Name: Dersimelagon (MT-7117) in Erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria: Pharmacodynamics
Published: 2026-09-21T21:42:40-04:00

Product information and disease description Product description Product information Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

2 evidence topics · 2 sources

Preclinical melanogenesis in cell culture and animals

“The activation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes stimulates the production of eumelanin.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“In B16F1 cells, MT‐7117 increased melanin production in a concentration‐dependent manner. In vivo, MT‐7117 (≥0.3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly induced coat colour darkening in mice. MT‐7117 (≥1 mg/kg/day p.o.) induced significant skin pigmentation in monkeys and complete reversibility was observed after cessation of its administration.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“MT‐7117 is a novel oral MC1R agonist that induces melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential application for the prevention of phototoxic reactions in patients with photodermatoses, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria and X‐linked protoporphyria.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Melanin density after single and multiple doses in healthy participants

“No treatment-related effects on melanin density (MD) were observed following single doses of dersimelagon; however, after multiple doses, increases in MD were observed in participants receiving 150 and 300 mg dersimelagon.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Treatment-related increases in MD warrant further investigation in a larger study population and in patients with EPP and XLP.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)