Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs and associated methods for modulating weight gain

Abstract

Provided herein are methods of increasing body weight and / or fat mass in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. The methods may promote lean mass gain in the subject.

Description

NON-NATU RALLY OCCURRING MELANOCORTIN ANALOGS ANDASSOCIATED METHODS FOR MODULATING WEIGHT GAINCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 607,500, filed December 7, 2023, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 618,843, filed January 8, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 557,385, filed February 23, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 573,429, filed April 2, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 650,705, filed May 22, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 656,583, filed June 5, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 663,648, filed June 24, 2024, all of which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING

[0002] This application contains an ST.26 compliant Sequence Listing, which is submitted concurrently in xml format and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The .xml copy, created on December 9, 2024, is titled “146316_8017_WO01_SL.xml” and is 1 ,664 KB in size.BACKGROUND

[0003] The ability to effectively increase weight and maintain healthy body mass in subjects suffering from various medical conditions and disorders is often challenging. These conditions, which can include muscle wasting, reduced appetite, and metabolic disorders such as cachexia, may significantly impact a subject's overall health, quality of life, and ability to respond to medical treatments. Treatment options are frequently limited by a subject's compromised physical state, affecting both the duration and dosing of therapeutic interventions. These limitations can reduce overall treatment efficacy and increase the risk that therapeutic interventions are not as effective as they could be.

[0004] Despite recent advances in therapeutic approaches for improving body mass and maintaining healthy weight levels, there remains a demand for novel approaches toaddress these challenges. Such approaches should be well-tolerated, with reduced adverse effects compared to conventional methods, while providing robust therapeutic activity for weight management and maintenance.SUMMARY

[0005] The present technology comprises non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs and uses thereof for increasing body weight in a subject.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises a method of increasing body weight in a subject in need thereof, including administering to the subject a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3- R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dl_ys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b- Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclopropane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para- chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para- fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2'- naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ')); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are bothpresent or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises use of a non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog for increasing body weight in a subject in need thereof, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D- arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4- guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D- asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D- aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4- amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo- [1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)- one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe),para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Bi dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO- cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 isPro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further includes reducing lean mass loss, maintaining lean mass, or promoting lean mass gain in the subject.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lean mass is lean muscle mass.

[0010] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

[0011] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 1 mg / kg or 3 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

[0012] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg once daily.

[0013] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 10 mg or about 50 mg once daily.

[0014] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is an antagonist of a melanocortin 4 receptor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full antagonist of the melanocortin 4 receptor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a partial antagonist of the melanocortin 4 receptor.

[0017] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is an antagonist of a melanocortin 3 receptor.

[0018] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full antagonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a partial antagonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is an agonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full agonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a partial agonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

[0023] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog has no melanocortin 3 receptor activity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method or the use further includes preventing or reducing one or more side effects associated with a metabolic disorder, relative to a control.

[0025] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises a method of preventing or reducing cachexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, including administering to the subject: a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6- Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Rhe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr,cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), T- D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ')); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D- ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selectedfrom Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu. .

[0026] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises use of a non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog for preventing or reducing cachexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6- Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1'- D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and T-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D- ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond betweenCys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0027] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises a method of preventing or reducing anorexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, including administering to the subject: a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6- Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), T- D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and T-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ')); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D- ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nleor Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0028] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises use of a non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog for preventing or reducing anorexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6- Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe),biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), T- D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and T-naphthylalanine (Nal(1')); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D- ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent;when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0029] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises a method of increasing, maintaining, or reducing a loss in a body mass index (BMI) level in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, including administering to the subject: a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3- R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis- 4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D- tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2- benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 - carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)- one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole- 2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro- isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 - cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para- fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'- naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2') ; when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present orX1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His andR2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 isPro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0030] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises use of a non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog for increasing, maintaining, or reducing a loss in aBMI level in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog including a sequence of Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6- R7-R8-R9-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis- 4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D- tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2- benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 - carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)- one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole- 2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro- isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 - cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para- chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'- naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method or the use prevents fat mass gain after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method or the use reduces increases a fat mass level after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method or the use maintains or increases brain mass in the subject during or after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method or the use prevents or reduces brain mass loss in the subject during or after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (I): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9- Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl- proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D- cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D- histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys); R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D- penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1'- D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D- ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R3 is dTrp or Phe, then R4 is not dNal(2') and R6 is not dPhe; when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond betweenCys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then (i) R3 is dBip or (ii) R3 is Pro, R2 is not Trp, and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2 is not Trp, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (I), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis- 4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino- 1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting ofPro, dPhe, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), T- D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’»; R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D- ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen; R9 is absent or Lys; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not include a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 83); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Phe-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 420); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 223); Ac-Nle-c[dCys- His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 460); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 464); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 465); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 466); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ IDNO: 467); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 468); Ac- Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 469); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 470); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 474); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 475); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 476); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 477); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 478); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 481 ); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 482); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 483); Ac-His- c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 484); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 485); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 459); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 472); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 471 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 463); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 462); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 479); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 473); Ac-dArg-c[Asp- His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 480); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 486); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 491 ); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 461 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 492); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 496); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 218); Ac- Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 442); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 449); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 455); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 447); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 438); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 450); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 435); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQID NO: 439); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 441 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 436); Ac-Arg- c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 454); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 452); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 451 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 456); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 437); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 440); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 448); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 457); Ac- dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 453); Ac-dHis-c[Asp- Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 458); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 446); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 433); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 434); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 488); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 490); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 494); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 443); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla- His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 268); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 363); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 365); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 370); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 378); Ac- dArg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 379); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 380); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg- Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 418); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro- dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 621 ); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 666); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 297); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-His-dPhe-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 228); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-dPhe-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 229); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 281); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Leu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 355); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tic-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 362); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 424); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 366); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 368); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg- Trp-l_ys]-dl_eu-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 422); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 372); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 374); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 639); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 352); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 351 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Trp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 600); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 322); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 605); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Gly-Gly-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 610); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 581 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dLys-dAsp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 353); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 319); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 607); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 638); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 295); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 575); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 587); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 582); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg- Pro-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 588); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 612); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 583); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-Ala-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 609); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dTle-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 594); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 631 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg- Val-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 589); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 597); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 628); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 591 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 590); Ac-Arg- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 311 ); Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp- Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 629); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-Hyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 574); Ac-dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 303); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Oic-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQID NO: 360); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 313); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 291 ); Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 299); Phe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 305); His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 306); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 312); Ac- His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 314); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 315); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 321 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 423); Ac-Nle-Phe-Phe-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 421 ); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 383); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 384); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 387); Ac-Arg- c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 389); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp- Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 403); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 407); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Leu-dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 395); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 633); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 573); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 643); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 576); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 577); dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 309); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 593); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 632); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 603); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 617); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro- dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 620); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 634); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 635); Ac- dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 644); Ac-dTyr-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 304); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 642); dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 308); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Atc-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 212); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 226); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 320); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 324); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Cpe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 358); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Che-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 359); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 367); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 371 ); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-dTrp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 373); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 375); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 381 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 382); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 385); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 386); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 388); Ac- dArg-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 390); Ac-dHis-c[Asp- Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 391 ); Ac-His-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 392); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 393); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Ala-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 394); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 405); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 406); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 408); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 409); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 410); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp- Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 411 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe- Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 412); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-Pro-dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 413); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 414); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 415); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 416); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 417); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Hyp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 419); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 596); Ac-Nle-c[dAsp-Pro-dPhe-Arg- Trp-dl_ys]-dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 622); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 645); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 646); Ac-dLeu-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 298); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 354); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 364); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-Arg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 578); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 300); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 579); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 580); Ac-Ala- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 640); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 641 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dLys-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 584); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Val-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 585); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 586); Ac-dNle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 301 ); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 595); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 598); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 302); Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 630); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys- dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 601 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-dAla-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 602); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 604); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 606); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 318); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-Hyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 608); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 61 1 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 613); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 614); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 615); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 616); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 599); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 296); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 198); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 207); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Ata-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 208); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 225); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 592); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 425); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 427); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:429); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 325); Ac-Nle-c[dPen- dPhe-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 326); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dlle-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 356); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dVal-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 357); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 376); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 377); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dLeu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 396); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Trp-dVal-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 397); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro- dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 398); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg- dNal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 400); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Phe-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 401 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dPhe-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 402); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 399); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 404); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 187); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 231 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Pro-dPhe-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 232); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 233); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Aba- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 234); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 235); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(1')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 428); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 520); Ac- His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 522); Ac-dHis-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 523); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 518); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 503); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 505); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 502); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 519); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 506); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 501 ); Ac-dLys- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 521 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 504); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 528); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 530); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 532); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEO ID NO: 209); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 210); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 21 1 ); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 512); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 511 ); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 515); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2’)- Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 338); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 339); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 340); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 341 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 342); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 536); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 498); Ac- Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 499); Ac-Nle- c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 537); Ac-Nle-c[Cys- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 44); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 45); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 46); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 56); Ac-Nle-c[dCys- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 57); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 58); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 60); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 61 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 62); Ac-Nle-c[Pen- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 63); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 8); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 258).

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IA): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-Y1 - Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (IA), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg,dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert- leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis-4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D- phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 '- naphthylalanine (Nal(T)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is Lys or dPen; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 isabsent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1 and R7 or R8 when R1 is Asp and R7 or R8 is Lys; provided that: when R4 is p(Br)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, Y4-Y7 are absent, and at least one of X1 and Y3 is absent; when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, dPhe, Bip, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro or (ii) R3 is His and R6 is not Trp; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R2 is not Pro.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IA), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis- 4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin),dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D- phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '- naphthylalanine (Nal(T)); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is Lys or dPen; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not include a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 539); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 540); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(BijdPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 541 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 542); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 543); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 544); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 556); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 557); Ac- Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 558); Ac-dLys-c[Asp- His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 559); Ac-His-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 560); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(BijdPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 561 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 550); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 554); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 220); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 497); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 500); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 507); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 508); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 514); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 516); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 517); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 524); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 529); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 520); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 522); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 523); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 518); Ac-Lys- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 503); Ac-His-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 505); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 502); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 519); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 506); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 501 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 521 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 504); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 528); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 530); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 209); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 210); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 211 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 512); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 511 ); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 515); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 338); Ac-Nle- c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 339); Ac-Nle-c[dPen- dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 340); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 341 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 342); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 536); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 498); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 499); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 537); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 44); Ac-Nle-c[dCys- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 45); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 46); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 56); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 57); Ac-Nle-c[Pen- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 58); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 60); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 61 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 62); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 63); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 8); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 258).

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IA), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absentor Nle; X3 is absent or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert- leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), and glutamic acid (Glu); R2 is selected from the group consisting of dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), and D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, and ornithine (Orn); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D- naphthylalanine (dNal(T)), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(T)); R7 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is Lys or dPen; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 andR7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when R4 is p(Br)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R5 is Arg, Y4-Y7 are absent, and at least one of X1 and Y3 is absent; when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R3 is selected from Phe, dPhe, Bip, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro; and when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is Pro and R1 is not dArg, Arg, dTyr, or Ala, (ii) R3 is His and R2 and R7 are both Cys, or (iii) R3 is absent, R2 is Pen, and R7 is dCys.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IA), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent or Nle; X3 is absent or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert- leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), and glutamic acid (Glu); R2 is selected from the group consisting of dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), and D-biphenylalanine (dBip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2'))> para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe); R5 is absent or is selected from the groupconsisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, and ornithine (Orn); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, dNal(2'), 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')), 1 '-D- naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ')), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ')); R7 is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is Lys or dPen; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not include a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 546); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 539); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 540); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 556); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 557); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 550); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 554); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 509); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 510); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 220); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 497); Ac-Ala- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 500); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 507); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 508); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 514); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 516); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 517); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 524); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 529); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 518); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 502); Ac-Arg- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 519); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 501 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 528); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 530); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 512); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle- dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 51 1 ); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 515); Ac-dArg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 329); Ac-Arg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 330); Ac-dTyr-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 332); Ac-Ala- c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 333); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 338); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 339); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 340); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 341 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 342); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 536); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 498); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 499); Ac-Nle- c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 537); Ac-Nle-c[Cys- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 44); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 45); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 46); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 56); Ac-Nle-c[dCys- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 57); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 58); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEO ID NO: 60); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 61 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 62); and Ac-Nle-c[Pen- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 63).

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IB): X1 -X2-X3-R1 -R2-R3-dNal(2')-R5-R6-R7- R8-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7 (IB), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis- 4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4- amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo- [1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)- one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), and 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(T)), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ')); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen,dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is Lys or dPen; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that: when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2 and R7, then (i) R3 is not Ala, Leu, dLeu, dVal, or Gly, and if R3 is absent, then R2 is Pen and R7 is dCys; and when R7 is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3 is not His or (ii) R3 is His and R2 is Glu.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IB), wherein: X1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg); X2 is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle; X3 is absent, Phe, or Nle; R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cis- 4-guanidinyl-proline (cisPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), andtryptophan (Trp); R3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, cisPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4- amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo- [1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)- one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), and 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe); R5 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), cisPro(guan), and transPro(guan); R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2'), 1 '-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(T)), and 1 '-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ')); R7 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn); R8 is absent or is Lys or dPen; Y1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp; Y2 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn; Y3 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys; Y4 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp; Y5 is absent or dVal; Y6 is absent or dVal; Y7 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 when each of R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2 and R7 or R8 when R2 is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-cis-CH=CH-CO and R7 or R8 is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1 and any one of R7-R9 when R1 is Asp and any one of R7-R9 is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not include a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 338); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEO ID NO: 339); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ IDNO: 340); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 341 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 342); Ac-Nle- c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 44); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 45); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 46); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 56); Ac-Nle- c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 57); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 58); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 60); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 61 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 62); Ac-Nle-c[Pen- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 63); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 8); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 258).

[0043] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IC): X1 -R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4 (IC), wherein: X1 is absent or norleucine (Nle) R1 is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys); R2 is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys); R3 is His or proline (Pro); R4 is selected from the group consisting of para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para- iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe); R5 is Arg or His; R6 is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino- 1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), 2'-D-naphthylalanine dNal(2'), and 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')); R7 is Lys or Cys; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of D- valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle); Y2 is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, and dTle; Y3 is absent or is dVal or dPro; Y4 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2 and Lys at R7; provided that: when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, Y4-Y7 are absent, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (IC), wherein: X1 -R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-Y1 - Y2-Y3-Y4 (IC), wherein: X1 is absent or norleucine (Nle) R1 is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys); R2 is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys); R3 is His or proline (Pro); R4 is selected from the group consisting of para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe); R5 is Arg or His; R6 is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2- benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin- 6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), 2'-D- naphthylalanine dNal(2'), and 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')); R7 is Lys or Cys; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle); Y2 is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, and dTle; Y3 is absent or is dVal or dPro; Y4 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2 and Lys at R7; provided that the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not include a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 520); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 522); Ac- dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 523); Ac-dArg-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 518); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 503); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 505); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 502); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 519); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 506); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 501 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 521 ); Ac-dLys- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 504); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 512); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 51 1 ); and Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 515).

