JNJ-10229570 (UNII-N9IX402L35) is an antagonist of melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) and melanocortin receptor 5 (MC5R), which inhibits sebaceous gland differentiation and the production of sebum-specific lipids.

MC1R (human):270 nM , MC5R (human):200 nM

JNJ-10229570 demonstrates dose-dependent inhibition of sebaceous lipid production in cultured primary human sebocytes. Concurrently, JNJ-7818369 effectively prevents the attachment of 125I-NDP-α-MSH to cells featuring human MC1R and MC5R receptors, presenting IC50 values of 270±120 nM and 200±50 nM, respectively. Similar efficacy is observed with the compound's free base form. For both variations of the compound, the inhibitory action on MC4R is identical, with IC50 values reported at 240±170 nM. Notably, treatment with JNJ-10229570 at a concentration of 0.01 μM markedly suppresses lipid granule formation, achieving total inhibition at a concentration of 0.05 μM.

Topical treatment with JNJ-10229570 on human skins transplanted onto SCID mice significantly reduced sebum-specific lipid production, sebaceous gland size, and the expression of the sebaceous differentiation marker epithelial-membrane antigen (EMA). Treatment with flutamide, a known inhibitor of sebum production, validates the human skin/SCID mouse experimental system for sebaceous secretion studies.

Radioligand binding assays were performed, with CHO-K1 cells over-expressing MC1R, and HEK-293 cells over-expressing MC4R or MC5R, using a single concentration of 125I-NDP-a-MSH and increasing concentrations of JNJ-7818369 or JNJ-10229570. IC50 values for inhibition of radioligand binding were calculated by a non-linear, least squares regression method.

JNJ-10229570 (0.05%) and flutamide (5%) were dissolved in a vehicle of ethanol: propylene glycol (7:3).?20 ml/1.5 cm^2 were applied onto each skin xenograft, starting at three months posttransplantation.?Xenografts were treated once daily, 5 days/week, for 30 34 treatments.?Xenografts were then collected for histological examination and lipid analysis.?Each study was repeated with skin xenografts from at least 3 donors.?The vehicle had no effect on sebaceous glands differentiation or activity.