ACTH 1-39 (CAS 9002-60-2), also known as Adrenocorticotropic Hormone or Corticotropin, is a synthetic 39-amino acid polypeptide with a molecular weight of 4541.14 g/mol. The full-length ACTH sequence is derived from the larger 241-amino acid precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) through post-translational proteolytic processing. ACTH contains the melanocortin pharmacophore sequence His-Phe-Arg-Trp (residues 6-9) shared across the melanocortin peptide family. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Corticotropin signals through the melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) and is the principal endogenous regulator of adrenal glucocorticoid secretion.

ACTH 1-39’s obligate requirement for the melanocortin receptor accessory protein (MRAP) to achieve functional MC2R signalling distinguishes it from other melanocortin peptides and has been the subject of detailed receptor pharmacology investigation. In vitro studies have shown that MRAP is a small single-transmembrane protein that interacts directly with MC2R, is required for receptor trafficking to the plasma membrane, and enables ACTH responsiveness, with MRAP loss-of-function mutations causing familial glucocorticoid deficiency type 2 [1]. Isogenic cell-system studies further established that human MRAP isoforms reconstitute ACTH-driven cAMP signalling at MC2R, confirming the MC2R/MRAP complex as the functional unit responding to ACTH [2]. ACTH also serves as the parent sequence for shorter melanocortin-derived peptides, including alpha-MSH (ACTH 1-13) and pharmacophore regions used in Semax/Selank-related analogues. In vivo, its defining whole-animal action is activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with ACTH administration driving adrenal corticosterone responses in neonatal rats [3], making ACTH 1-39 an essential reference compound for structure-activity studies mapping ACTH-analogue binding and receptor-subtype selectivity across the MC1R-MC5R family.

ACTH 1-39 is manufactured in a cGMP compliant, ISO9001 certified laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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