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (ID): X1 -R1 -R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-Y1 -Y2-Y3-Y4 (ID), wherein: X1 is absent or norleucine (Nle); R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys); R3 is selected from the group consisting of His, D-histidine (dHis), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamine (Gin), and biphenylalanine (Bip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-bromo- D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, and His; R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), and 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')); R7 is Lys or Cys; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle); Y2 is dVal or dPro; Y3 is absent, dVal, or dPro; Y4 is absent or dPro; and the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2 and Lys at R7; provided that: when R4 is p(Br)dPhe and R1 is Nle or Ala, then the C-terminus is not dVal-dPro or dTle-dPro and if the C-terminus is dPro- dVal-dPro, then X1 is present, when R4 is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3 is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3 is Pro and R5 is Lys, R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; when R4 is dPhe, then R3 is Pro and either R5 is Lys or R6 is dNal(2') or Nal(2'); and when R4 is p(CI)dPhe, then R1 is Nle or Ala, R3 is selected from His, dHis, and Gin, R6 is Trp, and either X1 and Y3 are both present or X1 and Y3 are both absent.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence according to Formula (ID), wherein: R1 is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys) R2 is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys); R3 is selected from the group consisting of His, D-histidine (dHis), proline (Pro),phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamine (Gin), and biphenylalanine (Bip); R4 is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe); R5 is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, and His; R6 is selected from the group consisting of Trp, 2'-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2')), and 2'-naphthylalanine (Nal(2')); R7 is Lys or Cys; Y1 is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D- proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle); Y2 is dVal or dPro; Y3 is absent, dVal, or dPro; Y4 is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2 and Cys at R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2 and Lys at R7; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not include a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 217); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 562); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 563); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Bip-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 565); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 567); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(Br)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 569); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 571 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 222); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 535); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 538); Ac- Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 545); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 546); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 547); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 548); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 552); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 553); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 555); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 551 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 223); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 464); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 465); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 466); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 467); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 468); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 469); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 470); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 474); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 475); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 476); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 477); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 478); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 481 ); Ac-Lys- c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 482); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 483); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 484); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 485); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 459); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 472); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 471 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 463); Ac-Ala- c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 462); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 479); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 473); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 480); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 486); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 491 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 218); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 442); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 449); Ac-Lys-c[Asp- Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 455); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 447); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 438); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 450); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 435); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 439); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 441 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 436); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 454); Ac-Ala-c[Asp- Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 452); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 451 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 456); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 437); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 440); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 448); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 457); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 453); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 458); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 443); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 363); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 365); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 370); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 621 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 297); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Phe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 366); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 368); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 372); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 374); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 639); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 638); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 295); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 597); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 628); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 591 ); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 311 ); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 313); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 291 ); Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro- dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 299); His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 306); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 312); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 314); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 315); Ac-Lys-c[Asp- Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 643); dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 309); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 617); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 620); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 644); Ac-Arg- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 642); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 596); Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 645); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 646); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 300); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 640); Ac-dArg- c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 641 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 595); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 598); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 302); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 425); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 318); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 215); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 509); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 510); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 525); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 527); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 531 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 533); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 520); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 522); Ac- dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 523); Ac-dArg-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 518); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 503); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 505); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 502); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 519); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 506); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 501 ); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 521 ); Ac-dLys- c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 504); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 512); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 513); and Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 515).

[0047] In some embodiments, an N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, if present, is modified by an acyl group.

[0048] In some embodiments, the acyl group is an acetyl group.

[0049] In some embodiments, an N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, if present, is not modified.

[0050] In some embodiments, a C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is modified by an amide group.

[0051] In some embodiments, a C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified.

[0052] In some embodiments, R4 is dNal(2').

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence cyclized.

[0054] In some embodiments, R3 is Pro, Hyp, or His.

[0055] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-( I D) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro (SEQ ID NO: 2); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 3); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Hyp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 4); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 5); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-l_ys]-dl_eu-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 6); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 7); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 9); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 10), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 or R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0056] In some embodiments, R9 is present.

[0057] In some embodiments, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Phe-Pro-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 11 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 and R9 via a lactam bond.

[0058] In some embodiments, R9 is absent and X1 -X3 are present.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-Phe-Phe-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 12), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 and R8 via a lactam bond.

[0060] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence cyclized between R2 and R7 via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[dAsp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 38); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dLys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 39); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 40); Ac-Nle- c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 41 ); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 42); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 43); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 48); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 49); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 50); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 51 ); Ac-Nle- c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 52); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 53); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 54); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 55); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 59); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 64); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 65); Ac-Nle-c[Glu- Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 66); Ac-Nle-c[Glu-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 67); and c[CO-cis-CH = CH-CO-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 197), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 or R2 and R7 via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence cyclized through a lactam bond between Asp at R1 or R2 and Lys at R7.

[0063] In some embodiments, R1 is selected from the group consisting of dArg, dMet, dlle, dLeu, dVal, dAla, Ala, Tie, dTle, dNIe, Nva, Gly, dPro, dCys, dPhe, dGIn, dAsn, transPro(guan), cisPro(guan), dTyr, Tyr, and Dmt.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-( I D) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 15); Ac-dMet-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 16); Ac-dlle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 17); Ac-dLeu- c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 18); Ac-dVal-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 19); Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 20); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 21 ); Ac-Tle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 22); Ac-dTle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 23); Ac- dNle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 24); Ac-Nva-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 25); Ac-Gly-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 26); Ac-dPro-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 27); Ac-dCys-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 28); Ac-dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 29); Ac- dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 30); Ac-dGln-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 31 ); Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 32); Ac-transPro(guan)-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 33); Ac-cisPro(guan)-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 34); dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 35); Tyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 36); and Dmt-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 37), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0065] In some embodiments, R3 is absent or selected from the group consisting of Ala, dAla, dMet, Gly, Leu, He, Vai, dLeu, dlle, dVal, Trp, transPro(guan), cisPro(guan), b- Ala, Mamb, Acpc, Aba, Aia, Aic, Ope, Che, Oic, Tic, and Glu.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 68); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 69); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-dAla-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 71 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dMet- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 72); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 73); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gly-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 74); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 75); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 76); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-lle-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 77); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Val- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 78); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dLeu-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 79); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dlle-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 80); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 81 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 82); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-transPro(guan)-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 84); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-cisPro(guan)-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 85), Ac-Nle-c[Asp- [3-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 199); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Mamb- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 200); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Acpc-dNal(2') Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 201 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 204); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 205); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aic-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 239); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Cpe-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 240); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Che- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 241 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Oic-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 242); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tic-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 244); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 255), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 or R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0067] In some embodiments, R5 is absent or selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, His, Ala, transPro(guan), cisPro(guan), and Glu.

[0068] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae ( l)-( I D) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 86); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Lys-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 87); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Orn-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 90); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 92); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Ala-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 93); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Glu-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 96); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 247); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 248); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 250); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-cisPro(guan)Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 251 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0069] In some embodiments, R6 is selected from the group consisting of Nal(1 '), dNal(1 '), Aia, Phe, dPhe, Tyr, dTyr, dNal(2'), dTrp, Aba, and Ata.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Nal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 102); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 103); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 104); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Tyr-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 105); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-dNal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 108); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-dPhe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 109); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-dNal(2']- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 10); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-dTyr-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 111 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 196); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Aba-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 253); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 254), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0071] In some embodiments, (i) Y1 is selected from dPro, Vai, Hyp, dHyp, Pro, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, Arg, Asn, dAsp, dArg, dAsn, Lys, dLys, Trp, and dTle and Y2 is absent or selected from dVal, Vai, Hyp, dHyp, Pro, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, Arg, Asn, dAsp, dArg, dAsn,and dTle; or (ii) Y1 is dVal, Y2 is dPro, and the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae ( l)-( I D) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 15); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 116); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 117); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Hyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 118); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 119); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val- Hyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 120); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 121 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 122); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 123); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 124); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dHyp-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 125); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 126); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 127); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 128); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 129); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)- Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 130); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 131 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 132); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 133); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 134); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp- Lys]-Hyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 135); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-dAla-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 136); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-Ala-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 137); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Gly-Gly-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 138); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 139); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-Arg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 140); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- Asn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 141 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 142); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 143); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 144); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 145); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)- Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 146); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]- Asn-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 147); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 148); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 149); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 150); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 151 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 152); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 153); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 154); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 155); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 156); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Lys]-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 157); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys- dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 158); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro- dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 159); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 160); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 161 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Val-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 162); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 163); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 164); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 165); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]- Arg-dPro-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 166); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro- dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 167); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Val-Pro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 168); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 169); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 170); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 171 ); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 172); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dVal-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 173); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 174); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 175); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 176); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dTle-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 177); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dTle-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 178); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Trp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 203); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dLys-dAsp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 263), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0073] In some embodiments, one or more of Y3-Y7 are present and are each independently dVal or dPro.

[0074] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 179); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 180); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 181 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 182); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 183), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0075] In some embodiments, one or more of X1 -X3 are present and are Nle.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 184); Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 185); and Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 186), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond.

[0077] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence cyclized through a lactam bond between (i) Asp at R1 and Lys at R7, (ii) Asp at R2 and Lys at R8, or (ii) Asp at R1 and Lys at R8.

[0078] In some embodiments, R2 is selected from Asp, Trp, Pro, and Glu, R3 is selected from Pro, Glu, and His, and R7 is selected from Lys, Pro, and Gly.

[0079] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 194); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 195); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 257); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 245); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 256); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 259); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 260); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dLys-dAsp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 261 ); Ac-Glu-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 262); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-His- dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 264); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 265), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 via a lactam bond.

[0080] In some embodiments, one of R2 and R3 is Ala or dAla.

[0081] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-( I D) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 266); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 267); Ac-Arg-c[Cys-dAla-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 269); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 270); Ac-Arg- c[Asp-dAla-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 271 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 272); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-His-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 273); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 274); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 275); Ac-Arg-c[Cys-dAla-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 282); and Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 283), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 or R2 and R7 via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

[0082] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence cyclized through a disulfide bond between dPen at R2 and dPen at R7 or R8.

[0083] In some embodiments, R1 is selected from the group consisting of Nle, dLeu, dNIe, dArg, Arg, dPhe, dTyr, Ala, dHis, His, dLys, and Lys.

[0084] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dl_eu-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 327); Ac-dNle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 328); Ac-dArg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 329); Ac-Arg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 330); Ac-dPhe- c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 331 ); Ac-dTyr-c[dPen- Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 332); Ac-Ala-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 333); Ac-dHis-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 334); Ac-His-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 335); Ac-dLys-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 336); Ac-Lys-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 337); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 344); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 345); Ac- Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dArg-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 346); Ac-Nle-c[dPen- Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dLys-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 347); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dHyp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 348); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')- Arg-Trp-dPen]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 349); and Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp- Gly-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 350), wherein c represents cyclization through R1 or R2 and R7 or R8 via a disulfide bond.

[0085] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is linear.

[0086] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle- Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 13); or Ac-Nle-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 14).

[0087] In some embodiments, R4 is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, p(CI)dPhe p(l)dPhe, p(Br)dPhe, p(F)dPhe, or p(CF3)dPhe.

[0088] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 215); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(l)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 216); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 217); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 219); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 220); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(l)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 221 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 222); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 224); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 236); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Aba-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 237); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 238); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-dBip-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 369); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Lys-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 426); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg- dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 430); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 431 ); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 432); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 444); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 445); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 487); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 489); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp- p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 493); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(F)dPhe-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 495); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 497); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 500); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 507); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 508); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 509); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 510); Ac-Nle-c[Asp- His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 514); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 516); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 517); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 524); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 525); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 526); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 527); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 529); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 531 ); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Tyr-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 533); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr- p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 534); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(Br)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 535); Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 538); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 539); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 540); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 541 ); Ac- dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 542); Ac-His-c[Asp- His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 543); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 544); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 545); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe- His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 546); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 547); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2’)-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 548); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 549); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 550); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 551 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 552); Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 553); Ac- Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 554); Ac-Ala- c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 555); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 556); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 557); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 558); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro- NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 559); Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 560); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 561 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 562); Ac-Nle- c[Asp-Phe-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 563); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe- p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 564); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(Br)dPhe- Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 565); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp- Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 566); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 567); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 568); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 569); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 570); Ac- Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 571 ); and Ac-Nle- c[Asp-dTyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 572), wherein c represents cyclization through R2 and R7 via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

[0089] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-7, 9-12, 13-23, 24-27, 28-30, 31 -43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 84-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102-105, 108-1 11 , 1 15-122, 123-138, 139-157, 158-164, 165-172, 173-182, 183-186, 194-197, 199-201 , 203-206, 215-217, 219- 222, 224, 236-242, 244-245, 247-248, 250-251 , 253-257, 259-267, 269-275, 282-283, 327-337, 344-350, 369, 426, 430-432, 444-445, 487, 489, 493, 495, 497, 500, 507-510, 514, 516-517, 524-527, 529, 531 , 533-535, and 538-572.

[0090] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-7, 9-10, 12-23, 24-27, 28-43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 84-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102-105, 108-11 1 , 115-138, 139-157, 158- 162, 164-172, 173-182, 183-186, 194-197, 199-201 , 203-206, 215-217, 219, 221 -222, 224, 236-242, 244-245, 247-248, 250-257, 259-267, 269-275, 282-283, 327-337, 344-350, 509- 510, 525-527, 531 , 533-535, 538, 545-549, 551 -553, 555, 562-569, 571 -572.

[0091] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-4, 13, 15-23, 24-32, 35-43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 86-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102, 104-105, 108-111 , 1 15-138, 139-162, 164, 165-186, 195-197, 199-201 , 203, 215-217, 219, 221 -222, 224, 240-242, 244, 255-256, 259- 267, 269-275, 327-328, 331 , 344-350, 525-527, 531 , 533-535, 538, 545, 547-549, 551 -553, 555, 562-569, 571 -572.

[0092] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-7, 9-10, 12-43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 - 76, 77-82, 84-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102-105, 108-111 , 115-138, 139-162, 164, 165-186, 194- 197, 199-201 , 203-206, 239-242, 244-245, 247-248, 250-251 , 253-257, 259-267, 269-275, 282-283, 327-337, 344-350.

[0093] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 215-217, 219-222, 224, 236-238, 497, 500, 507-510, 514, 516-517, 535, 538-561 .

[0094] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 220, 426, 430-432, 444-445, 487, 489, 493, 495, 497, 500, 507-508, 514, 516-517, 524, 529, 539-544, 550, 554, 556-561.

