MENK-201

MENK-201 is an investigational immunotherapeutic peptide developed by Menkind Pharma, consisting of the endogenous pentapeptide met-enkephalin (MENK). It primarily functions as an agonist of the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR), also known as the zeta (ζ) opioid receptor. By binding to OGFR, MENK-201 acts as a negative regulator of cell proliferation and a potent immunomodulator, enhancing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes while regulating cytokine production. While the MENK platform is extensively studied in oncology for solid tumors (often under the code MENK-001), the MENK-201 program has been specifically advanced for the treatment of viral and inflammatory conditions, including moderate to severe COVID-19. In these contexts, it is intended to modulate the immune response to prevent hyperinflammation and the associated cytokine storm.

Other names

met-enkephalinOpioid Growth FactorOGF