Intermedine

Melanocortin Peptide / Alpha MSH AnalogRx: ResearchCompound: Research

Also known as: Intermedin, Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (intermediate lobe), Pars intermedia MSH, β-MSH (in some species)

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

Summary

Intermedine (also known as α-MSH variant or intermedin in some contexts, but classically refers to the melanocyte-stimulating hormone found in the pars intermedia of the pituitary) is an endogenous peptide hormone. It is a naturally occurring melanocortin peptide structurally related to α-MSH, produced by the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland. It activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate pigmentation and exerts various pleiotropic effects including modulation of inflammation, feeding behavior, and cardiovascular function. It is primarily a research tool and not approved for therapeutic use.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) as an agonist; stimulates adenylyl cyclase via Gs protein coupling, increasing intracellular cAMP. Promotes melanogenesis, has anti-inflammatory effects, and influences energy homeostasis.

Routes of Administration

IntravenousSubcutaneous

Goals & Uses

  • Energy homeostasis / Feeding behaviorMetabolicLow
  • Melanogenesis / Skin PigmentationPigmentationModerate
  • Cardiovascular modulationCardiovascularLow
  • Anti-inflammatory effectsInflammationLow

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to melanocortin peptidesAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
  • Melanoma or pigmented lesion historyOncologyHigh

Adverse Effects

  • Injection site reactionsLocalUnknown
  • Cardiovascular effects (blood pressure changes)CardiovascularUnknown
  • NauseaGastrointestinalUnknownFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
  • HyperpigmentationDermatologicUnknown

Drug Interactions

  • Other melanocortin receptor agonists/antagonistsModerate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Patients with active malignancyOncologyRelative
  • Pediatric populationsAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionUnapprovedNot approved by EMA; research compound only.
  • United StatesUnapprovedResearch use only; not FDA approved for any indication.
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA; research use only.

Not approved for clinical use in any jurisdiction. Used as a research compound to study melanocortin receptor biology.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

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