Definition

An orally bioavailable selective, non-peptide melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R; melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor; MSHR; melanin-activating peptide receptor; melanotropin receptor) agonist, that can potentially be used to prevent phototoxicity. Upon administration, dersimelagon targets, binds to and activates MC1R. This may prevent phototoxicity and related pain in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) or X-Linked Protoporphyria (XLP) patients. MC1R, a G protein-coupled receptor that binds to melanocortins and are located on melanocytes, is involved in regulating mammalian skin and hair color.