What is the starting dose of setmelanotide?

• A. 0.5 to 1 mg
• B. 1 to 2 mg
• C. 2 to 3 mg
• D. 3 to 4 mg

Answer: (B)

Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing allows the body to adjust to a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist while monitoring for side effects and response. For setmelanotide, the daily dose is started at 1 mg. If that amount is well tolerated and there isn’t an inadequate response after a short period, the dose can be increased to 2 mg daily. This approach of starting at 1 mg and moving toward 2 mg captures the typical initial dosing strategy, which is why a range of 1 to 2 mg is considered the starting dose. After this early titration, further increases up to 3 mg daily may be used if needed and tolerated.