Cyrille Cornelio

Over the past two decades, emerging literature has shaped the management of pericardial syndromes and has evolved abundantly towards the creation of European guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases. However, since the publication of the European guidelines in 2015, more data surrounding the management of pericardial syndromes have been published. Comprehensive reference materials with the most updated literature are warranted and can be pivotal in helping pharmacists make evidence-based and clinical decisions for patients diagnosed with pericardial syndromes. This compilation of key articles and guidelines will serve as a resource for pharmacists who are responsible for the care of patients with pericardial syndromes.

Objective: To review clinical data regarding the newly approved drug setmelanotide, an injectable melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, for chronic weight management in adults and children aged 6 years and older with monogenic obesity. Data Sources: A literature review was performed by searching MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and EMBASE for all relevant English-language articles published between January 1, 1996, and November 30, 2021, using search terms obesity, setmelanotide, Imcivree, and MC4R agonist. Study Selection/Data Extraction: This review included two phase 2, two phase 3, and one ongoing clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of setmelanotide. Data Synthesis: Setmelanotide demonstrates statistically significant weight loss with at least a 10% decrease in body weight after 1 year and decreased appetite in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. The most common adverse effects included injection site reaction (96%), skin hyperpigmentation (78%), nausea (56%), headache (41%), and diarrhea (37%). Place in Therapy: Setmelanotide is the first and only Food and Drug Administration–approved medication for the treatment of proopiomelanocortin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1, and leptin receptor deficiency in patients with obesity. It may be used in children and adults who have received genetic testing and exhibited extreme obesity before age five. Setmelanotide is a daily subcutaneous injection and may be difficult to afford for patients. Conclusion: Setmelanotide is an effective treatment in patients with obesity and indicated genetic disorders.