What Is PT-141? Bremelanotide Explained
PT-141, or bremelanotide, is a cyclic peptide developed from Melanotan II that acts mainly at the brain's MC4 receptor. It was approved in the US in 2019. Here is how it works and how it compares.
PT-141 in brief
PT-141 (also written PT141), known by its drug name bremelanotide, is a cyclic seven-amino-acid peptide. It belongs to the melanocortin family and acts mainly at the MC4 receptor in the brain. It was developed by Palatin Technologies from research on Melanotan II.
- Drug name
- Bremelanotide
- Length
- 7 amino acids (cyclic)
- Main target
- MC4 receptor
- Developer
- Palatin Technologies
- Our vial
- 10mg
From Melanotan II to PT-141
Melanotan II was designed to stimulate pigmentation through the MC1 receptor, but it also acts on MC4 in the brain. Researchers followed up that second effect. PT-141 is almost identical to Melanotan II: the main structural difference is the chemical group at the end of the chain (an acid instead of an amide).
| Melanotan II | PT-141 | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Cyclic, 7 amino acids | Cyclic, 7 amino acids |
| C-terminus | Amide | Acid |
| Research focus | Pigmentation (MC1R) and more | MC4R signalling |
| Approved medicine | No | Yes (US, 2019) |
- Alpha-MSH13
- Melanotan I13
- Melanotan II7
- PT-1417
Regulatory history
- 1990sMC4R effects of Melanotan II are studied, leading to the PT-141 programme.
- 2000sPalatin develops bremelanotide through clinical trials.
- June 2019US FDA approves bremelanotide as Vyleesi for a specific indication in premenopausal women.
- TodayNot approved in Australia. Research-grade PT-141 is supplied for laboratory use.
Research-grade PT-141
We stock PT-141 in 10mg vials, ≥99% pure with a verified COA. For the wider melanocortin family, read what is Melanotan.
Further reading
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not medical or legal advice.
