Use of melanocortins to treat insulin sensitivity
The present invention relates to peptide ligands of the melanocortin receptors, in particular the melancortin-4 receptor, and as such, are useful in the treatment of disorders responsive to the activation of this receptor, such as insulin resistance.
1. A method of treating insulin resistance in a subject in need thereof, comprising peripheral administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of Hydantoin(C(O)-(Arg-Gly))-c(Cys-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Cys)-NH 2 (SEQ ID NO:278) or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to treat said insulin resistance in said subject.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said subject is an infant.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said subject is a child.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the child is obese.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the child is normal weight or lean.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the child is non-diabetic.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the child suffers from Type II diabetes.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said subject is an adult.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said subject is an elderly adult.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition is a sustained release composition.