PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) used in research involving melanocortin receptor biology, peptide-receptor interactions, and cellular signaling. The compound has been investigated across melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Helix Bio supplies PT-141 as a research-use-only peptide for qualified laboratory and scientific applications. Researchers should review the current lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA), analytical documentation, and product specifications before incorporating the material into an experimental workflow.
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PT-141 is the research designation commonly associated with bremelanotide, a synthetic melanocortin peptide analog derived from the α-MSH framework. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration identifies PT-141 as a synonym for bremelanotide and lists the compound's molecular identity in its Substance Registration System.
Structurally, bremelanotide is a cyclic peptide containing a lactam bridge. This constrained molecular architecture makes PT-141 relevant to studies examining peptide conformation, receptor recognition, ligand selectivity, and melanocortin signaling.
Research has examined bremelanotide as a melanocortin receptor agonist, with particular attention to MC3R and MC4R. FDA documentation also describes activity involving MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5 receptor subtypes.
PT-141 should not be confused with Melanotan-1 or Melanotan-2. Although all are synthetic melanocortin-related peptides, they have distinct structures and research profiles.
PT-141 is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of α-MSH. FDA records identify bremelanotide as the active substance associated with PT-141 and provide its molecular formula as C₅₀H₆₈N₁₄O₁₀ for the free-base form.
The bremelanotide structure includes:
The FDA Substance Registration System distinguishes bremelanotide from bremelanotide acetate and lists PT-141 as a synonym for the compound.
Helix Bio's PT-141 is intended for laboratory and scientific research only.
Potential research applications include:
The suitability of PT-141 for any particular experiment depends on the research model, assay design, controls, analytical requirements, and laboratory protocols.
PT-141 and bremelanotide refer to the same underlying research compound in scientific and regulatory references. The FDA's Substance Registration System lists PT-141 among the synonyms for bremelanotide.
Bremelanotide is also the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription product. That regulated pharmaceutical product is a separate product from research-use-only PT-141 supplied by Helix Bio. The FDA approval package identifies Vyleesi as bremelanotide injection and describes its specific approved indication and formulation.
Therefore, the existence of an approved pharmaceutical containing bremelanotide should not be interpreted as approval of a research-use-only PT-141 product for human administration.
Defined Melanocortin Peptide Structure
PT-141 has a defined cyclic molecular structure that makes it useful for investigating relationships between peptide conformation and receptor interaction.
Relevant to Multiple Receptor Studies
Scientific and regulatory literature describes bremelanotide as a melanocortin receptor agonist with activity across several melanocortin receptor subtypes. This provides a basis for comparative research involving receptor pharmacology and ligand behavior.
Established Research Literature
PT-141/bremelanotide has been investigated in peer-reviewed research, including studies examining melanocortin receptor activity and physiological signaling.
Useful for Structure-Activity Research
The cyclic structure and modified α-MSH framework provide a defined molecular model for comparing synthetic melanocortin ligands.
Clear Research-Only Positioning
Helix Bio identifies its products as research and laboratory materials rather than human-use products. The site's published information states that its peptide catalog is intended for research purposes and not for ingestion, injection, or other administration.
PT-141 research peptide is intended for qualified users conducting legitimate scientific research, including:
It is not intended for consumers seeking sexual, cosmetic, tanning, therapeutic, or performance-related effects.
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