PL9654

PL9654 is a melanocortin receptor (MCR) pan-agonist developed by Palatin Technologies. It targets and activates melanocortin receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5 (MC1r, MC3r, MC4r, MC5r). Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating retinal diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy, by reducing vision loss, mitigating photoreceptor degeneration, resolving inflammation, stabilizing the blood-retinal barrier, decreasing VEGF signaling, protecting retinal ganglion cells, and inhibiting choroidal neovascularization and fibrosis. The drug has been investigated for both subcutaneous and topical (ocular) administration, as well as intravitreal injection.