Melanocortins in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction.

Melanocortinergic agents are currently being investigated for a possible therapeutic role in male and female sexual dysfunction. These investigations were sparked by findings that systemic administration of a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH, MT-II, causes penile erections in a variety of species, including humans. Several other melanocortinergic agents including HP-228, THIQ, and bremelanotide (PT-141) have since been shown to have erectogenic properties thought to be due to binding to melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus.

An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist.

Introduction: Melanocortins affect multiple physiological responses, including sexual behaviors. Bremelanotide is a synthetic peptide melanocortin analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that is an agonist at melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R.

Aim: To evaluate a single intranasal dose of bremelanotide for potential effects on physiological and subjective measurements of sexual arousal and desire in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder.

Evaluation of human anti-mouse antibody response in normal volunteers following repeated injections of fanolesomab (NeutroSpec), a murine anti-CD15 IgM monoclonal antibody for imaging infection.

Background: Fanolesomab (NeutroSpec) is a murine monoclonal Tc labelled anti-CD15 IgM antibody that localizes collections of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) at sites of infection.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety of repeated injections of fanolesomab and the extent of induction of human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) response.

Methods: Thirty healthy adults (15 men and 15 women) were enrolled in the study.