By the Banger Labs Research Team · Updated June 2026
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide lactam derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), reported with the sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH. It was developed by Palatin Technologies and is structurally described as a deaminated derivative/metabolite of the earlier melanocortin analog melanotan II. It retains the His-Phe-Arg-Trp core pharmacophore characteristic of melanocortin ligands.
How PT-141 is studied
In published structural and pharmacology research, bremelanotide acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, with reported activity across the MC1R/MC3R/MC4R subtypes and highest reported affinity/potency at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). A cryo-EM structure (PDB 7F55) resolved bremelanotide bound to MC4R in complex with the heterotrimeric Gs protein, consistent with Gs-coupled receptor activation. These are receptor-level mechanistic observations from laboratory and structural studies only.
Research areas
- Studied in structural biology research as a ligand for resolving melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) binding and activation (e.g., cryo-EM receptor-G protein complexes)
- Investigated in receptor pharmacology research characterizing melanocortin receptor subtype selectivity (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R)
- Used as a reference melanocortin agonist in central nervous system signaling research models
- Examined in preclinical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characterization of cyclic peptide melanocortin analogs
- Referenced in comparative research on α-MSH-derived peptide analogs and structure-activity relationships
These describe laboratory/preclinical research only. No therapeutic, medical, or efficacy claims are made.
PT-141 specifications
Handling & quality
PT-141 is held to a ≥ 99% HPLC purity standard with a Certificate of Analysis available per batch. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store refrigerated; handle strictly for research. See reconstitution & storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide lactam derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), reported with the sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH. It was developed by Palatin Technologies and is structurally described as a deaminated derivative/metabolite of the earlier melanocortin analog melanotan II. It retains the His-Phe-Arg-Trp core pharmacophore characteristic of melanocortin ligands.
Is PT-141 research use only?
Yes. PT-141 is supplied strictly for laboratory research — not for human or veterinary use, and not as a drug, food, or supplement.
Does Banger Labs provide a COA for PT-141?
Yes — a Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity + mass-spec identity) is available per batch on request. See the COA Library.
References
- Structural insights into ligand recognition and activation of the melanocortin-4 receptor (Zhang et al., Cell Research 2021) — PubMed / Cell Research
- RCSB PDB 7F55: Cryo-EM structure of bremelanotide-MC4R-Gs_Nb35 complex — RCSB Protein Data Bank
- Usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess the melanocortin receptor agonist bremelanotide (White et al.) — PubMed Central (PMC)
Sources are provided for scientific reference and describe laboratory/preclinical research; they do not constitute medical advice or efficacy claims.
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By the Banger Labs Research Team. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic. Educational information, not medical advice.