PT-141
Bremelanotide — Cyclic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Molecular Details
Overview
PT-141, known in the research literature as bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors, with activity at the MC3R and MC4R subtypes that participate in central nervous system signaling. A lactam bridge between two side chains and an N-terminal acetyl-norleucine give it greater metabolic stability than the native hormone. Published clinical and preclinical research on bremelanotide has examined melanocortin-pathway activation; that work is external literature on the studied compound and is summarized here for research context only, without any therapeutic or medical claim.
Published Research
Melanocortin Receptor Agonism
Pharmacology / In vitro · 2003Published research characterized bremelanotide as a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors, with activity at the MC3R and MC4R subtypes implicated in central nervous system signaling.
Central Melanocortin Pathways
In vivo (rodent) · 2008Preclinical studies investigated melanocortin-4 receptor activation in hypothalamic pathways, examining how central MC4R signaling participates in behavioral and appetite-related circuits distinct from peripheral vascular mechanisms.
Randomized Clinical Research on Bremelanotide
Randomized controlled trials · 2019Published clinical research on bremelanotide has evaluated a subcutaneously administered melanocortin agonist in randomized, placebo-controlled trials against defined endpoints. These studies constitute external literature on the studied compound and are summarized here for research context only.
Structure–Stability Relationship
Review / Medicinal chemistry · 2020Medicinal-chemistry descriptions of the compound highlight the lactam-bridged cyclic backbone and N-terminal acetyl-norleucine that confer greater metabolic stability than native α-MSH, supporting its characterization as a stabilized melanocortin-receptor agonist.
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilized powder at –20°C or below. Reconstituted solutions: refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
For research purposes only. Not intended for human consumption. This profile summarizes published preclinical literature and does not constitute medical, clinical, or dosage guidance.