Research At a Glance
- Research Category
- Melanocortin & Neuroendocrine Research
- Peptide Length
- 7 amino acids (cyclic α-MSH analogue)
- Purity
- ≥ 99% (HPLC)
- Published Studies
- ~120 indexed
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2–8 °C, protected from light. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Published-study figures are approximate PubMed result counts and indicate the volume of available literature only. Purity reflects third-party analytical testing on the corresponding lot; see the Quality Assurance Center for lot-matched certificates.
What Is PT-141?
PT-141, referred to in the scientific literature by its generic name bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide developed as a structural analog of Melanotan II. Where Melanotan II engages melanocortin receptors broadly, PT-141 was engineered for enhanced selectivity toward the MC3R and MC4R receptor subtypes expressed in hypothalamic and limbic brain regions, while reducing activity at the MC1R receptor associated with pigmentation.
Note: Bremelanotide has received regulatory approval in some jurisdictions under a specific prescription brand name. Queen BioLabs supplies this compound strictly for laboratory and analytical research purposes; it is not sold, marketed, or intended for human or veterinary use, consumption, or administration in any form.
Why Researchers Study It
- Central nervous system melanocortin signaling — PT-141 is studied for its activity at MC3R and MC4R in hypothalamic and limbic regions, distinguishing its research applications from peripherally-acting compounds
- Receptor selectivity research — its reduced MC1R activity relative to MC3R/MC4R (approximately 100-fold difference in research models) makes it a reference compound for studying selective versus broad melanocortin receptor engagement
- Reward circuitry and neuroendocrine axis research — preclinical models have examined PT-141's interactions with dopamine and nitric oxide signaling pathways, autonomic regulation, and downstream cAMP-mediated signaling cascades
- MC4R knockout comparative research — MC4R has been established in preclinical research as a key mediator of centrally-regulated signaling relevant to autonomic and behavioral research models
What the Published Literature Shows
Molecular pharmacology research has characterized PT-141's binding affinity and functional activation of MC4R relative to endogenous ligands, establishing detailed receptor-subtype selectivity data. Research examining the mechanistic distinction between melanocortin receptor agonists and peripherally-acting compounds has noted that PT-141 operates upstream of and independently from vascular-mediated pathways, engaging central signaling cascades rather than peripheral smooth-muscle mechanisms.
Systematic research assessments, including dermatologic and colorimetric measurement studies, have examined skin pigmentation outcomes associated with melanocortin receptor engagement, finding that PT-141's reduced MC1R potency and research dosing parameters were associated with different pigmentation-related findings compared to earlier, non-selective melanocortin compounds such as Melanotan II.
Source
Review literature available via PubMed — bremelanotide melanocortin receptor research .
Compound Specifications
| Classification | Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide, selective melanocortin receptor agonist |
|---|---|
| Molecular target | MC3R, MC4R (reduced MC1R activity) |
| Format | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC-verified per lot) |
| Storage | −20°C; refrigerate 2–8°C after laboratory handling |
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is independently tested and lot-matched. View Certificates of Analysis