AIIMS November 2011 – MCQ 35

Bremelanotide used for
A. Erectile dysfunction
B. LUTS
C. Prostate Cancer
D. Metastatic renal cancer

Correct answer : A. Erectile dysfunction

Bremelanotideis a compound under drug development by Palatin Technologies as a treatment for hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion injury. It functions by activating the melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC4R, to modulate inflammation and limiting ischemia. It was originally developed for use in treating sexual dysfunction but this application was temporarily discontinued in 2008, after concerns were raised over adverse side effects of increased blood pressure. Currently, Palatin is in negotiations with the FDA to resume Human Phase 2 studies using a new subcutaneous drug delivery system that appears to have little effect on blood pressure.

In studies, bremelanotide was shown to induce lordosis in an animal model and was also effective in treating sexual dysfunction in both men (erectile dysfunction or impotence) and women (sexual arousal disorder). Unlike Viagra and other related medications, it does not act upon the vascular system, but directly increases sexual desire via the nervous system.