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Selank and Semax: Russian Nootropics Compared in Research
Selank and Semax are both Russian neuropeptides with anxiolytic and cognitive effects. A scientific comparison of their mechanisms.
NeuropeptidesMelanocortin
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): The Melanocortin Receptor Agonist in Research
5 min read
The Melanocortin System and PT-141
The melanocortin system comprises five G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R–MC5R) activated by a family of peptide hormones. PT-141, chemically known as Bremelanotide, is a cyclic heptapeptide and synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH with high binding affinity particularly to MC3R and MC4R.
In 2019, Bremelanotide (under the trade name Vyleesi) received FDA approval for the treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women — a rare example of a successfully approved peptide therapeutic in CNS pharmacology.
MC4R as the Central Research Target
The MC4R (Melanocortin-4 Receptor) is highly expressed in the hypothalamus and plays a key role in regulating energy homeostasis and appetite. MC4R knockout mice develop severe obesity — an observation that has intensified scientific interest in MC4R modulators as potential research approaches in metabolic disease.
Wessells et al. published in Urology (2000) early clinical data on the structural precursor Melanotan II in organically caused erectile dysfunction, forming the basis for the further development into PT-141.
Current Research Status
Beyond the reproductive area, PT-141 is used in fundamental research on melanocortin signal transduction and the role of MC4R in energy metabolism. Studien Peptide offers PT-141/Bremelanotide as a high-purity lyophilised peptide for authorised research laboratories.
