Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
POMC-derived melanocortin corresponding to the ACTH(1–13) sequence.
Also known as: α-MSH · Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is a 13-amino-acid melanocortin peptide processed from POMC. Research examines its roles in pigmentation, appetite regulation, and inflammation signaling.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Pituitary and hypothalamus; derived from POMC
Primary research or clinical context: Pigmentation and energy-balance research
Melanocortin receptors
Alpha-MSH activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R), linking a single peptide to pigmentation, energy balance, and immune signaling depending on receptor and tissue. This receptor breadth drives broad research interest.
Relationship to related peptides
Its sequence is identical to the first 13 residues of ACTH, and it is the natural counterpart to synthetic melanocortin research peptides. This page covers that biology for education, not cosmetic or therapeutic use.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Human alpha-MSH, N-acetyl-Ser1 and C-terminal Val13 amide. Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Select the mono-N-acetylated, C-terminally amidated 13-residue alpha-MSH form. Original normal-human-pituitary work documents non- and mono-acetylated alpha-MSH; this decision explicitly chooses the acetylated parent rather than treating all forms as one. Reviewed POMC provides the human backbone; its N-acetyl/amide annotations include by-similarity evidence, independently corroborated here by original human chemistry and the PubChem graph.
- Molecular form
- Human alpha-MSH, N-acetyl-Ser1 and C-terminal Val13 amide
- Species
- Homo sapiens
- Termini (N / C)
- N-acetylated L-serine alpha-amino group / L-valine carboxamide (-CONH2)
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- PubChem PUG molecular properties and explicit molecular graph · 2026-10-05
- PubChem PUG stereochemistry and normalized structure identity · 2026-10-05
- Reviewed UniProt molecular sequence and processed-chain annotations · 2026-10-05
- Alpha-amidated peptides derived from pro-opiomelanocortin in normal human pituitary. · 2026-10-05
Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2
- Molecular formula
- C77H109N21O19S
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,664.9
- Backbone
- Human alpha-MSH, N-acetyl-Ser1 and C-terminal Val13 amide
- C-terminus
- L-valine carboxamide (-CONH2)
- PubChem CID: 16133793
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 10 registered studies with “Alpha-MSH” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT03510533 | Validation of the Concept of the Autoantibodies Directed Against the Neuropeptides Involved in Food Intake Reg | Not applicable | completed | 2026-02-06 |
| NCT06825182 | Current Status of Islet Alpha Cell Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes | Phase 3 | recruiting | 2025-02-13 |
| NCT05709444 | A Phase IIb, Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study of Bremelanotide in Diabetic Kidney Disease | Phase 2 | completed | 2024-10-17 |
| NCT06293664 | Protocol for Alpha MSH Infusion Study in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes | Not applicable | unknown | 2024-03-05 |
| NCT03451578 | Alpha MSH in Ocular Disease | Not applicable | completed | 2022-12-22 |
| NCT02333071 | 1. Study to Evaluate the Efficacy/Safety of Bremelanotide in Premenopausal Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire | Phase 3 | completed | 2021-04-09 |
Alpha-MSH — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Human alpha-MSH, N-acetyl-Ser1 and C-terminal Val13 amideAverage reference mass: 1,664.9 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
FAQ about Alpha-MSH
What is Alpha-MSH?+
Alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is a 13-amino-acid melanocortin peptide processed from POMC. Research examines its roles in pigmentation, appetite regulation, and inflammation signaling.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Alpha-MSH?+
Canadian product status for Alpha-MSH has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the length of the selected reference form for Alpha-MSH?+
The selected reference form (Human alpha-MSH, N-acetyl-Ser1 and C-terminal Val13 amide) has 13 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Xu et al. (2022). Pituitary hormone α-MSH promotes tumor-induced myelopoiesis and immunosuppression. Science
- 2.Luger et al. (2015). An α-MSH analog in erythropoietic protoporphyria. J Invest Dermatol
- 3.Dall'Olmo et al. (2023). Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH): biology, clinical relevance and implication in melanoma. J Transl Med
- 4.Wang et al. (2019). α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) promotes osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Eur J Pharmacol
- 5.Watanabe et al. (2024). Intraperitoneal administration of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) suppresses food intake and induces anxiety-like behavior via the brain MC4 receptor-signaling pathway in goldfish. J Neuroendocrinol
- 6.Fenselau et al. (2017). A rapidly acting glutamatergic ARC→PVH satiety circuit postsynaptically regulated by α-MSH. Nat Neurosci
- 7.Ichiyama et al. (2000). The neuroimmunomodulatory peptide alpha-MSH. Ann N Y Acad Sci
- 8.Watanabe et al. (2021). Intracerebroventricular administration of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) enhances thigmotaxis and induces anxiety-like behavior in the goldfish Carassius auratus. Peptides
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for alpha-MSH (CID 16133793)
- 10.Wikipedia — Melanocyte-stimulating hormone