What it is
Bremelanotide is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide: seven amino acids, with part of the chain closed into a ring. It is an analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a natural peptide hormone, and it activates the same family of receptors, the melanocortin receptors.
Why a ring matters
Linear peptides flex freely and are broken down quickly by enzymes. Closing part of the chain into a ring holds the molecule in one shape, which tends to make it both more stable and more specific about which receptors it fits. Cyclic analogues like this one are a standard tool in receptor research for that reason.
What it is used to study
- Binding and selectivity across the melanocortin receptor family
- Signalling at the MC3 and MC4 receptors in cell-based systems
- Structure and activity comparisons between cyclic peptide analogues
No effect in people is claimed, and the compound is not sold for human use.
Where the two names come from
PT-141 was the code the compound carried during development. Bremelanotide is its international nonproprietary name, the generic name given to a molecule once it enters formal drug development. Papers from the early 2000s tend to use the code, and later ones the name.
Bremelanotide was approved as a prescription medicine in the United States in 2019. We supply it as a research compound for laboratory use only.
Early development used a nasal formulation, which is why the compound is still searched for as a spray. PT-141 nasal spray and vials explains the formats.
PT-141 in the laboratory
Our bremelanotide (PT-141) 20mg vial is supplied pre-mixed in 3ml, at 6.67mg per ml. Refrigerate at 2–8°C and do not freeze.