[0095] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

[0096] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0097] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition includes one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and / or carriers.

[0098] In some embodiments, the one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and / or carriers of the pharmaceutical composition include water.

[0099] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 5 mg / kg to about 20 mg / kg administered once a day for about 5 days to about 10 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 10 mg / kg to about 40 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 5 days to about 10 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 5 mg / kg to about 30 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 5 days to about 10 days.

[0100] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 5 mg / kg administered once a day for about 7 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 15 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 7 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 10 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 7 days.

[0101] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 10 mg / kg administered once a day for about 7 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 20 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 7 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 15 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 7 days.

[0102] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 15 mg / kg administered once a day for about 7 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 25 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 7 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 20 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 7 days.

[0103] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

[0104] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 1 mg / kg or 3 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

[0105] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg once daily.

[0106] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 10 mg or about 50 mg once daily.

[0107] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered via intraperitoneal, intravenous, parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracerebroventricular, intranasal, or oral administration.

[0108] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog crosses a blood-brain-barrier of a subject.

[0109] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and is administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from 0.001 mg / kg to 25 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

[0110] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog includes a sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3 and is administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from 0.5 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

[0111] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to a subject for at least 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

[0112] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to a subject for 1 day, 5 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 35 days, 40 days, 45 days, 50 days, 60 days, 75 days, 90 days, 100 days, 1 10 days, or 120 days.

[0113] In some embodiments, the method or the use further includes maintaining muscle mass or promoting muscle mass gain in the subject.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] The present technology comprises non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or stereoisomers thereof, collectively referred to herein as melanocortin analogs, for modulating weight in subjects in need thereof. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs may be useful in treating, preventing, or reducing one or more symptoms or conditions associated with weight loss. For example, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs may be used to treat, prevent, or otherwise ameliorate one or more of anorexia, cachexia, muscle mass loss, fat mass loss, wasting, reduced appetite, and loss of appetite. Cachexia may include cancer-induced cachexia or drug-induced cachexia.

[0115] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises methods of treating, preventing, reducing, or otherwise ameliorating one or more symptoms or conditions associated with metabolic dysfunction in a subject in need thereof. The methods comprise administering a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of the present technology to the subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises increasing a level of, reducing a loss of, or maintaining an appetite, a weight, a body mass index (BMI) measurement, a fat mass, or a cardiac mass in the subject.

[0116] The present technology comprises methods of treating, preventing, or reducing one or more symptoms or conditions associated with weight loss in a subject in need thereof using a non-naturally occurring melanocortin receptor antagonist. In some embodiments, the method comprises preventing or reducing loss of lean mass (e.g., muscle, organ, and bone mass) in a subject using a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. In some embodiments, the method comprises preventing or reducing loss of lean mass in a subject using a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. In some embodiments, the method comprises promoting weight loss in a subject, comprising administering a weight loss agent and a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog to the subject, wherein the subject’s weight is decreased by loss of fat mass while maintaining or increasing muscle mass. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs may prevent or reduce the loss of lean mass, e.g., muscle and bone mass, associated with weight loss.

[0117] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present technology, its applications, or its uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. The description of specific examples indicated in various embodiments of the present technology are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present technology disclosed herein. Moreover, recitation of multiple embodiments having stated features is not intended to exclude other embodiments having additional features or other embodiments incorporating different combinations of the stated features.

[0118] Furthermore, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, steps recited in any method or process may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the steps thereof may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties.Definitions

[0119] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present technology belongs. For the purposes of the present technology, the following terms are defined below.

[0120] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. Likewise, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment.

[0121] The term “about” means a quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by acceptable levels in the art. Typically, such variation may be as much 10% above and below a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length and such variation may be influenced by standard applicable measurement practices.When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth.

[0122] The terms “administering” or “administer” include delivery of therapies (e.g., non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs (also referred to herein as peptides)) of the present technology to a subject either by local or systemic administration. Administration may be topical (including ophthalmic and to mucous membranes including vaginal and rectal delivery), pulmonary (e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer), intratracheal, intranasal, epidermal and transdermal, oral or parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection or infusion; or intracranial, e.g., intrathecal or intraventricular, administration.

[0123] The terms “active ingredient” and “active compound” refer to a biologically active substance, whether naturally or non-naturally occurring, that is the main component of the pharmaceutical composition which elicits the intended effect of an administered therapeutic. This may be any component that drives the pharmacological activity or direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of the conditions associated with the present technology, such as but not limited to, reduced appetite and weight loss.

[0124] As used herein, a “composition” or a “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a mixture of the active ingredient with other chemical components, such as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and / or excipients.

[0125] As used herein, a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” of the first or the second pharmaceutical composition refers to a carrier or diluent that does not cause significant irritation to an organism, does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the administered active ingredient, and / or does not interact in a deleterious manner with the other components of the composition in which it is contained. The term “carrier” encompasses any excipient, binder, diluent, filler, salt, buffer, solubilizer, lipid, stabilizer, or other material well known in the art for use in pharmaceutical formulations. The choice of a carrier for use in a composition will depend upon the intended route of administration for the composition. The preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and formulations containing these materials is described in, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21 stEdition, ed. University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia Pa., 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Some examples of physiologically acceptable carriers include antioxidants including ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; salt-forming counterions such as sodium; and / or nonionic surfactants such as TWEEN® (ICI, Inc.; Bridgewater, N.J.), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and PLURONICS™ (BASF; Florham Park, N.J.). An “excipient” of the first or the second pharmaceutical composition refers to an inert substance added to a composition to further facilitate administration of a compound. Examples, without limitation, of excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars and types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils, and polyethylene glycols.

[0126] The terms “treat,” “treatment,” and “treating” refer to a manner of providing a pharmaceutical composition and / or melanocortin analog to alleviate disease outcomes. This includes utilizing administration techniques as described in the context of the present technology. Efficacy of treatment may be determined by various assessment methods as described in the context of the present technology (e.g., assessment of appetite, food consumption, body weight, muscle mass, fat mass, and measurement of biomarkers). The term “biomarker” refers to a biological output that is used as a measure of cellular response, whether that be to assess response to therapeutics, disease status, such as cachexia, or as a predictor of clinical outcomes. Biomarkers evaluated in the context of cells, tissue, or whole organisms. The term “disease” herein refers to any disorder adversely affecting biological status. This includes weight-related disorders, such as cachexia. Disease also may be in the context of human and animal health.

[0127] The terms “treat,” “treatment,” and “treating” may also refer to the reduction or inhibition of the progression and / or duration of a disease or disorder (e.g., metabolic disease, including, but not limited to, cachexia), the reduction or amelioration of the severity of the disease or disorder, and / or the amelioration of one or more symptoms thereof resulting from the administration of one or more therapies. Specifically, these terms may refer to: (1 ) astabilization, reduction, or elimination of the disease or disorder, (2) inhibiting exacerbation of the disease or disorder, (3) relieving to some extent (or, preferably, eliminating) one or more symptoms associated with a pathology related to or caused in part by unregulated or aberrant metabolism, (4) an increase in disease-free, relapse-free, progression-free, and / or overall survival, duration, or rate, (5) a decrease in hospitalization rate, and (6) a decrease in hospitalization length. The terms “treat,” “treatment,” and “treating” include prophylactic and / or therapeutic treatments. If it is administered prior to clinical manifestation of a condition, the treatment is considered prophylactic. Therapeutic treatment includes, e.g., ameliorating or reducing the severity of a disease or disorder, or shortening the length or frequency of the disease or disorder.

[0128] As used herein, the terms “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount,” refer to that amount of the active ingredient being administered which will relieve to some extent one or more of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated. The result may be a reduction and / or alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of a disease or disorder, or any other desired alteration of a biological system. An appropriate “effective amount” may differ from one individual to another. An appropriate “effective amount” in any individual case may be determined using techniques, such as a dose escalation study.

[0129] The term “after administration” refers to any duration of time after the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog or pharmaceutical composition thereof has been administered to a subject. “After administration” may also refer to the duration of time after one dose has been completed or after more than one dose has been completed, such as two doses, three doses, four doses, and the like. In some embodiments, “after administration” refers to completion of dosing regimen that includes one or more doses. Likewise, the term “prior to” refers to any duration of time before the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog or pharmaceutical composition thereof has been administered to a subject. Unless otherwise specified, durations of time encompassed by “after administration” or “prior to administration” may include seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years.

[0130] "Appetite" in a subject and / or patient is typically assessed by their desire to eat and / or the amount of food they consume. As used herein, appetite may be assessed througha daily questionnaire given at specified or random times of the day. In the questionnaire, subjects or patients rate their hunger and / or desire to eat greater varieties of food using scales ranging from 0 (not at all) to 100 (extremely).

[0131] “Cachexia” refers to a state of general ill health and malnutrition characterized by loss of body mass including loss of weight, loss of muscle mass (skeletal, smooth, and / or cardiac muscle), loss of fat mass, or a combination thereof, and wasting. It is often associated with and induced by certain diseases or conditions such as, but not limited to, cancer, cystic fibrosis, or AIDS. The term “cancer cachexia” refers to cachexia induced by cancer. Diagnostic criterion for cachexia may include (i) weight loss of greater than 5% over past 6 months; (ii) weight loss of greater than 2% in patients with a body mass index (BMI) less than 20 kg / m2; or (iii) weight loss of greater than 2% in patients with sarcopenia (or appendicular skeletal muscle index consistent with sarcopenia). See Fearon K, et al., Lancet Oncol. 12(5):489-95 (2011 ). Cachexia may be used interchangeably with the term “Protein- Energy Wasting” (i.e., PEW).

[0132] “Anorexia” refers to a loss of appetite, whether brought on by medical, physiological, or psychological factors. Anorexia is often closely associated with, and generally contributes to, cachexia seen in patients with advanced cancers and other conditions.

[0133] The term “Body Mass Index” or “BMI” refers to a value derived from an individual’s body weight and height. Specifically, BMI is determined by body weight (kilograms) divided by the square of height (m2) and is expressed in units of “kg / m2.” "Normal" BMI ranges are known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and consider factors such as patient sex, age, height, race, and body type. Typically, a normal BMI range is about 18.5 kg / m2to about 25 kg / m2.

[0134] The terms “subject” and “patient” refer to anyone being evaluated for disease, disorder, or condition or being administered a therapeutic or pharmaceutical composition. This includes people without diagnosed or confirmed disease or condition. This also includes people with diagnosed or confirmed disease or condition, such as cancer, loss of appetite, nausea, emesis, anorexia, or cachexia.

[0135] The term “control subject,” as used herein, refers to any subject used as a basis for comparison to the subject (e.g., test subject). A control subject includes, but is not limited to, any subject who has not been administered the therapeutic or pharmaceutical composition (e.g., the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, a therapeutically effective amount of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog or a pharmaceutical composition thereof) or administered a placebo.

[0136] “Melanocortin analogs,” “non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs,” “melanocortin peptides,” “melanocortin receptor peptides,” or “melanocortins,” are used interchangeably and refer to melanocortin-receptor ligands, which are macromolecules containing at least one melanocortin pharmacophore. Melanocortin analogs are typically peptides that bind melanocortin receptors under physiological conditions. Melanocortin analogs include naturally occurring non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs (i.e., “synthetic peptides” or “synthetic analogs”) and truncated and / or modified versions of melanocortin full-length protein or peptides. For example, the full-length proopiomelanocortin protein (POMC), prior to proteolytic cleavage of “sub-peptides,” consists of 241 amino acids. Tissue-specific proteolytic cleavage of POMC yields peptides ranging in size from 13 amino acids to 76 amino acids. See Bicknell and Lawry, Encyclopedia of Stress, vol. 3, 257-265, Academic Press (2000). Synthesized, non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs having increased melanocortin receptor activity as discussed herein are approximately 7-12 amino acids in size. Melanocortin analogs exhibit binding functionality with melanocortin receptors. The binding to the melanocortin receptor is inhibitory (antagonist). In addition to peptides, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs include small molecule analogs of melanocortin or portions thereof comprised of organic compounds, inorganic compounds, or combinations of peptide and small molecule — i.e., peptide mimetics, or various combinations thereof. “Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs” may be structurally similar and / or functionally similar to biological melanocortin proteins in their ability to bind melanocortin receptors. Further, the melanocortin analogs generally contain the pharmacophore: His-Phe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 1 ) or a modified version thereof, or a structural or functional peptide mimetic thereof.

[0137] A “pharmacophore” is the minimum set of amino acid residues necessary to achieve a physiological effect; or a small molecule that is (with respect to a receptor) a structural mimic of the amino acid residues required for binding to and activation of a receptor. His-Phe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 1 ) and their analogs are the pharmacophore of melanocortin for the regulated physiological effect. Therefore, non-naturally occurring melanocortin pharmacophore analogs may be small peptides or organic molecules designed to mimic the appearance or function (including activation or deactivation of receptor activity) of the melanocortin pharmacophore core sequence peptide.

[0138] A melanocortin receptor “agonist” is a naturally occurring substance or manufactured drug substance or composition that may interact with a melanocortin receptor and initiate a pharmacological response characteristic of the melanocortin receptor.

[0139] A melanocortin receptor “antagonist” is a naturally occurring substance or manufactured drug substance or composition that opposes the melanocortin receptor- associated responses normally induced by a melanocortin receptor agonist agent.

[0140] “Potentiated therapeutic activity” refers to an increase in melanocortin activity in a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog that has undergone derivatization at the N- and / or C-terminus. Such derivatizations do not necessarily involve the pharmacophore, but do imply a relative increase in in vivo biological half-life.

[0141] The terms “bind,” “binding,” “complex,” and “complexing,” refer to all types of physical and chemical binding, reactions, complexing, attraction, chelating and the like.

[0142] The “peptides” of the present technology may be (a) naturally-occurring, (b) produced by chemical synthesis, (c) produced by recombinant DNA technology, (d) produced by biochemical or enzymatic fragmentation of larger molecules, (e) produced by methods resulting from a combination of methods (a) through (d) listed above, or (f) produced by any other means for producing peptides.

[0143] The term “peptide” as used herein includes any structure comprised of two or more amino acids, including chemical modifications and derivatives of amino acids. The amino acids forming all or a part of a peptide may be naturally occurring amino acids, stereoisomers and modifications of such amino acids, non-protein amino acids, post-translationally modified amino acids, enzymatically modified amino acids, constructs or structures designed to mimic amino acids, and the like, so that the term “peptide” includes pseudopeptides and peptidomimetics, including structures which have a non-peptidic backbone. The term “peptide” also includes dimers or multimers of peptides. A “manufactured” peptide includes a peptide produced by chemical synthesis, recombinant DNA technology, biochemical, or enzymatic fragmentation of larger molecules, combinations of the foregoing or, in general, made by any other method. The term “peptide” includes peptides containing a variable number of amino acid residues, optionally with nonamino acid residue groups at the N- and C-termini, such groups including acyl, acetyl, alkenyl, alkyl, N-alkyl, amine, or amide groups, among others.

