THIQ is a drug used in scientific research, which is the first non-peptide agonist developed that is selective for the melanocortin receptor subtype MC<sub>4</sub>. In animal studies, THIQ stimulated sexual activity in rats, but with little effect on appetite or inflammation. This supports possible application of MC<sub>4</sub> selective agonists for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in humans, although THIQ itself has poor oral bioavailability and a short duration of action so improved analogues will need to be developed.