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What Is PT-141? A Research Peptide Overview
PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic peptide studied as an agonist of the melanocortin receptors — a family of receptors involved in pigmentation, inflammation, and central-nervous-system signaling. It is a metabolite-derived analog of melanotan II, and it is a common subject in receptor-pharmacology research. This overview covers what PT-141 is, how it relates to melanotan II, and how to source research-grade material.
PT-141 at a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | PT-141 (bremelanotide) |
| Class | Cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide |
| Related peptide | Metabolite/analog of melanotan II |
| CAS number | 189691-06-3 |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
Research background
The melanocortin system includes several receptor subtypes (MC1R–MC5R). Melanotan II is a synthetic agonist across several of these. PT-141 (bremelanotide) is derived from that lineage and is studied for a more selective interaction with central melanocortin receptors (particularly MC4R). Unlike melanotan II, PT-141 does not carry the same pigmentation focus; it is studied primarily for central-nervous-system receptor signaling.
What PT-141 is studied for
In laboratory and preclinical research, PT-141 is studied for:
- Melanocortin-receptor pharmacology — agonist activity and subtype selectivity, especially at MC4R.
- Central-nervous-system signaling — neuroscience models of melanocortin pathways.
- Comparative studies — how a cyclic melanocortin agonist differs from linear analogs.
PT-141 offered here is a research chemical for laboratory use only. Not for use in humans or animals.
PT-141 vs melanotan II
Both are melanocortin-receptor research peptides, but they are studied for different reasons:
- Melanotan II — broad melanocortin agonist, frequently studied in pigmentation research.
- PT-141 (bremelanotide) — a metabolite-derived analog studied for more central (MC4R) receptor signaling.
How research-grade material is verified
Every batch from a credible US supplier should arrive with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for that exact lot. Peptide Technologies publishes a COA on every batch and ties it to a QR code on the vial. A complete COA reports:
- Identity — mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) confirming the observed mass matches the theoretical mass of the target sequence.
- Purity — reverse-phase HPLC, reported as percent peak area at a fixed wavelength (typically 220 nm). Research-grade material is ≥99% by area.
- Net content — gravimetric confirmation the vial holds the stated mass within tolerance.
- Endotoxin — LAL assay below research-grade thresholds.
If a vendor cannot show a lot-specific COA, you cannot verify what is in the vial. Browse the full COA library →
How to source research-grade material
For laboratory research, sourcing quality comes down to a few checks:
- Lot-specific COA from an accredited, independent laboratory — not a generic marketing PDF.
- HPLC purity ≥99% by peak area, with the chromatogram shown.
- US synthesis and finishing, so the chain of custody is documented end to end.
- Cold-chain shipping for lyophilized material, so the product arrives stable.
Peptide Technologies meets each of these and publishes a third-party COA for every lot. Browse the public COA library →
FAQ
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic peptide studied as a melanocortin-receptor agonist, particularly at MC4R, in receptor-pharmacology and neuroscience research.
Is PT-141 the same as bremelanotide?
Yes. PT-141 and bremelanotide are two names for the same research peptide.
How is PT-141 related to melanotan II?
PT-141 is a metabolite-derived analog of melanotan II. Melanotan II is studied broadly across melanocortin receptors; PT-141 is studied for more central (MC4R) signaling.
How is PT-141 verified?
Research-grade PT-141 is verified by HPLC for purity, mass spectrometry for identity, and an LAL endotoxin assay, reported on a lot-specific third-party COA.
Is PT-141 a research chemical?
Yes. PT-141 supplied by Peptide Technologies is a research chemical for laboratory use only. Not for use in humans or animals.