[0144] By employing chemical synthesis, a useful means of production, it is possible to introduce various amino acids which do not naturally occur along the chain, modify the N- or C-terminus, and the like, thereby providing for improved stability and formulation, resistance to protease degradation, and the like.

[0145] “Amino acids” are molecules containing an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a side-chain that is specific to each amino acid. The key elements of an amino acid are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen and have the generic formula H2N — CHR — COOH, wherein R represents a side chain group. The various a-amino acids differ in the side-chain moiety that is attached to the a-carbon. The “amino acids” of the present technology include the known naturally occurring protein amino acids, which are referred to by both their common three letter abbreviation and single letter abbreviation. See generally Synthetic Peptides: A User’s Guide, G. A. Grant, editor, W.H. Freeman & Co., New York (1992), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, including the text and table set forth at pages 11 through 24. As set forth above, the term “amino acid” also includes stereoisomers and modifications of naturally occurring protein amino acids, nonprotein amino acids, post-translationally modified amino acids, enzymatically synthesized amino acids, derivatized amino acids, constructs or structures designed to mimic amino acids, and the like. Modified and unusual amino acids are described generally in Synthetic Peptides: A User’s Guide, supra; Hruby et al., Biochem. J. 268:249-262 (1990); andToniolo, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 35:287-300 (1990); the teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0146] The phrase “amino acid side chain moiety” used herein, including as used in the specification and claims, includes any side chain of any amino acid, as the term “amino acid” is defined herein. This thus includes the side chain moiety present in naturally occurring amino acids. It further includes side chain moieties in modified naturally occurring amino acids, such as glycosylated amino acids. It further includes side chain moieties in stereoisomers and modifications of naturally occurring protein amino acids, non-protein amino acids, post-translationally modified amino acids, enzymatically synthesized amino acids, derivatized amino acids, constructs, or structures designed to mimic amino acids, and the like. For example, the side chain moiety of any amino acid of the present technology is included within the definition. A “derivative” of an amino acid side chain moiety is included within the definition of an amino acid side chain moiety.

[0147] The “derivative” of an amino acid side chain moiety includes any modification to or variation in any amino acid side chain moieties, including a modification of naturally occurring amino acid side chain moieties. By way of example, derivatives of amino acid side chain moieties include straight chain or branched, cyclic or noncyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl, aryl or aralkyl moieties.

[0148] In the peptides of the present technology, conventional amino acid residues have their conventional meaning as given in Chapter 2400, of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, 8thEd. Thus, “Ala” is alanine; “Arg” is arginine; “Asn” is asparagine; “Asp” is aspartic acid; “Cys” is cysteine; “Gin” is glutamine; “Glu” is glutamic acid; “His” is histidine; “He” is isoleucine; “Leu” is leucine; “Lys” is lysine; “Met” is methionine; “Phe” is phenylalanine; “Pro” is proline; “Ser” is serine; “Thr” is threonine; “Trp” is tryptophan; “Tyr” is tryosine; and “Vai” is valine. Unless otherwise indicated, all amino acids abbreviations represent either isomer, i.e., the L-isomer, the D-isomer, or combinations thereof may be used. Thus, for example, “L-Phe” is L-phenylalanine; “D-Phe” is D-phenylalanine; “D- / L-Phe” is D-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanine, or combinations thereof; “Phe” is also D-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanine, or combinations thereof, and so on.

[0149] An alpha (a)-amino acid has the generic formula H2N — CaHR — COOH, where R is a side chain moiety and the amino group is attached to the carbon atom immediately adjacent to the carboxylate group (i.e. , the a-carbon). Other types of amino acids exist when the amino group is attached to a different carbon atom. For example, beta (P)-amino acids, the carbon atom to which the amino group is attached is separated from the carboxylate group by one carbon atom, Cp.

[0150] When p-amino acids are incorporated into peptides, two main types of p- peptides exist: those with the side chain residue, R, on the carbon next to the amine are called3peptides and those with the side chain residue on the carbon next to the carbonyl group are called p2amino acids.

[0151] Gamma (y)-amino acids are amino acids with the carbon atom to which the amino group attaches is separated from the carboxylate moiety by two carbon atoms.

[0152] For additional modified and unusual amino acids, see §2422 of the MPEP, particularly Table 4 at 2400-24. Additionally, “Ac” indicates N-acetyl and “cyclo” refers to a cyclic structure, which is also shown as “c.” “NH2” indicates an amine group, typically added on the C-terminus of a polypeptide. Accordingly, as used herein, an — NH2 moiety on the C- terminus of a peptide indicates an amide, i.e., —CO — NH2.

[0153] Additional abbreviations are used as follows: Nle is norleucine; Nal(2’) is 2'- naphthylalanine; Nal(1 ') is 1 '-naphthylalanine; Tie is tert-leucine; Nva is norvaline; Orn is ornithine; Bip is biphenylalanine; Hyp is hydroxyproline; Mamb is 3-aminomethyl-benzoic acid; Pen is Penicillamine; Tic is 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic Acid; Aba is 4- amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetra-hydro-2-benzazepin-3-one; Oic is octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; Ate is 2-aminotetraline-2-carboxylic acid; APC is 1 -amino-4-phenylcyclohexane-carboxylic acid; APPC is 4-aminophenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid; Acpc is 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 - carboxylic acid; Aic is 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid; Ata is 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H- [1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one; Aia is 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3- b]indol-3(2H)-one; Che is 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid loc is indoline-2-carboxylic acid, Aic is 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid; Cpe is 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic; and p(CI)dPhe is para-chloro-phenylalanine (I - iodo, F - fluoro, Br - bromo, CF3 - trifluoromethyl).

[0154] The term “acyl” includes a group RCO — , where R is an organic group. An example is the acetyl group CH3CO — , referred to herein as “Ac.”

[0155] A peptide or aliphatic moiety is “acylated” when an alkyl or substituted alkyl group as defined above is bonded through one or more carbonyl { — (C=O) — } groups. A peptide is most usually acylated at the N-terminus.

[0156] An “amine” includes compounds that contain an amine group ( — NH2).

[0157] An “amide” includes compounds that have a trivalent nitrogen attached to a carbonyl group (i.e., — CO — NH2), such as for example methylamide, ethylamide, propylamide, and the like. A peptide is most usually amidated at the C-terminus by the addition of an amine ( — NH2) moiety to the C-terminal carboxyl group.

[0158] Amino acids, including stereoisomers and modifications of naturally occurring amino acids, protein amino acids, non-protein amino acids, post-translationally modified amino acids, enzymatically synthesized amino acids, derivatized amino acids, constructs, or structures designed to mimic amino acids (peptide mimetics), and the like, including all of the foregoing, are sometimes referred to herein as “residues.”

[0159] “Substantial degradation” refers to the degradation of the N-terminal extension, the C-terminal extension, both N- and C-terminal degradation or degradation to other regions of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog by physiological enzymes and other factors, in such a manner or to a degree that side effects appear. According to one aspect, a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog having a C-terminal extension that resists substantial degradation is one where no more than 50% of the administered peptide causes side effects and / or displays a low half-life. In some aspects, no more than 25% of the administered peptide causes side effects and / or displays a low half-life. More preferably, in some aspects, less than 10% of the administered peptide causes side effects and / or displays a low half-life, as compared to a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog that lacks a C-terminal extension.

[0160] The term “weight loss agent” refers to a therapeutic agent useful for the treatment or prevention of metabolic dysfunction or one or more symptoms associated with metabolic dysfunction in a subject. In some embodiments, such weight loss agents may beeffective to treat, reduce, prevent, or otherwise be useful for a subject having a disease or condition that is not metabolic dysfunction, or besides metabolic dysfunction. The present technology is expected to be useful for subjects that may receive, have received, or are receiving one or more doses of a weight loss agent regardless of the underlying disease or condition that the subject has or develops.

[0161] The disclosure of all publications, patents, and published patent applications listed herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, including but not limited to U.S. Patent Nos. 8,541 ,545 and 9,534,018.Non-naturally Occurring Melanocortin Analogs

[0162] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may comprise a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or stereoisomer thereof. Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be selective for the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) and / or melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) over other melanocortin receptors, i.e., the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1 R), the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), and the melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R). Some of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs may bind only the MC3R or the MC4R. Alternatively, some of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs may bind the MC3R with greater affinity than the MC4R, whereas other melanocortin analogs may bind the MC4R with greater affinity than the MC3R. Certain melanocortin analogs may bind the MC3R with the same or generally similar affinity as the MC4R.

[0163] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be full agonists or full antagonists for one or more melanocortin receptors. A full agonist may comprise a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog having a maximum effect (Emax) agonist value of greater than or equal to 85%. Similarly, a full antagonist may comprise a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog having an Emax antagonist value of greater than or equal to 85%.

[0164] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be partial agonists or partial antagonists A partial agonist may comprise a non-naturallyoccurring melanocortin analog having a maximum effect Emax agonist value of less than 85%. Similarly, a partial antagonist may comprise a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog having an Emax antagonist value of less than 85%.

[0165] If a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog’s Emax agonist value is greater than it’s Emax antagonist value, then the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog may be classified as an agonist (e.g., a full agonist or a partial agonist).

[0166] If a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog’s Emax antagonist value is greater than it’s Emax agonist value, then the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog may be classified as an antagonist (e.g., a full antagonist or a partial antagonist).

[0167] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be one or more of (i) a full MC4R antagonist and a full MC3R antagonist; (ii) a full MC4R antagonist and a partial MC3R antagonist; (iii) a full MC4R antagonist and a full MC4R agonist; (iv) a full MC4R antagonist and a partial MC3R agonist; (v) a full MC4R antagonist having no MC3R activity; (vi) a partial MC4R antagonist and a full MC3R antagonist; (vii) a partial MC4R antagonist and a partial MC3R antagonist; a partial MC4R antagonist and a full MC4R agonist; (viii) a partial MC4R antagonist and a partial MC3R agonist; (ix) a partial MC4R antagonist having no MC3R activity; (x) a partial MC4R agonist and a full MC3R antagonist; (xi) a partial MC4R agonist and a partial MC3R antagonist; (xii) a partial MC4R agonist and a partial MC3R agonist; (xiii) a partial MC4R agonist and a full MC3R agonist; and (ixx) a partial MC4R agonist having no MC3R activity.

[0168] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs in accordance with the present technology may have certain structural features that impart specific properties on the analogs, such as, for example, degradation resistance, enhanced epithelial, gastrointestinal, and / or blood brain barrier transport, and binding affinity for the melanocortin 4 receptor and / or melanocortin 3 receptor. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analogs have one or more beta hairpin (p-hairpin) and / or beta turn (p-turn) structures. The presence of amino acids that are structurally rigid, such as, for example, Aia, Aba, Ata, Hyp, dHyp, Pro, dPro, transPro(guar\), and c / 'sPro(guan), may lead to formation of p-hairpin and / or p-turn structures in the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. Additionally, D-Met and disulfide bridges (e.g., cyclization via disulfidebond), as well as Pro-Gly and Gly-Gly linkers may induce and / or stabilize beta-turn structures of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs. In general, cyclization may stabilize beta-turns, and D-amino acids may induce and / or stabilize beta-turns. Further, in some embodiments, melanocortin analogs include D-valine-D-proline (dVal-dPro) chain as their C-terminus, which may provide enhanced transport and resistance to degradation.

[0169] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (I),X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- R9-Y1- Y2- Y3-Y4- Y5-Y6- Y7(I),

[0170] wherein:

[0171] X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0172] X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;

[0173] X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;

[0174] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);

[0175] R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);

[0176] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), tra / ?sPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one(Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino- 1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);

[0177] R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);

[0178] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);

[0179] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0180] R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0181] R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;

[0182] R9is absent or Lys;

[0183] Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro,Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0184] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0185] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0186] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0187] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0188] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0189] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0190] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0191] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0192] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and

[0193] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0194] provided that:

[0195] when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe;

[0196] when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii)R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7;

[0197] when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’);

[0198] when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent;

[0199] when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and

[0200] when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

[0201] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (I), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0202] X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;

[0203] X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;

[0204] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), tra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (f / 'ansPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0205] R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);

[0206] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), tra / ?sPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino- 1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);

[0207] R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe),para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Bi dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);

[0208] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), czsPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);

[0209] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0210] R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0211] R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;

[0212] R9is absent or Lys;

[0213] Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro,Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0214] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0215] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0216] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0217] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0218] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0219] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0220] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0221] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0222] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0223] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0224] provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:

[0225] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 83);

[0226] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Phe-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 420);

[0227] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);

[0228] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 460);

[0229] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 464);

[0230] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 465);

[0231] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 466);

[0232] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 467);

[0233] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 468);

[0234] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:469);

[0235] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 470);

[0236] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 474);

[0237] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:475);

[0238] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 476);

[0239] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:477);

[0240] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 478);

[0241] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 481 );

[0242] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 482);

[0243] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 483);

[0244] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 484);

[0245] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 485);

[0246] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 459);

[0247] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 472);

[0248] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:471 );

[0249] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 463);

[0250] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 462);

[0251] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 479);

[0252] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:473);

[0253] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 480);

[0254] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 486);

[0255] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 491 );

[0256] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 461 );

[0257] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 492);

[0258] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 496);

[0259] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);

[0260] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:442);

[0261] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 449);

[0262] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 455);

[0263] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dP e-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 447);

[0264] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 438);

[0265] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:450);

[0266] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 435);

[0267] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 439);

[0268] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 441 );

[0269] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 436);

[0270] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 454);

[0271] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 452);

[0272] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 451 );

[0273] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 456);

[0274] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 437);

[0275] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 440);

[0276] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:448);

[0277] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 457);

[0278] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 453);

[0279] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 458);

[0280] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:446);

[0281] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 433);

[0282] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 434);

[0283] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 488);

[0284] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 490);

[0285] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 494);

[0286] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 443); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 268);

[0287] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 363);

[0288] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 365);

[0289] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 370);

[0290] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 378);

[0291] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 379);

[0292] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 380);

[0293] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 418);

[0294] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 621 );

[0295] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 666);

[0296] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 297);

[0297] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:228);

[0298] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 229);

[0299] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 281 );

[0300] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Leu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 355);

[0301] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tic-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 362);

[0302] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 424);

[0303] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 366);

[0304] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 368);

[0305] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLeu-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 422);

[0306] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 372);

[0307] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 374);

[0308] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:639);

[0309] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 352);

[0310] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 351 );

[0311] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Trp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 600);

[0312] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 322);

[0313] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 605);

[0314] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Gly-Gly-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 610);

[0315] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 581 );

