UK – NICE recommends Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ Imcivree for severe obesity and hyperphagia

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ Imcivree (setmelanotide) as a treatment for hyperphagia (insatiable hunger) and early onset severe obesity.

The recommendation follows positive results from clinical trials suggesting that Imcivree may reduce weight and body mass index (BMI) in people with obesity caused by POMC and LEPR deficiencies, with an improvement in hunger and quality of life also evidenced as a result of the treatment.

POMC and LEPR deficiencies are rare genetic disorders of obesity caused by genetic variants that disrupt signalling of the MC4R pathway, a system in the structure of the brain that regulates hunger, satiety and energy expenditure.

Those living with POMC and LEPR deficiencies are affected by hyperphagia and extreme obesity from a young age, severely affecting their quality of life. Many patients also report a significant psychological burden, manifesting as poor mental health, low self-esteem or depression…