PT-141 (Bremelanotide) — Compound Overview
A researcher-focused overview of PT-141: its chemistry as a cyclic melanocortin analogue, how it differs from the approved pharmaceutical formulation, and how each batch is documented.
What is PT-141?
PT-141, also known by the International Nonproprietary Name bremelanotide, is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a structural derivative of Melanotan-2 in which the C-terminal amide is replaced by a free carboxylic acid. It binds melanocortin receptors, a family of G-protein-coupled receptors studied across pigmentation, energy-balance and signalling research.
Chemistry and structure
PT-141 carries CAS registry number 189691-06-3, molecular formula C50H68N14O10 and a molecular weight of approximately 1025.2 g/mol. The peptide is cyclised through a lactam bridge between aspartate and lysine side chains (cyclo Ac-Nle-[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]), which constrains its conformation relative to linear α-MSH analogues.
Regulatory status — read carefully
A pharmaceutical formulation of bremelanotide is an approved prescription medicine in some jurisdictions. The PT-141 supplied by Index Peptides is NOT that medicine: it is bulk research material, manufactured and supplied solely for in-vitro laboratory research, with no approval, sterility assurance, or formulation for any clinical use. It must not be used in humans or animals under any circumstances.
PT-141 in the research literature
PT-141 appears in the melanocortin-receptor literature as a high-affinity cyclic ligand, making it a common tool compound in receptor-binding and signalling assays. Researchers comparing data across papers should confirm which salt form and purity grade was used — another reason batch-level COA documentation matters.
Form, handling and storage
Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Store at -20°C, desiccated and protected from light, per the batch record.
Batch documentation at Index Peptides
Every released batch is HPLC purity tested and LC-MS identity confirmed, with the certificate of analysis published on the product page and verifiable by lot number.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the approved bremelanotide medicine?
No. An approved pharmaceutical product containing bremelanotide exists in some countries, but the PT-141 sold here is bulk research material for in-vitro laboratory use only — it is not a medicine and not for human or animal use.
What is the relationship between PT-141 and Melanotan-2?
PT-141 is a metabolite/derivative of Melanotan-2 in which the terminal amide group is replaced by a carboxylic acid. Both are cyclic melanocortin-receptor analogues with distinct CAS numbers and masses.
How is each batch verified?
Reversed-phase HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity, with the COA published on the product page and batch lookup by lot number.
References
Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.