[0316] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dl_ys-dAsp-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 353);

[0317] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 319);

[0318] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 607);

[0319] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 638);

[0320] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 295);

[0321] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 575);

[0322] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 587);

[0323] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 582);

[0324] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 588);

[0325] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 612);

[0326] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 583);

[0327] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-Ala-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 609);

[0328] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dTle-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 594);

[0329] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 631 );

[0330] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 589);

[0331] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:597);

[0332] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 628);

[0333] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-l_ys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 591 );

[0334] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 590);

[0335] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 311 );

[0336] Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:629);

[0337] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 574);

[0338] Ac-dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 303);

[0339] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Oic-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 360);

[0340] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 313);

[0341] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 291 );

[0342] Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 299);

[0343] Phe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 305);

[0344] His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 306);

[0345] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 312);

[0346] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 314);

[0347] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 315);

[0348] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 321 );

[0349] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 423);

[0350] Ac-Nle-Phe-Phe-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 421 );

[0351] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 383);

[0352] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 384);

[0353] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 387);

[0354] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 389);

[0355] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:403);

[0356] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 407);

[0357] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Leu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 395);

[0358] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 633);

[0359] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 573);

[0360] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 643);

[0361] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 576);

[0362] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 577);

[0363] dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 309);

[0364] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 593);

[0365] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 632);

[0366] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 603);

[0367] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 617);

[0368] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 620);

[0369] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 634);

[0370] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 635);

[0371] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 644);

[0372] Ac-dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 304);

[0373] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 642);

[0374] dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 308);

[0375] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Atc-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 212);

[0376] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 226);

[0377] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 320);

[0378] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 324);

[0379] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Cpe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 358);

[0380] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Che-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 359);

[0381] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 367);

[0382] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 371 );

[0383] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 373);

[0384] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 375);

[0385] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 381 );

[0386] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 382);

[0387] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 385);

[0388] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 386);

[0389] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 388);

[0390] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 390);

[0391] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 391 );

[0392] Ac-His-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 392);

[0393] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:393);

[0394] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Ala-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 394);

[0395] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:405);

[0396] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dl_ys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:406);

[0397] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dl_ys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 408);

[0398] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 409);

[0399] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 410);

[0400] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 411 );

[0401] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 412);

[0402] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 413);

[0403] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 414);

[0404] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 415);

[0405] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 416);

[0406] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 417);

[0407] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 419);

[0408] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 596);

[0409] Ac-Nle-c[dAsp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dLys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 622);

[0410] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 645);

[0411] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 646);

[0412] Ac-dLeu-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 298);

[0413] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 354);

[0414] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 364);

[0415] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 578);

[0416] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 300);

[0417] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 579);

[0418] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 580);

[0419] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 640);

[0420] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 641 );

[0421] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 584);

[0422] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 585);

[0423] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 586);

[0424] Ac-dNle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 301 );

[0425] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 595);

[0426] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-d al-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:598);

[0427] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 302);

[0428] Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:630);

[0429] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 601 );

[0430] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-dAla-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 602);

[0431] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 604);

[0432] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 606);

[0433] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 318);

[0434] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 608);

[0435] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 1 );

[0436] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 613);

[0437] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 614);

[0438] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 615);

[0439] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 616);

[0440] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 599);

[0441] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 296);

[0442] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 198);

[0443] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 207);

[0444] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 208);

[0445] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 225);

[0446] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 592);

[0447] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 425);

[0448] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 427);

[0449] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 429);

[0450] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 325);

[0451] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 326);

[0452] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dlle-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 356);

[0453] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dVal-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 357);

[0454] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 376);

[0455] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-d al-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 377);

[0456] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dLeu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 396);

[0457] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dVal-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 397);

[0458] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 398);

[0459] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(1')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:400);

[0460] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 401 );

[0461] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dPhe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 402);

[0462] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 399);

[0463] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 404);

[0464] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 187);

[0465] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:231 );

[0466] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:232);

[0467] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 233);

[0468] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Aba-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 234);

[0469] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 235);

[0470] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 428);

[0471] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);

[0472] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);

[0473] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);

[0474] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);

[0475] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);

[0476] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);

[0477] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);

[0478] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);

[0479] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);

[0480] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );

[0481] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );

[0482] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);

[0483] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 528);

[0484] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 530);

[0485] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 532);

[0486] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);

[0487] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);

[0488] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );

[0489] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 512);

[0490] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:513);

[0491] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:511 );

[0492] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:515);

[0493] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);

[0494] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);

[0495] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dl_eu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);

[0496] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );

[0497] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);

[0498] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 536);

[0499] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 498);

[0500] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:499);

[0501] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:537);

[0502] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);

[0503] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);

[0504] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);

[0505] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);

[0506] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);

[0507] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);

[0508] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);

[0509] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);

[0510] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );

[0511] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);

[0512] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);

[0513] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8); and

[0514] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:258).

[0515] In some embodiments, R9is absent. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IA):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- Y1- Y2-Y3- Y4- Y5-Y6- Y7( I A) ,

[0516] wherein:

[0517] X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0518] X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;

[0519] X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;

[0520] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0521] R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);

[0522] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);

[0523] R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);

[0524] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);

[0525] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0526] R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0527] R8is Lys or dPen;

[0528] Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0529] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0530] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0531] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0532] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0533] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0534] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0535] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0536] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0537] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0538] a lactam bridge between R1and R7or R8when R1is Asp and R7or R8is Lys;

[0539] provided that:

[0540] when R4is p(Br)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, Y4-Y7are absent, and at least one of X1and Y3is absent;

[0541] when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, dPhe, Bip, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro or (ii) R3is His and R6is not Trp;

[0542] when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and

[0543] when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R2is not Pro.

[0544] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IA), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0545] X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;

[0546] X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;

[0547] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt),D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0548] R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);

[0549] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);

[0550] R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);

[0551] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transPro(guan);

[0552] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0553] R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0554] R8is Lys or d Pen;

[0555] Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0556] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0557] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0558] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0559] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0560] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0561] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0562] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0563] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0564] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0565] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0566] provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:

[0567] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 539);

[0568] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 540);

[0569] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 541 );

[0570] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 542);

[0571] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 543);

[0572] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dP e-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 544);

[0573] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 556);

[0574] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 557);

[0575] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 558);

[0576] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 559);

[0577] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 560);

[0578] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 561 );

[0579] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 550);

[0580] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 554);

[0581] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);

[0582] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 497);

[0583] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 500);

[0584] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:507);

[0585] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 508);

[0586] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 514);

[0587] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 516);

[0588] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 517);

[0589] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 524);

[0590] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 529);

[0591] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);

[0592] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);

[0593] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);

[0594] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);

[0595] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);

[0596] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);

[0597] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);

[0598] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);

[0599] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);

[0600] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );

[0601] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );

[0602] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);

[0603] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 528);

[0604] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 530);

[0605] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);

[0606] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);

[0607] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );

[0608] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 512);

[0609] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:513);

[0610] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:511 );

[0611] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:515);

[0612] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);

[0613] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);

[0614] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);

[0615] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );

[0616] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);

[0617] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 536);

[0618] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 498);

[0619] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:499);

[0620] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:537);

[0621] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);

[0622] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);

[0623] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);

[0624] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);

[0625] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);

[0626] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);

[0627] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);

[0628] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);

[0629] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );

[0630] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);

[0631] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);

[0632] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8); and

[0633] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 258).

[0634] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full antagonist on the melanocortin 4 receptor and the melanocortin 3 receptor. In some embodiments, when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full antagonist on the melanocortin 4 receptor and the melanocortin 3 receptor, then R4is not dPhe. In further embodiments, R4is selected from dNal(2’), p(CI)dPhe, p(l)dPhe, p(Br)dPhe, and p(CF3)dPhe. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IA), wherein:

[0635] X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0636] X2is absent or Nle;

[0637] X3is absent or Nle;

[0638] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), and glutamic acid (Glu);

[0639] R2is selected from the group consisting of dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, and tryptophan (Trp);

[0640] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, fFalanine (P-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), and D-biphenylalanine (dBip);

[0641] R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);

[0642] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, and ornithine (Orn);

[0643] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0644] R7is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0645] R8is Lys or dPen;

[0646] Y1is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0647] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0648] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0649] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0650] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0651] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0652] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0653] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0654] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0655] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0656] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0657] provided that:

[0658] when R4is p(Br)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R5is Arg, Y4-Y7are absent, and at least one of X1and Y3is absent;

[0659] when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R3is selected from Phe, dPhe, Bip, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro; and

[0660] when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro and R1is not dArg, Arg, dTyr, or Ala, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys.

[0661] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IA), wherein:

[0662] X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0663] X2is absent or Nle;

[0664] X3is absent or Nle;

[0665] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), and glutamic acid (Glu);

[0666] R2is selected from the group consisting of dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, and tryptophan (Trp);

[0667] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), and D-biphenylalanine (dBip);

[0668] R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);

[0669] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, and ornithine (Orn);

[0670] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), T-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0671] R7is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0672] R8is Lys or dPen;

[0673] Y1is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0674] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;10675] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0676] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0677] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0678] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0679] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0680] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0681] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0682] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0683] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0684] provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:

[0685] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 546);

[0686] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 539);

[0687] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 540);

[0688] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 556);

[0689] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 557);

[0690] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 550);-H O-

[0691] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 554);

[0692] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:509);

[0693] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:510);

[0694] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);

[0695] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 497);

[0696] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 500);

[0697] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:507);

[0698] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 508);

[0699] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 514);

[0700] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 516);

[0701] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 517);

[0702] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 524);

[0703] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 529);

[0704] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);

[0705] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);

[0706] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);

[0707] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );

[0708] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 528);

[0709] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 530);

[0710] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 512);

[0711] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:513);

[0712] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:511 );

[0713] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:515);

[0714] Ac-dArg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 329);

[0715] Ac-Arg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 330);

[0716] Ac-dTyr-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 332);

[0717] Ac-Ala-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 333);

[0718] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);

[0719] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);

[0720] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dl_eu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);

[0721] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );

[0722] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);

[0723] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 536);

[0724] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 498);

[0725] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:499);

[0726] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:537);

[0727] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);

[0728] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);

[0729] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);

[0730] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);

[0731] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);

[0732] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);

[0733] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);

[0734] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);

[0735] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );

[0736] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62); and

[0737] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63).

[0738] In some embodiments, R4is dNal(2’). In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IB):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3-d Nal (2’)- R5- R6- R7- R8-Y1- Y2- Y3-Y4- Y5-Y6- Y7(IB),

[0739] wherein:

[0740] X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0741] X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;

[0742] X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;

[0743] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0744] R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);

[0745] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, c / 'sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino- 1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 - aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), and 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe);

[0746] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);

[0747] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));

[0748] R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0749] R8is absent or is Lys or dPen;

[0750] Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0751] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0752] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0753] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0754] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0755] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0756] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0757] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0758] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0759] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0760] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0761] provided that:

[0762] when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is not Ala, Leu, dLeu, dVal, or Gly, and if R3is absent, then R2is Pen and R7is dCys; and

[0763] when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

[0764] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IB), wherein:

[0765] X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);

[0766] X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;

[0767] X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;

[0768] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D- norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D-valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine(dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0769] R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);

[0770] R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino- 1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 - aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), and 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe);

[0771] R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fra / ?sPro(guan);

[0772] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’-naphthylalanine (Nal(T));

[0773] R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);

[0774] R8is absent or is Lys or dPen;

[0775] Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D-hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;

[0776] Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;

[0777] Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;

[0778] Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;

[0779] Y5is absent or dVal;

[0780] Y6is absent or dVal;

[0781] Y7is absent or dPro; and

[0782] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0783] a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1orR2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;

[0784] a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn;

[0785] a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;

[0786] provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:

[0787] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);

[0788] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);

[0789] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);

[0790] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );

[0791] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);

[0792] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);

[0793] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);

[0794] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);

[0795] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);

[0796] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);

[0797] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);

[0798] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);

[0799] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);

[0800] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );

[0801] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);

[0802] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);

[0803] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8); and

[0804] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:258).

[0805] Alternatively, in some embodiments, R4is not dNal(2’). In some embodiments, R4is selected from p(CI)dPhe, p(l)dPhe, p(Br)dPhe, and p(CF3)dPhe. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IC):X1- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1- Y2- Y3- Y4( I C) ,

[0806] wherein:

[0807] X1is absent or norleucine (Nle)

[0808] R1is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys);

[0809] R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);

[0810] R3is His or proline (Pro);

[0811] R4is selected from the group consisting of para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);

[0812] R5is Arg or His;

[0813] R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), 2’-D-naphthylalanine dNal(2’), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’));

[0814] R7is Lys or Cys;

[0815] Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle);

[0816] Y2is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, and dTle;

[0817] Y3is absent or is dVal or dPro;

[0818] Y4is absent or dPro; and

[0819] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0820] a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys R7; and

[0821] a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7;

[0822] provided that:

[0823] when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent.

[0824] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IC), wherein:X1is absent or norleucine (Nle)

[0825] R1is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys);

[0826] R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);

[0827] R3is His or proline (Pro);

[0828] R4is selected from the group consisting of para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);

[0829] R5is Arg or His;

[0830] R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), 2’-D-naphthylalanine dNal(2’), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’));

[0831] R7is Lys or Cys;

[0832] Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle);

[0833] Y2is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, and dTle;

[0834] Y3is absent or is dVal or dPro;

[0835] Y4is absent or dPro; and

[0836] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0837] a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys R7; and

[0838] a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7;

[0839] provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:

[0840] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);

[0841] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);

[0842] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);

[0843] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);

[0844] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);

[0845] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);

[0846] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);

[0847] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);

[0848] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);

[0849] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );

[0850] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );

[0851] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);

[0852] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 512);

[0853] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:513);

[0854] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:511 ); and

[0855] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:515).

[0856] Alternatively, in some embodiments, when R4is not dNal(2’), then R4 is selected from dPhe, p(CI)dPhe, p(Br)dPhe, and p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (ID):

[0857] X1-R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4(ID),

[0858] wherein:

[0859] X1is absent or norleucine (Nle);

[0860] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D- arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0861] R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);

[0862] R3is selected from the group consisting of His, D-histidine (dHis), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamine (Gin), and biphenylalanine (Bip);

[0863] R4is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);

[0864] R5is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, and His;

[0865] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’));

[0866] R7is Lys or Cys;

[0867] Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle);

[0868] Y2is dVal or dPro;

[0869] Y3is absent, dVal, or dPro;

[0870] Y4is absent or dPro; and

[0871] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0872] a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; and

[0873] a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7;

[0874] provided that:

[0875] when R4is p(Br)dPhe and R1is Nle or Ala, then the C-terminus is not dVal-dPro or dTle-dPro and if the C-terminus is dPro-dVal-dPro, then X1is present.

