PT-141
Cyclic heptapeptide (bremelanotide) that acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist at MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system. The active metabolite of Melanotan-II, studied for sexual-function endpoints via a central rather than vascular pathway.
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Melanocortin receptor agonist
Acts on melanocortin receptors, with research attention focused on MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system.
Cyclic heptapeptide
A ring-shaped peptide of seven amino acids, chemically the active metabolite of the melanocortin analogue Melanotan-II.
Central, not vascular
Studied for signalling in the hypothalamus, a mechanism described in the literature as central rather than acting on blood vessels.
Clinically studied compound
Unusually for this category, bremelanotide has been through randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
No EU marketing authorisation
Authorised in the United States under a brand name, but not approved as a medicinal product in the EU. Supplied strictly as a research material.
Lyophilized powder
Supplied freeze-dried, the standard form used across the published research.
Research areas
What is PT-141
PT-141, also called bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic peptide built from seven amino acids arranged in a ring. Chemically it is the active metabolite of Melanotan-II: when Melanotan-II is metabolised, bremelanotide is the fragment that remains active at melanocortin receptors.
The peptide came out of melanocortin research at the University of Arizona and was developed further by Palatin Technologies. Unlike most compounds in this category, bremelanotide went through the full clinical development path, including randomised, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials, and holds a marketing authorisation in the United States under the brand name Vyleesi for a specific indication in premenopausal women.
There is no EU marketing authorisation for bremelanotide. We supply it as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for laboratory research only, not as a medicine.
How it works
Bremelanotide is a melanocortin receptor agonist. The melanocortin system is a family of five receptors (MC1R to MC5R) sitting at the centre of several regulatory circuits: pigmentation, inflammation, energy balance and sexual function. Bremelanotide is active at several of them, and the research attention sits on MC3R and MC4R.
The distinction the literature keeps returning to is where it acts. Research compounds targeting PDE5 work on vascular smooth muscle and change blood flow. Bremelanotide instead acts on melanocortin receptors in the brain, which is why it is described as a central mechanism rather than a vascular one. In animal models, activation of MC4R in hypothalamic circuits alters signalling associated with sexual behaviour independently of the vascular route.
Its relationship to Melanotan-II explains part of the receptor profile. Melanotan-II is a broad melanocortin agonist with strong MC1R activity, and MC1R is the receptor that drives pigmentation. Bremelanotide differs structurally at the C-terminus and shows comparatively less of that pigmentation-driving activity, which is why the two peptides are studied for different endpoints despite being closely related.
One caution that matters for interpreting the literature: bremelanotide, Melanotan-II and afamelanotide are three distinct chemical entities. Findings for one should not be transferred to the others.
Often studied alongside
Melanotan-II is the parent compound PT-141 derives from, and the two are routinely discussed together in melanocortin research.
The parent melanocortin peptide
Tanning peptide that activates melanin production in the skin. Stimulates melanocyte receptors for natural UV-free pigmentation. Also researched for appetite regulation and libido effects.
For reconstitution, the standard solvent used in published protocols is bacteriostatic or sterile water.
Standard solvent for reconstitution
USP-grade sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol (near-neutral, ~pH 6) - the standard solvent for reconstituting lyophilized peptides. Essential accessory for any peptide research. Each vial is sealed and ready to use.
Documentation
Material specification
Purity
Test method
Form
Storage (sealed)
Storage (reconstituted)
CoA
Research use only
This material is sold strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not intended for human or animal consumption, medical, cosmetic, or household applications. Suitable only for professional laboratory environments.
Storage and stability
- Dry, lyophilized vials keep for months refrigerated, or up to 24 months frozen at -20°C.
- After reconstitution in bacteriostatic water, use within about 30 days at 2 to 8°C, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw.
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