Biopharmaceutical company Palatin Technologies Inc (NYSE American: PTN) announced on Wednesday that it presented new data on highly selective Melanocortin 4 Receptor (MC4R) agonists at the 19th Annual Peptide Therapeutics Symposium in La Jolla, California, on 22-23 October 2024. The presentation showcased advancements in modifying peptide structures to minimize MC1R activation, which reduces the risk of unwanted skin pigmentation.

MC4R is a well-established target for obesity treatment due to its role in regulating appetite and energy storage. Palatin's modified MC4R agonists show promise in enhancing selectivity, offering a potential therapeutic advantage over nonselective options. Clinical trials with these selective agonists are expected to begin in 2025.

Palatin is currently running a Phase 2 trial using its MC4R agonist bremelanotide, in combination with tirzepatide, for obesity treatment. Results from this study are anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. These developments align with the company's goal to provide safer, more effective obesity therapies as alternatives to GLP-1 agonists, which have shown high discontinuation rates.

The symposium, established in 2005, attracts leaders in peptide research from both academic and biopharmaceutical sectors, focusing on innovations in peptide-based drug discovery and development.

Palatin continues to explore MC4R's potential as a treatment for obesity, which remains a significant public health challenge globally.