[0876] when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7;

[0877] when R4is dPhe, then R3is Pro and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); and

[0878] when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, and Gin, R6is Trp, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent.

[0879] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (ID), wherein:

[0880] X1is absent or norleucine (Nle);

[0881] R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D- arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)

[0882] R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);

[0883] R3is selected from the group consisting of His, D-histidine (dHis), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamine (Gin), and biphenylalanine (Bip);

[0884] R4is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);

[0885] R5is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, and His;

[0886] R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’));

[0887] R7is Lys or Cys;

[0888] Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D-tert-leucine (dTle);

[0889] Y2is dVal or dPro;

[0890] Y3is absent, dVal, or dPro;

[0891] Y4is absent or dPro; and

[0892] the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:

[0893] a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; and

[0894] a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7;

[0895] provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:

[0896] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 217);

[0897] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 562);

[0898] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 563);

[0899] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 565);

[0900] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 567);

[0901] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 569);

[0902] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 571 );

[0903] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 222);

[0904] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 535);

[0905] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 538);

[0906] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:545);

[0907] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 546);

[0908] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:547);

[0909] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:548);

[0910] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 552);

[0911] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:553);

[0912] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 555);

[0913] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:551 );

[0914] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);

[0915] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 464);

[0916] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 465);

[0917] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 466);

[0918] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 467);

[0919] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 468);

[0920] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:469);

[0921] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 470);

[0922] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 474);

[0923] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:475);

[0924] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 476);

[0925] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:477);

[0926] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 478);

[0927] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 481 );

[0928] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 482);

[0929] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 483);

[0930] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 484);

[0931] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 485);

[0932] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 459);

[0933] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 472);

[0934] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:471 );

[0935] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 463);

[0936] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 462);

[0937] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 479);

[0938] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO:473);

[0939] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 480);

[0940] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 486);

[0941] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 491 );

[0942] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);

[0943] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:442);

[0944] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 449);

[0945] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 455);

[0946] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 447);

[0947] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 438);

[0948] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:450);

[0949] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 435);

[0950] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 439);

[0951] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 441 );

[0952] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 436);

[0953] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 454);

[0954] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 452);

[0955] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 451 );

[0956] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 456);

[0957] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 437);

[0958] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 440);

[0959] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:448);

[0960] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 457);

[0961] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 453);

[0962] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 458);

[0963] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 443);

[0964] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 363);

[0965] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 365);

[0966] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 370);

[0967] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 621 );

[0968] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 297);

[0969] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 366);

[0970] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 368);

[0971] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 372);

[0972] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 374);

[0973] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:639);

[0974] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 638);

[0975] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 295);

[0976] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:597);

[0977] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 628);

[0978] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 591 );

[0979] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 311 );

[0980] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 313);

[0981] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 291 );

[0982] Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 299);

[0983] His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 306);

[0984] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 312);

[0985] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 314);

[0986] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 315);

[0987] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 643);

[0988] dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 309);

[0989] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 617);

[0990] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 620);

[0991] Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 644);

[0992] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 642);

[0993] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 596);

[0994] Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 645);

[0995] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 646);

[0996] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 300);

[0997] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 640);

[0998] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 641 );

[0999] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 595);

[1000] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:598);

[1001] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 302);

[1002] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 425);

[1003] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 318);

[1004] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 215);

[1005] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:509);

[1006] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:510);

[1007] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 525);

[1008] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 527);

[1009] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 531 );

[1010] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 533);

[1011] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);

[1012] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);

[1013] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);

[1014] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);

[1015] Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);

[1016] Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);

[1017] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);

[1018] Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);

[1019] Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-d al-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);

[1020] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );

[1021] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );

[1022] Ac-dl_ys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);

[1023] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 512);

[1024] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:513); and

[1025] Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:515).

[1026] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) has one or more beta hairpin (p-hairpin) and / or beta turn (p-turn) structures. In some embodiments, the presence of Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dAla, dMet, Pro- Gly, Gly-Gly, transPro(guan), and / or czsPro(guan), provides the p-hairpin and / or p-turn structures of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. In some embodiments, the disulfide bond of the sequence according to Formula (I), if present, provides the p-hairpin and / or p-turn structures of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog.

[1027] As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs comprising a sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID), have an N- terminus and a C-terminus. The melanocortin analogs of the present technology are written beginning with the N-terminus at the left-most amino acid residue and ending with the C- terminus at the right most residue. Accordingly, the N-terminus of a non-naturally melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) may be at any of X1, X2, X3, R1and R2. Analogously, the C-terminus of a non-naturally occurringmelanocortin analog comprising a sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) may be at any of R7, R8, R9, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, and Y7.

[1028] In some embodiments, the N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is modified by an acyl group. In some embodiments, the acyl group is acetyl groupsome embodiments, the N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified.

[1029] As discussed above, Y1Y2Y3Y4Y5Y6Y7represents a C-terminus of the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog. In some embodiments, Y1-Y7are absent.

[1030] In some embodiments, Y1is present and Y2-Y7are absent. In some embodiments, Y2-Y7are absent and Y1is selected from the group consisting of Vai, Pro, Arg, dArg, Trp, Asp, dAsp, Asn, dAsn, dHyp, and Hyp.

[1031] In some embodiments, Y1and Y2are present and Y3-Y7are absent. In some embodiments, Y3-Y7are absent, and Y1is dVal and Y2is dPro. In some embodiments, Y3- Y7are absent, and Y1is an amino acid other than dVal and Y2is an amino acid other than dPro.

[1032] In some embodiments, Y1-Y3is present and Y4-Y7are absent. In some embodiments, Y1-Y3are each independently selected from dVal and dPro. In some embodiments, one or more of Y1-Y3is an amino acid other than dVal and dPro.

[1033] In some embodiments, Y1-Y4are present, and Y5-Y7are absent. In some embodiments, Y1-Y4are each independently selected from dVal and dPro. In some embodiments, one or more of Y1-Y4is an amino acid other than dVal and dPro.

[1034] In some embodiments, Y1-Y5are present, and Y6and Y7are absent. In some embodiments, Y1-Y5are each independently selected from dVal and dPro.

[1035] In some embodiments, Y1-Y6are present, and Y7is absent. In some embodiments, Y1-Y6are each independently selected from dVal and dPro.

[1036] In some embodiments, Y1-Y7are present. In some embodiments, Y1-Y7are each independently selected from dVal and dPro.

[1037] In some embodiments, the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is modified by a functional group selected from the group consisting of an amide group, an ester group, and an aldehyde group.

[1038] In some embodiments, the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is modified by an amide groupthe sequence of Formula (I), a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog with a C-terminus modified by an amide may be represented by a terminal -NH2.

[1039] In some embodiments, the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified. In the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-( I D), a non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog with an unmodified C-terminus may be represented by -OH or by the absence of a C-terminal group.

[1040] Melanocortin analogs in accordance with the present technology may reduce lean mass loss, maintain lean mass, or promote lean mass gain in a subject in need thereof. Additionally, the melanocortin analogs of the present technology may not induce change in plasma insulin levels in the subject, as is seen for other melanocortin analog peptides and small molecules that exhibit antagonist activity on one or more melanocortin receptors. For example, a subject may maintain stable plasma insulin levels, while maintaining or gaining lean mass, following administration of a melanocortin antagonist of the present technology.

[1041] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is cyclized. For example, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog may be cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO- c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, anddOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys.

[1042] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is cyclized through a lactam bond. In some embodiments, when the melanocortin analog is cyclized via a lactam bond, R4is dNal(2'). In further embodiments, R1is Nle or Asp, R2is Asp, Pro, or Phe, R3is Pro, Hyp, or His, R5arginine, R6is Trp, R7is Pro or Lys, and R8is Lys or absent. In some embodiments, the sequence of Formula (IA) is selected from the group consisting of:

[1043] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro (SEQ ID NO: 2);

[1044] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);

[1045] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 4);

[1046] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);

[1047] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLeu-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);

[1048] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 7);

[1049] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9); and

[1050] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10),

[1051] wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[1052] In some embodiments, R9is present. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Phe-Pro-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal- dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 1 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R1and R9via a lactam bond.

[1053] In some embodiments, R9is absent. In some embodiments, X1-X3are present. In further embodiments, X1is Nle, X2is Phe and X3is Phe. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-Phe-Phe-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg- Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12), wherein c represents cyclization through R1and R8via a lactam bond.

[1054] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is linear. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-Asp-Pro- dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 13). In some embodiments, the sequence of Formula (IA) is: Ac-Nle-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 14).

[1055] In some embodiments of the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID), R1is Nle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, R1is an amino acid other than Nle. In some embodiments, R1is selected from dArg, dMet, dlle, dLeu, dVal, dAla, Ala, Tie, dTle, dNIe, Nva, Gly, dPro, dCys, dPhe, dGIn, dAsn, f / ia / ?sPro(guan), c / sPro(guan), dTyr, Tyr, and Dmt. In further embodiments, R3is Pro, R4is dNal(2’), R5is Arg, R6is Trp, Y1is dVal, and Y2is dPro. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of:

[1056] Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 15);

[1057] Ac-dMet-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 16);

[1058] Ac-dlle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 17);

[1059] Ac-dl_eu-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);

[1060] Ac-dVal-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);

[1061] Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);

[1062] Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );

[1063] Ac-Tle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 22);

[1064] Ac-dTle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 23);

[1065] Ac-dNle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 24);

[1066] Ac-Nva-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 25);

[1067] Ac-Gly-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 26);

[1068] Ac-dPro-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 27);

[1069] Ac-dCys-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 28);

[1070] Ac-dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 29);

[1071] Ac-dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 30);

[1072] Ac-dGln-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 31 );

[1073] Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 32);

[1074] Ac-fransPro(guan)-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 33);

[1075] Ac-c / sPro(guan)-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:34);

[1076] dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 35);

[1077] Tyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 36); and

[1078] Dmt-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 37),

[1079] wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[1080] In some embodiments, when the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is cyclized through R2and R7, then R2is Asp and R7is Lys. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is cyclized through R2and R7, then R2is an amino acid capable of forming a linkage to the residue at R7other than Asp and R7is an amino acid capable of forming a linkage to the residue at R2other than Lys. For example, when R2is an amino acid other than Arg and R7is an amino acid other than Lys, the residue at R2may be capable of forming a linkage such as a lactam bond or a disulfide bond with the residue at R7. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of:

[1081] Ac-Nle-c[dAsp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 38);

[1082] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dLys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 39);

[1083] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 40);

[1084] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 41 );

[1085] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 42);

[1086] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 43);

[1087] Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 48);

[1088] Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 49);

[1089] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 50);

[1090] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 );

[1091] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 52);

[1092] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 53);

[1093] Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 54);

[1094] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 55);

[1095] Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dOys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 59);

[1096] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 64);

[1097] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 65);

[1098] Ac-Nle-c[Glu-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 66);

[1099] Ac-Nle-c[Glu-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 67); and

[1100] c[CO-cis-CH = CH-CO-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 197),

[1101] wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

[1102] In some embodiments, when the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is cyclized through a lactam bond between Asp at R1or R2and Lys at R7.

[1103] In some embodiments of the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID), R3is Pro. Alternatively, in some embodiments, R3is absent or an amino acid other than Pro. In some embodiments, R3is absent or selected from the group consisting of Ala, dAla, dMet, Gly, Leu, lie, Vai, dLeu, dlle, dVal, Trp, f / 'ansPro(guan), c / sPro(guan), {3-Ala, Mamb, Acpc, Aba, Aia, Aic, Cpe, Che, Oic, Tic, and Glu. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R4is dNal(2’), R5is Arg, R6is Trp, Y1is dVal, and Y2is dPro. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of:

[1104] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 68);

[1105] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 69);

[1106] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 71 );

[1107] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dMet-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 72);

[1108] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 73);

[1109] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gly-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 74);

[1110] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 75);

[1111] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 76);

[1112] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-lle-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 77);

[1113] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Val-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 78);

[1114] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 79);

[1115] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dlle-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 80);

[1116] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 81 );

[1117] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 82);

[1118] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-?ransPro(guan)-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ IDNO: 84);

[1119] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-c / sPro(guan)-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO:85),

[1120] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-p-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 199);

[1121] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Mamb-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 200);

[1122] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Acpc-dNal(2') Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 201 );

[1123] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 204);

[1124] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 205);

[1125] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aic-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 239);

[1126] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Cpe-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 240);

[1127] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Che-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 241 );

[1128] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Oic-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 242);

[1129] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tic-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 244); and

[1130] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 255),

[1131] wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[1132] In some embodiments of the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID), R5is Arg. Alternatively, in some embodiments, R5is absent or an amino acid other than Arg. In some embodiments, R5is absent or selected from Lys, Orn, His, Ala, fransPro(guan), c / sPro(guan), and Glu. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R3is His or Pro, R4is dNal(2’), R6is Trp, Y1is dVal, and Y2is dPro. In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of:

[1133] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 86);

[1134] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Lys-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 87);

[1135] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Orn-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 90);

[1136] Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-His-Trp-Lys...

Claims

CLAIMSI / We claim:1 . A method of increasing body weight in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I): X1-X2-X3-R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7(I), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

2. Use of a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog for increasing body weight in a subject in need thereof, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I):X1-X2-X3-R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7(I),wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (czsPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), czsPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

3. The method or the use of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises reducing lean mass loss, maintaining lean mass, or promoting lean mass gain in the subject.

4. The method of the use of claim 3, wherein the lean mass is lean muscle mass.

5. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

6. The method or the use of claim 5, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 1 mg / kg or 3 mg / kg per body weightof the subject once daily.

7. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg once daily.

8. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 10 mg or about 50 mg once daily.

9. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is an antagonist of a melanocortin 4 receptor.

10. The method or the use of claim 9, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full antagonist of the melanocortin 4 receptor.1 1 . The method or the use of claim 9, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a partial antagonist of the melanocortin 4 receptor.

12. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is an antagonist of a melanocortin 3 receptor.

13. The method or the use of claim 12, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full antagonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

14. The method or the use of claim 12, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a partial antagonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

15. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is an agonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

16. The method or the use of claim 15, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a full agonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

17. The method or the use of claim 15, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is a partial agonist of the melanocortin 3 receptor.

18. The method or the use of claim 15, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog has no melanocortin 3 receptor activity.

19. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the method or the use further comprises preventing or reducing one or more side effects associated with a metabolic disorder, relative to a control.

