PT-141 | Research Use Only

What it is

PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analog studied in research settings for its activity as a melanocortin receptor agonist. Scientific literature describes PT-141 as a synthetic peptide analogue of α-MSH with activity at melanocortin receptors including MC3R and MC4R, which is why it is commonly used in receptor-signaling and neuroendocrine research.

Origins and scientific context

PT-141 was developed as a melanocortin-based research compound to investigate central melanocortin signaling and related physiologic responses. Review literature describes bremelanotide as a nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist, with MC4R often highlighted as especially relevant in the compound’s research context.

Molecular profile

PubChem lists bremelanotide with the molecular formula C50H68N14O10. PubChem also lists bremelanotide acetate hydrate separately, reflecting acetate-form product contexts often used in labeling and formulation references. The literature commonly describes PT-141 as a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analog.

Scientific overview

In simplified terms, PT-141 is used in research to study melanocortin receptor signaling, central neuroendocrine pathways, and downstream cellular responses linked to melanocortin agonism. Reviews discuss bremelanotide in the context of CNS melanocortin pathways and receptor-mediated signaling, making it useful for experimental studies involving melanocortin pharmacology and related pathway activation.

What researchers study with PT-141

Key research focus areas often include
• Melanocortin receptor signaling pathways
• MC3R and MC4R agonist pharmacology
• Central nervous system melanocortin pathway models
• Comparative studies of synthetic melanocortin analogs

Regulatory and compliance notice

Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. This description is provided for scientific context and must not be used to market PT-141 for diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Citations and references

PubChem compound entry for Bremelanotide, includes molecular formula and compound information.

PubChem compound entry for Bremelanotide Acetate Hydrate, includes acetate-form molecular information.

Molinoff et al. PT-141: a melanocortin agonist for the treatment of sexual dysfunction, describes PT-141 as a synthetic peptide analogue of alpha-MSH and melanocortin receptor agonist.

Shadiack. Melanocortins in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction, review covering melanocortin agonists and bremelanotide research context.

Pfaus et al. The neurobiology of bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, review covering melanocortin receptor signaling and CNS mechanism context.

Diamond et al. Co-administration of low doses of intranasal PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist, and sildenafil to men with erectile dysfunction results in an enhanced erectile response, describes PT-141 as a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analogue.