Melanocortin Peptides
Acts on melanocortin receptors
Melanocortin peptides act on the melanocortin receptor system (MC1R through MC5R), a family of receptors distributed throughout the body that regulate skin pigmentation, sexual function, appetite, inflammation, and energy metabolism. Melanotan I (afamelanotide, FDA-approved as Scenesse for EPP) and Melanotan II are the most well-known, primarily used for tanning. PT-141 (bremelanotide) targets MC4R specifically for sexual function and is FDA-approved as Vyleesi.
The breadth of the melanocortin system means these peptides often produce multiple effects simultaneously. Melanotan II causes tanning, appetite suppression, and increased sexual arousal because it activates multiple receptor subtypes. More targeted compounds like PT-141 and afamelanotide were developed to isolate specific effects by focusing on individual receptor subtypes.
This page collects every melanocortin peptide on PeptideWiki. Browse individual profiles for receptor selectivity, dosing, and safety data.
Peptides (3)
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a hormone receptor activator that works directly in the brain, unlike blood flow-based medications for sexual dysfunction. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
KPV
KPV is a naturally occurring three-amino-acid peptide derived from alpha-MSH, a hormone involved in inflammation control. Research focuses on its strong anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease and skin conditions.
ACTH (Cosyntropin)
Cosyntropin is a synthetic version of the first 24 building blocks of the body's natural stress hormone ACTH. It is used as an FDA-approved diagnostic tool (Cortrosyn) to test whether the adrenal glands are working properly, and is also used to treat certain conditions like infantile spasms.