Exploring MC1R–MC5R receptor agonists — from FDA-approved therapeutics to next-generation candidates. 3 approved therapies · 5 receptor subtypes · expanding pipeline.
Approved Therapeutics
Three approved therapies targeting the melanocortin system across distinct therapeutic indications
Vyleesi / PT-141
Indication: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women
Receptor Biology
Five distinct receptor subtypes with different tissue distributions, functions, and therapeutic development status
Location
Skin, melanocytes, immune cells
Function
Pigmentation (eumelanin synthesis), UV protection, immune modulation
Key agonist
Afamelanotide (Scenesse)
Location
Adrenal cortex
Function
Adrenal steroidogenesis — sole known receptor for ACTH
Key agonist
None approved
Location
Brain, gut, immune cells
Function
Energy homeostasis, anti-inflammatory signaling, feeding behavior
Key agonist
Under investigation
Location
Hypothalamus, limbic system
Function
Appetite, energy expenditure, sexual function, autonomic control
Key agonist
Setmelanotide, Bremelanotide
Location
Exocrine glands, skin, skeletal muscle
Function
Exocrine secretion, sebum production, immune function
Key agonist
None approved
Relative binding activity across MC1R–MC5R for each FDA-approved agonist
Normalized relative values (0–100) for visualization only — not exact Ki or EC50 data.
Emerging Candidates
Next-generation candidates advancing toward and through clinical development as of May 2026
Obesity
Hypothalamic obesity
Additional genetic obesity subtypes
Research Sourcing
Trust-ranked vendors for PT-141, melanotan-1, and related melanocortin research peptides — ranked by purity documentation, not commission
Where to source · ranked by trust
Amino Club
Referral code AMERICANPEPTIDE
Compare all 2 vetted sourcesCOAs are independently verifiable via the Janoshik / MZ Biolabs report number on each certificate — confirm the report for your specific lot. 60-day money-back guarantee; change-of-mind returns are excluded.
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Platform Tools
Use AmericanPeptide's integrated tools to go deeper into melanocortin biology and therapeutic development
Browse melanocortin compound structures, properties, and bioactivity data
Discover active and recruiting melanocortin trials from ClinicalTrials.gov
Deep-dive into melanocortin receptor biology with the Peptide Agent