Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor system, announced positive appetite suppression results from its BMT-801 Phase 2 obesity study. The study included a co-administered melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist bremelanotide plus glucagon like peptide-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) tirzepatide arm, bremelanotide alone, and tirzepatide alone arms.
“One of the important research questions that the study was designed to answer was whether a low- dose of an MC4R agonist could support long-term weight loss maintenance. We’re excited with the results, which demonstrated that low-dose bremelanotide matched tirzepatide in appetite suppression, a compelling outcome,” said Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin. “Just as importantly, low-dose bremelanotide significantly reduced the appetite rebound typically observed after stopping GLP-1/GIP therapy—one of the major hurdles in sustained obesity management.”
Key Results – Appetite Suppression (Patient-Reported Outcomes)
Using a validated daily appetite questionnaire, the study showed that patients receiving co-administered bremelanotide + tirzepatide, tirzepatide alone, and bremelanotide alone, experienced significant improvements in appetite suppression, fullness, and satiety. Patients who transitioned to placebo after initial weight loss on tirzepatide showed no improvement for appetite suppression.
- Overall appetite suppression
- Bremelanotide + tirzepatide: 71% increase
- Tirzepatide only: 73% increase
- Bremelanotide only: 71% increase
- “How full do you feel (fullness)?”
- Bremelanotide + tirzepatide: 65% increase
- Tirzepatide only: 62% increase
- Bremelanotide only: 79% increase
- “How satisfied do you feel (satiety)?”
- Bremelanotide + tirzepatide: 56% increase
- Tirzepatide only: 56% increase
- Bremelanotide only: 68% increase
Consistent with known effects of GLP-1/GIP therapy, over 50% of lost weight was regained within two weeks of stopping treatment in both the tirzepatide and co-administration arms of the study. In contrast, patients who transitioned to low-dose bremelanotide after initial weight loss on tirzepatide maintained their weight without any significant regain, underscoring the potential of MC4R agonists as a valuable therapy for long-term weight maintenance.
Topline results from the BMT-801 Phase 2 trial, released last month, demonstrated statistically significant weight loss with bremelanotide co-administered with tirzepatide versus placebo over an 8-week treatment period. Further analysis of secondary and exploratory endpoints—including body composition and BMI—is ongoing.
Full study results will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical conference. Additional trial details are available at clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT06565611.
Pipeline Development
Palatin continues to advance its next-generation MC4R agonists, including long-acting peptides and oral small molecules, targeting broad obesity indications—including monotherapy and combination regimens with incretin-based therapies, as well as rare and genetic obesity disorders such as hypothalamic obesity. IND filings are anticipated by end of Q4 2025, with initial clinical data expected in the first half of 2026.
