PT-141

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and metabolite of Melanotan 2, formed by conversion of the C-terminal amide to a carboxylic acid. It functions as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with primary binding activity at MC3R and MC4R, and reduced activity at MC1R relative to its MT-2 parent compound. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors that act on the vascular system, PT-141 exerts its studied effects centrally by activating hypothalamic and limbic melanocortin circuits. It has been approved by the FDA (as Vyleesi) for acquired generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. In research settings, PT-141 is used as a selective pharmacological tool for probing central MC3R and MC4R signaling pathways. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Chemical Structure and Identification

• Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₈N₁₄O₁₀
• Molecular Weight: 1025.18 g/mol
• CAS Number: 189691-06-3

Research Applications

• Central Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology: Investigation of MC3R and MC4R receptor binding, selectivity profiling, and downstream cAMP signaling in hypothalamic and limbic cell models [1]
• Sexual Behavior and CNS Research: Study of melanocortin-mediated activation of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and related CNS circuits in preclinical sexual behavior models [2]
• Receptor Selectivity Studies: Use of PT-141 in competitive displacement assays and comparative pharmacology experiments to differentiate MC3R from MC4R functional outputs [3]
• Melanocortin Ligand Development: Reference compound in structure-activity relationship studies examining cyclic versus linear melanocortin peptide pharmacodynamic profiles [4]

Reference Citations

1. Molinoff PB et al. (2003) – Ann N Y Acad Sci | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14681144/
2. Pfaus J et al. (2007) – J Sex Med | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17983465/
3. Rössler AS et al. (2006) – Pharmacol Biochem Behav | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17081594/
4. Diamond LE et al. (2004) – J Urol | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15126843/

Important Regulatory Notice

These products are for research use only and are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. All compounds described herein have not been approved by the FDA for human use. These products are strictly intended for in vitro laboratory research and analytical purposes when conducted by qualified research professionals in licensed facilities. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws regarding purchase and use of these materials.