand analogues