20. A method of preventing or reducing cachexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, comprising administering to the subject: a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I): X1-X2-X3-R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7(I), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’);when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

21. Use of a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog for preventing or reducing cachexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- R9- Y1- Y2- Y3- Y4- Y5- Y6- Y7( I ) , wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and tra / ?sPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dl_ys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

22. A method of preventing or reducing anorexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, comprising administering to the subject: a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I): X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- R9- Y1- Y2- Y3- Y4- Y5- Y6- Y7( | ) , wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (f / 'a / ?sPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; andthe non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

23. Use of a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog for preventing or reducing anorexia in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- R9- Y1- Y2- Y3- Y4- Y5- Y6- Y7( I ) , wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; anda lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

24. A method of increasing, maintaining, or reducing a loss in a body mass index (BMI) level in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, comprising administering to the subject: a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I): X1-X2-X3-R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-R8-R9-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4-Y5-Y6-Y7(I), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dOys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that:when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

25. Use of a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog for increasing, maintaining, or reducing a loss in a BMI level in a subject in need thereof relative to a control, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (I):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- R9- Y1- Y2- Y3- Y4- Y5- Y6- Y7( I ) , wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (f / 'a / ?sPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D-phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’);when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

26. The method or the use of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the method or the use prevents fat mass gain after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

27. The method or the use of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the method or the use reduces increases a fat mass level after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

28. The method or the use of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the method or the use maintains or increases brain mass in the subject during or after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

29. The method or the use of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the method or the use prevents or reduces brain mass loss in the subject during or after administration of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, relative to a control.

30. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (I):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- R9- Y1- Y2- Y3- Y4- Y5- Y6- Y7( I ) , wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), and D-lysine (dLys);R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), fransPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; anda lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R3is dTrp or Phe, then R4is not dNal(2’) and R6is not dPhe; when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then (i) R3is dBip or (ii) R3is Pro, R2is not Trp, and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, Phe, dPhe, Bip, Gin, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro, R2is not Trp, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.31 . The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (I), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (fransPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, D-tryptophan (dTrp), Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of Pro, dPhe, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para- bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Trp, Lys, and dPen;R9is absent or Lys;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 83);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Phe-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 420); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 460);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 464); Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 465); Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 466);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 467);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 468);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 469);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 470);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 474);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 475);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 476);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 477);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 478);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 481 );Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 482);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 483);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 484);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 485);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 459);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 472);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 471 );Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 463);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 462);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 479);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 473);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 480);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 486);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 491 );Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 461 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 492);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 496);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 442);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 449);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 455);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-d al-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 447);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 438);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 450);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 435);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 439);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 441 );Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 436);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 454);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 452);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 451 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 456);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 437);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 440);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 448);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 457);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 453);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 458);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 446);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 433);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 434);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 488);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 490);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 494);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 443);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 268);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 363);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 365);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 370);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 378);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 379);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 380);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 418);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 621 );Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 666);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 297);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 228);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 229);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 281 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Leu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 355);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tic-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 362);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 424);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 366);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 368);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLeu-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 422);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 372);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 374);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 639);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 352);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 351 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Trp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 600);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 322);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 605);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Gly-Gly-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 610);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 581 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dLys-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 353);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 319);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 607);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 638);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 295);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 575);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 587);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 582);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 588);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 612);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 583);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-Ala-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 609);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dTle-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 594);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 631 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 589);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 597);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 628);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 591 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 590);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 311 );Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 629);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 574);Ac-dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 303);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Oic-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 360);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 313);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 291 );Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 299);Phe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 305);His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 306);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 312);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 314);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 315);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 321 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 423);Ac-Nle-Phe-Phe-c[Asp-Phe-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 421 );Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 383);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 384);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 387);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 389);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 403);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 407);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Leu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 395);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 633);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 573);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 643);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 576);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 577);dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 309);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 593);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dl_ys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 632);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 603);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 617);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 620);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dl_ys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 634);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 635);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 644);Ac-dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 304);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 642); dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 308);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Atc-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 212);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 226);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 320);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 324);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Cpe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 358);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Che-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 359);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 367);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 371 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 373);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 375);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 381 );Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 382);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 385);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 386);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 388);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 390);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 391 );Ac-His-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 392);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 393);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Ala-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 394);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 405);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 406);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 408);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 409);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 410);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 41 1 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 412);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 413);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 414);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 415);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 416);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 417);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 419);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 596);Ac-Nle-c[dAsp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dl_ys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 622);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 645);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 646);Ac-dLeu-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 298);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 354);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 364);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 578);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 300);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 579);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 580);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 640);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 641 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 584);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 585);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 586);Ac-dNle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 301 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 595);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 598);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 302);Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 630);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 601 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-dAla-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 602);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 604);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 606);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 318);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 608);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 1 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 613);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 614);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 615);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 616);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 599);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 296);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 198);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 207);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 208);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 225);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 592);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 425);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 427);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 429);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 325);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 326);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dlle-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 356);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dVal-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 357);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 376);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 377);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dLeu-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 396);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dVal-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 397);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 398);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 400);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 401 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dPhe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 402);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(1 ')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 399);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 404);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 187);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 231 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-cisPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 232);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 233);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Aba-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 234);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 235);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 428);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 528);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 530);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 532);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 512);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 513);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 1 );Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 515);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 536);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 498);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 499);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 537);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 258).

32. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -30, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IA):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- R8- Y1- Y2-Y3- Y4- Y5-Y6- Y7( I A) , wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), trans-4-guanidinyl-proline (f / -a / ?sPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, c / sPro(guan), tra / ?sPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2H)-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para- chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is Lys or dPen;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / s-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1and R7or R8when R1is Asp and R7or R8is Lys; provided that: when R4is p(Br)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, Y4-Y7are absent, and at least one of X1and Y3is absent; when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, dPhe, Bip, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro or (ii) R3is His and R6is not Trp; when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R2is not Pro.

33. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29 and 31 , wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IA), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, c / 'sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7- amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2 ,3]triazolo-[ 1 ,5-a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6- tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 - amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para- chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’- naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is Lys or dPen;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys;provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 539);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 540);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 541 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 542);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 543);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 544);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 556);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 557);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 558);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 559);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 560);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 561 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 550);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 554);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 497);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 500);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 507);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 508);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 514);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 516);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 517);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 524);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 529);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 528);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 530);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ata-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 512);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 513);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 1 );Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 515);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 536);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 498);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 499);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 537);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 258).

34. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -30 and 32, wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IA), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent or Nle;X3is absent or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), and glutamic acid (Glu);R2is selected from the group consisting of dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, p-alanine (P-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), and D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para- chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, and ornithine (Orn);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is Lys or dPen;Y1is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when R4is p(Br)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R5is Arg, Y4-Y7are absent, and at least one of X1and Y3is absent; when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R3is selected from Phe, dPhe, Bip, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, and Pro; andwhen the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is Pro and R1is not dArg, Arg, dTyr, or Ala, (ii) R3is His and R2and R7are both Cys, or (iii) R3is absent, R2is Pen, and R7is dCys.

35. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29 and 33, wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IA), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent or Nle;X3is absent or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), and glutamic acid (Glu);R2is selected from the group consisting of dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / 's- CH=CH-CO, and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, glutamine (Gin), dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (He), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, Tyr, dTyr, 3- aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo-propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe), biphenylalanine (Bip), and D-biphenylalanine (dBip);R4is selected from the group consisting of 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), para- chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D- phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CF3)dPhe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, and ornithine (Orn);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, dNal(2’), 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’)), 1 ’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is Lys or dPen;Y1is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen;a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 546);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 539);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 540);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 556);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 557);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 550);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 554);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 509);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 510);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 497);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 500);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 507);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 508);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 514);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 516);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 517);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 524);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 529);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 528);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 530);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 512);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 513);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 1 );Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 515);Ac-dArg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 329);Ac-Arg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 330);Ac-dTyr-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 332);Ac-Ala-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 333);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 );Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 536);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 498);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 499);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 537);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62); andAc-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63).

36. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -30, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IB):X1-X2-X3- R1- R2- R3-d Nal (2’)- R5- R6- R7- R8-Y1- Y2- Y3-Y4- Y5-Y6- Y7(IB), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle), norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), fra / ?s-4-guanidinyl-proline (f / 'a / ?sPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dCys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D-glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, c / sPro(guan), tra / ?sPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclopropane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), and 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and fransPro(guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), T-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and T-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is Lys or dPen;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that: when the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between R2and R7, then (i) R3is not Ala, Leu, dLeu, dVal, or Gly, and if R3is absent, then R2is Pen and R7is dCys; and when R7is Pro or Gly, then (i) R3is not His or (ii) R3is His and R2is Glu.

37. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29 and 31 , wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IB), wherein:X1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), arginine (Arg) and D-arginine (dArg);X2is absent, phenylalanine (Phe), or Nle;X3is absent, Phe, or Nle;R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, dArg, Nle, D-norleucine (dNIe), aspartic acid (Asp), D-methionine (dMet), D-isoleucine (dlle), D-leucine (dLeu), D- valine (dVal), D-alanine (dAla), alanine (Ala), tert-leucine (Tie), D-tert-leucine (dTle),norvaline (Nva), glycine (Gly), D-proline (dPro), c / s-4-guanidinyl-proline (c / sPro(guan)), frans-4-guanidinyl-proline (transPro(guan)), cysteine (Cys), D-cysteine (dOys), D- phenylalanine (dPhe), D-tyrosine (dTyr), tyrosine (Tyr), dimethyl-tyrosine (Dmt), D- glutamine (dGIn), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dAla, Ala, Gly, Asp, D-aspartic acid (dAsp), Cys, dCys, penicillamine (Pen), D-penicillamine (dPen), glutamic acid (Glu), CO-c / s- CH=CH-CO, proline (Pro), and tryptophan (Trp);R3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Phe, dPhe, His, dHis, Glu, Pro, hydroxyproline (Hyp), Ala, dAla, b-alanine (b-Ala), dMet, Gly, dGIn, leucine (Leu), dLeu, isoleucine (lie), dlle, valine (Vai), dVal, Trp, c / sPro(guan), transPro(guan), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3-aminomethylbenzoic acid (Mamb), 1 -aminocyclo- propane-1 -carboxylic acid (Acpc), 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), octohydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), 1 -amino-1 -cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Che), tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), 2-aminoindone-2-carboxylic acid (Aic), and 1 -amino-1 -cyclopentane carboxylic (Cpe);R5is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Arg, His, Ala, Glu, Lys, ornithine (Orn), c / sPro(guan), and transP ro (guan);R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, dTrp, Tyr, dTyr, Phe, dPhe, Aia, Aba, Ata, dNal(2’), T-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(1 ’)), and 1 ’-naphthylalanine (Nal(1 ’));R7is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Gly, Pro, Lys, dLys, Cys, dCys, Pen, dPen, Orn, and D-ornithine (dOrn);R8is absent or is Lys or dPen;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, D- hydroxyporline (dHyp), dTle, dLeu, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, dAsn, asparagine (Asn), Lys, dLys, and Trp;Y2is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Hyp, dHyp, dTle, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, dAsp, Arg, dArg, Asn, and dAsn;Y3is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Vai, dVal, Pro, dPro, Lys, and dLys;Y4is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Asp, and dAsp;Y5is absent or dVal;Y6is absent or dVal;Y7is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between R1or R2and R7or R8when each of R1or R2and R7or R8are independently selected from the group consisting of Cys, dCys, Pen and dPen; a lactam bridge between R2and R7or R8when R2is selected from the group consisting of Asp, dAsp, Glu, and CO-c / 's-CH=CH-CO and R7or R8is selected from the group consisting of Lys, dLys, Orn, and dOrn; and a lactam bridge between R1and any one of R7-R9when R1is Asp and any one of R7-R9is Lys; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 338); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Leu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 339);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dLeu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 340);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 341 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 342); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[dCys-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 ); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 258).

38. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -30, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IC):X1-R1-R2-R3-R4-R5-R6-R7-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4(IC), wherein:X1is absent or norleucine (Nle)R1is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys);R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);R3is His or proline (Pro);R4is selected from the group consisting of para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe);R5is Arg or His;R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), 2’-D-naphthylalanine dNal(2’), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’));R7is Lys or Cys;Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D- tert-leucine (dTle);Y2is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, and dTle;Y3is absent or is dVal or dPro;Y4is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7; provided that: when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, Y4-Y7are absent, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent.

39. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29 and 31 , wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IC), wherein:X1- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7-Y1- Y2-Y3- Y4( IC) , wherein:X1is absent or norleucine (Nle)R1is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys);R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);R3is His or proline (Pro);R4is selected from the group consisting of para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-iodo-D-phenylalanine (p(l)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para- trifluoromethyl-D-phenylalanine (p(CFs)dPhe);R5is Arg or His;R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), 4-amino-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba), 3- 7-amino-7,8-dihydro-4H-[1 ,2,3]triazolo-[1 ,5- a][1 ,4]diazepin-6(5H)-one (Ata), 4-amino-1 ,4,5,6-tetrahydroazepino[4,3-b]indol-3(2 / - / )-one (Aia), 2’-D-naphthylalanine dNal(2’), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’))jR7is Lys or Cys;Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D- tert-leucine (dTle);Y2is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, and dTle;Y3is absent or is dVal or dPro;Y4is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 512);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 513);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 1 ); andAc-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 515).

40. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -30, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (ID):X1- R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7-Y1- Y2-Y3- Y4(ID), wherein:X1is absent or norleucine (Nle);R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);R3is selected from the group consisting of His, D-histidine (dHis), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamine (Gin), and biphenylalanine (Bip);R4is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, and His;R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’));R7is Lys or Cys;Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D- tert-leucine (dTle);Y2is dVal or dPro;Y3is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y4is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7; provided that: when R4is p(Br)dPhe and R1is Nle or Ala, then the C-terminus is not dVal-dPro or dTle- dPro and if the C-terminus is dPro-dVal-dPro, then X1is present. when R4is p(F)dPhe, then (i) R3is selected from Phe, Bip, Trp, and Tyr or (ii) R3is Pro and R5is Lys, R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’), or the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; when R4is dPhe, then R3is Pro and either R5is Lys or R6is dNal(2’) or Nal(2’); and when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle or Ala, R3is selected from His, dHis, and Gin, R6is Trp, and either X1and Y3are both present or X1and Y3are both absent.

41. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -29 and 31 , wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (ID), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of Nle, arginine (Arg), D-arginine (dArg), alanine (Ala), histidine (His), D-histidine (dHis), lysine (Lys), D-lysine (dLys)R2is aspartic acid (Asp) or cysteine (Cys);R3is selected from the group consisting of His, D-histidine (dHis), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamine (Gin), and biphenylalanine (Bip);R4is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe), para-bromo-D-phenylalanine (p(Br)dPhe), and para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, and His;R6is selected from the group consisting of Trp, 2’-D-naphthylalanine (dNal(2’)), and 2’-naphthylalanine (Nal(2’»;R7is Lys or Cys;Y1is selected from the group consisting of D-valine (dVal), D-proline (dPro), and D- tert-leucine (dTle);Y2is dVal or dPro;Y3is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y4is absent or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is optionally cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a disulfide bond between Cys at R2and Cys at R7; and a lactam bridge between Asp at R2and Lys at R7; provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 217);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 562);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 563);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 565);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 567);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 569);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 571 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 222);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 535);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 538);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 545);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 546);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 547);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 548);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 552);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 553);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 555);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 551 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 464);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 465);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 466);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 467);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 468);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 469);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 470);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 474);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 475);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 476);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 477);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 478);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 481 );Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 482);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 483);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 484);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 485);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 459);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 472);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 471 );Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 463);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 462);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 479);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 473);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 480);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 486);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 491 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 442);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 449);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 455);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 447);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 438);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 450);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 435);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 439);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 441 );Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 436);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 454);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 452);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 451 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 456);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 437);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 440);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 448);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 457);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 453);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 458);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 443);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 363);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 365);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 370);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 621 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 297);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 366);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 368);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 372);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 374);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 639);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 638);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 295);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 597);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 628);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 591 );Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 311 );Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 313);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 291 );Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 299);His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 306);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 312);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 314);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 315);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 643); dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 309);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 617);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 620);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 644);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 642);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 596);Ac-His-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 645);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 646);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 300);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 640);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 641 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 595);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 598);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 302);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 425);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 318);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 215);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 509);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 510);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 525);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 527);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 531 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 533);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 520);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 522);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 523);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 518);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 503);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 505);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 502);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 519);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 506);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 501 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 521 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 504);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 512); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 513); and Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 515).

42. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -41 , wherein an N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, if present, is modified by an acyl group.

43. The method or the use of claim 42, wherein the acyl group is an acetyl group.

44. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -41 , wherein an N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, if present, is not modified.

45. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -44, wherein a C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is modified by an amide group.

46. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -44, wherein a C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified.

47. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -46, wherein R4is dNal(2’).

48. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -47, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence cyclized.

49. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein R3is Pro, Hyp, or His.

50. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -49, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro (SEQ ID NO: 2);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 4); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLeu-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 7);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Hyp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10), wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond.51 . The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein R9is present.

52. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 51 , wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-Phe-Pro-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 1 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R1and R9via a lactam bond.

53. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein R9is absent and X1-X3are present.

54. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 53, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is: Ac-Nle-Phe-Phe-c[Asp-Phe-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-l_ys]- dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 12), wherein c represents cyclization through R1and R8via a lactam bond.

55. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence cyclized between R2and R7via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

56. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 55, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[dAsp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 38); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dLys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 39);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 40); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 41 ); Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 42); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 43);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 48); Ac-Nle-c[dCys-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 49); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 50); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 );Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 52); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 53); Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 54); Ac-Nle-c[Pen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 55);Ac-Nle-c[Pen-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dCys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 59);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 64);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 65);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 66);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 67); and c[CO-cis-CH = CH-CO-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 197), wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

57. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence cyclized through a lactam bond between Asp at R1or R2and Lys at R7.

58. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein R1is selected from the group consisting of dArg, dMet, dlle, dLeu, dVal, dAla, Ala, Tie, dTle, dNIe, Nva, Gly, dPro, dCys, dPhe, dGIn, dAsn, transPro(guan), c / sPro(guan), dTyr, Tyr, and Dmt.

59. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 58, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 15); Ac-dMet-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 16);Ac-dlle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 17);Ac-dLeu-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-dVal-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-dAla-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Tle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-dTle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 23); Ac-dNle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 24); Ac-Nva-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 25); Ac-Gly-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 26);Ac-dPro-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 27); Ac-dCys-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 28); Ac-dPhe-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 29); Ac-dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 30);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 31 ); Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 32); Ac-f / 'a / ?sPro(guan)-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 33); Ac-c / sPro(guan)-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 34); dTyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 35);Tyr-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 36); and Dmt-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 37), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

60. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein R3is absent or selected from the group consisting of Ala, dAla, dMet, Gly, Leu, He, Vai, dLeu, d He, dVal, Trp, transPro(guan), c / sPro(guan), £-Ala, Mamb, Acpc, Aba, Aia, Aic, Cpe, Che, Oic, Tic, and Glu.

61. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 60, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 68); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 69); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 71 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dMet-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 72); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 73); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gly-Gly-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 74);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gly-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 75);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Leu-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 76);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-lle-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 77);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Val-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 78);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dl_eu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-l_ys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 79);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dlle-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 80);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dVal-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 81 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 82);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-fransPro(guan)-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 84);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-c / sPro(guan)-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 85), Ac-Nle-c[Asp-[3-Ala-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 199); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Mamb-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 200);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Acpc-dNal(2') Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 201 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aba-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 204);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aia-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 205);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Aic-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 239);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Cpe-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 240);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Che-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 241 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Oic-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 242);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tic-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 244); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 255), wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond.

62. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein R5is absent or selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, His, Ala, transP ro (guan), c / sPro(guan), and Glu.

63. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 62, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 86);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Lys-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 87);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Orn-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 90);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 92);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Ala-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 93);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Glu-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2’)-transPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 247);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dNal(2’)-c / sPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 248);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-f / 'a / ?sPro(guan)-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 250); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-c / sPro(guan)Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 251 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

64. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein R6is selected from the group consisting of Nal( 1 ’), dNal(1 ’), Aia, Phe, dPhe, Tyr, dTyr, dNal(2’), dTrp, Aba, and Ata.

65. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 64, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Nal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Phe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Tyr-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-dNal(1 ’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 108);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-dPhe-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-dNal(2’]-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 10);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-dTyr-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 196);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Aba-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 253); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 254), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

66. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein:(i) Y1is selected from dPro, Vai, Hyp, dHyp, Pro, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, Arg, Asn, dAsp, dArg, dAsn, Lys, dLys, Trp, and dTle and Y2is absent or selected from dVal, Vai, Hyp, dHyp, Pro, Ala, dAla, Gly, Asp, Arg, Asn, dAsp, dArg, dAsn, and dTle; or(ii) Y1is dVal, Y2is dPro, and the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified.

67. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 66, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-OH (SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 118);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 122);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 125);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 129);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Hyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAla-dAla-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Ala-Ala-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-l_ys]-Gly-Gly-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-Asn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dAsn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 145);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 146);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 147);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 148);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 149);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 150);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 151 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 152);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Asn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 153);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 154);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 155);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dAsn-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 156);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 157);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 158);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 159);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 160);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 161 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 162);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 163);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 164);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Pro-Val-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 165);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 166);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 167);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-Val-Pro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 168);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 169);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 170);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 171 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 172);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 173);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 174);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 175);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 176);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dTle-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 177);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dTle-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 178);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Trp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 203); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dLys-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 263), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

68. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein one or more of Y3-Y7are present and are each independently dVal or dPro.

69. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 68, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 179);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 180);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 181 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 182); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 183), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

70. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 57, wherein one or more of X1-X3are present and are Nle.

71. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 57, and 70, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 184); Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 185); and Ac-Nle-Nle-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 186), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

72. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence cyclized through a lactam bond between (i) Asp at R1and Lys at R7, (ii) Asp at R2and Lys at R8, or (ii) Asp at R1and Lys at R8.

73. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 72, wherein R2is selected from Asp, Trp, Pro, and Glu, R3is selected from Pro, Glu, and His, and R7is selected from Lys, Pro, and Gly.

74. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 72, and 73, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 194); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 195);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 257); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Pro-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 245); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 256); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 259);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 260); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-dLys-dAsp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 261 ); Ac-Glu-c[Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 262);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 264); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Glu-His-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 265), wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7or R8via a lactam bond.

75. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein one of R2and R3is Ala or dAla.

76. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 72, and 75, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 266); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 267);Ac-Arg-c[Cys-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 269); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 270); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 271 ); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-dAla-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 272);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Ala-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-d al-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 273); Ac-Arg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 274); Ac-dArg-c[Asp-Ala-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 275); Ac-Arg-c[Cys-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Cys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 282); and Ac-Arg-c[Asp-dAla-His-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 283), wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

77. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence cyclized through a disulfide bond between dPen at R2and dPen at R7or R8.

78. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48 and 77, wherein R1is selected from the group consisting of Nle, dLeu, dNIe, dArg, Arg, dPhe, dTyr, Ala, dHis, His, dLys, and Lys.

79. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -48, 77, and 78, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dLeu-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 327); Ac-dNle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 328);Ac-dArg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 329);Ac-Arg-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 330);Ac-dPhe-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 331 );Ac-dTyr-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 332);Ac-Ala-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 333);Ac-dHis-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 334);Ac-His-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 335);Ac-dLys-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 336);Ac-Lys-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 337);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dArg-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 344);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dLys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 345);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dArg-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 346);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dLys-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 347);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dVal-dHyp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 348);Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dPen]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 349); and Ac-Nle-c[dPen-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-Gly-dPen]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 350), wherein c represents cyclization through R1or R2and R7or R8via a disulfide bond.

80. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -47, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is linear.81 . The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -47 and 80, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is:Ac-Nle-Asp-Pro-dNal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 13); or Ac-Nle-Pro-dNal(2’)-Arg-Trp-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 14).

82. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -46, wherein R4is selected from the group consisting of dPhe, p(CI)dPhe p(l)dPhe, p(Br)dPhe, p(F)dPhe, or p(CFs)dPhe.

83. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -46 and 82, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(ID) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 215);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(l)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 216);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 217);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 219);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(l)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 221 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 222);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(OF3)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 224);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Aia-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 236);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Aba-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 237);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(CF3)dPhe-Arg-Ata-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 238);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 369);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Lys-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 426);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dNal(2’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 430);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Nal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 431 );Ac-Nle-c[Cys-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 432);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 444);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 445);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 487);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 489);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 493);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 495);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 497);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 500);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 507);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 508);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(OI)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 509);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 510);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 514);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 516);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 517);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 524);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 525);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 526);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 527);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 529);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 531 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 533);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 534);Ac-Nle-c[Cys-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Cys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 535);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 538);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 539);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 540);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 541 );Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 542);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 543);Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 544);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 545);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-His-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 546);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-dNal(2')-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 547);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Nal(2’)-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 548);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dTle-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 549);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dP e-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 550);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 551 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 552);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 553);Ac-Nle-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 554);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 555);Ac-dArg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 556);Ac-Arg-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 557);Ac-Lys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 558);Ac-dLys-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 559);Ac-His-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 560); Ac-dHis-c[Asp-His-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dTle-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 561 ); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dHis-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 562); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Phe-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 563); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dPhe-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 564); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Bip-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 565); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dBip-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 566);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Gln-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 567); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dGln-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 568); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Trp-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 569); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTrp-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 570); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-Tyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 571 ); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-dTyr-p(Br)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 572), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond or a disulfide bond.

84. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -83, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-7, 9- 12, 13-23, 24-27, 28-30, 31 -43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 84-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102- 105, 108-111 , 1 15-122, 123-138, 139-157, 158-164, 165-172, 173-182, 183-186, 194-197, 199-201 , 203-206, 215-217, 219-222, 224, 236-242, 244-245, 247-248, 250-251 , 253-257, 259-267, 269-275, 282-283, 327-337, 344-350, 369, 426, 430-432, 444-445, 487, 489, 493, 495, 497, 500, 507-510, 514, 516-517, 524-527, 529, 531 , 533-535, and 538-572.

85. The method or the use of claim 84, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-7, 9-10, 12-23, 24-27, 28-43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 84-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102-105, 108-111 , 115- 138, 139-157, 158-162, 164-172, 173-182, 183-186, 194-197, 199-201 , 203-206, 215-217, 219, 221 -222, 224, 236-242, 244-245, 247-248, 250-257, 259-267, 269-275, 282-283, 327- 337, 344-350, 509-510, 525-527, 531 , 533-535, 538, 545-549, 551 -553, 555, 562-569, 571 - 572.

86. The method or the use of claim 84, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-4, 13, 15-23, 24-32, 35-43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 86-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102, 104-105, 108-111 , 1 15-138, 139-162, 164, 165-186, 195-197, 199-201 , 203, 215-217, 219, 221 -222, 224, 240- 242, 244, 255-256, 259-267, 269-275, 327-328, 331 , 344-350, 525-527, 531 , 533-535, 538, 545, 547-549, 551 -553, 555, 562-569, 571 -572.

87. The method or the use of claim 84, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2-7, 9-10, 12-43, 48-55, 59, 64-69, 71 -76, 77-82, 84-87, 90, 92-93, 96, 102-105, 108-1 11 , 1 15-138, 139-162, 164, 165-186, 194-197, 199-201 , 203-206, 239-242, 244-245, 247-248, 250-251 , 253-257, 259-267, 269-275, 282-283, 327-337, 344-350.

88. The method or the use of claim 84, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 215-217, 219- 222, 224, 236-238, 497, 500, 507-510, 514, 516-517, 535, 538-561.

89. The method or the use of claim 84, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises any one of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 220, 426, 430- 432, 444-445, 487, 489, 493, 495, 497, 500, 507-508, 514, 516-517, 524, 529, 539-544, 550, 554, 556-561 .

90. The method or the use of claim 89, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

91. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -90, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in a pharmaceutical composition.

92. The method or the use of claim 91 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and / or carriers.

93. The method or the use of claim 92, wherein the one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and / or carriers of the pharmaceutical composition comprise water.

94. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 5 mg / kg to about 20 mg / kg administered once a day for about 5 days to about 10 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 10 mg / kg to about 40 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 5 days to about 10 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 5 mg / kg to about 30 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 5 days to about 10 days.

95. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 5 mg / kg administered once a day for about 7 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 15 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 7 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 10 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 7 days.

96. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 10 mg / kg administered once a day for about 7 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 20 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 7 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 15 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 7 days.

97. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered (i) at a first dose of about 15 mg / kg administered once a day for about 7 days; (ii) at a second dose of about 25 mg / kg administered once a day after administration of the first dose for about 7 days; (iii) at a third dose of about 20 mg / kg administered twice a day after administration of the second dose for at least about 7 days.

98. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

99. The method or the use of claim 98, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 1 mg / kg or 3 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

100. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg once daily.

101. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -93, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 10 mg or about 50 mg once daily.

102. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -101 , wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered via intraperitoneal, intravenous, parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracerebroventricular, intranasal, or oral administration.

103. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -102, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog crosses a blood-brain-barrier of a subject.

104. The method or the use of any one of claims 101 or 102, wherein the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and is administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from 0.001 mg / kg to 25 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

105. The method or the use of claim 104, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3 and is administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from 0.5 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

106. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -105, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to a subject for at least 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

107. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -105, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to a subject for 1 day, 5 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 35 days, 40 days, 45 days, 50 days, 60 days, 75 days, 90 days, 100 days, 110 days, or 120 days.

108. The method or the use of any one of claims 1 -107, wherein the method or the use further comprises maintaining muscle mass or promoting muscle mass gain in the subject.