Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs with various lactam cyclization types for modulating weight loss

Abstract

The present technology comprises non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or stereoisomers thereof and compositions comprising the same. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs may be full agonists of the melanocortin 3 receptor and full or partial agonists of the melanocortin 4 receptor with sub-micromolar and / or low-nanomolar binding activity.

Description

Docket No.: 183B-412973-WONON-NATURALLY OCCURRING MELANOCORTIN ANALOGS WITH VARIOUS LACTAM CYCLIZATION TYPES FOR MODULATING WEIGHTLOSSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 683,676, filed August 15, 2024; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 683,679, filed August 15, 2024; each of which 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 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The .xml copy, created on August 14, 2025, is titled “183B-412973-WO_SL.xml” and is 791 ,830 bytes in size.BACKGROUND

[0003] Melanocortins are a group of small peptides that bind to a family of five known melanocortin receptors (MC1 R through MC5R). They are derived from a common precursor protein, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which is expressed in the neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system, and in the pituitary gland. The proteolytic cleavage of POMC results in a-, p- and y-melanocortin and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), in addition to several other biologically important peptides.

[0004] Melanocortin analogs have been synthesized for the potential regulation and treatment of many conditions, including weight regulation (e.g., obesity, anorexia, and cachexia), hormonal secretion, and hyposecretion of many exocrine glands. However, in regulating these physiological effects, melanocortin analogs have also been shown to cause certain side effects, such as, for example hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias.

[0005] Despite recent attempts to reduce melanocortin peptide side effects or enhance melanocortin in vivo activity, there still exists a need for highly stable and selective-1 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO melanocortin analogs in the treatment and prevention of various melanocortin-related diseases.SUMMARY

[0006] The present technology comprises non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs and uses thereof.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present technology comprises a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (IA),R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4( I A) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent, or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:-2-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle, either (i) R2is Lys and R6is dTrp, or (ii) R2is Orn and R5is absent, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i)R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present technology provides non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and stereoisomers thereof, referred to herein collectively as melanocortin analogs. The melanocortin analogs of the present technology may selectively bind the melanocortin 3 receptor and / or the melanocortin 4 receptor over the melanocortin 1 , melanocortin 2, and melanocortin 5 receptors. Some of the melanocortin analogs bind the melanocortin 3 receptor with greater affinity than the melanocortin 4 receptor. Certain melanocortin analogs bind the melanocortin 3 receptor with the same or generally similar affinity as the melanocortin 4 receptor.-3-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0009] Each of the melanocortin analogs may have one or more beta hairpin (p-hairpin) and / or beta turn (p-turn) structures. In general, cyclization such as, for example, via a disulfide or lactam bond, may stabilize beta-turns, structurally rigid amino acids, such as, for example, proline, and / or the presence of D-amino acids may induce and / or stabilize betaturns.

[0010] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology include one or more of the following features: an N-terminus that stabilizes the melanocortin analog; a pharmacophoric region that binds to one or more melanocortin receptor; and a C- terminus that provides enhanced transport and / or resistance to degradation. The melanocortin analogs may be linear or cyclized.

[0011] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present technology, its applications, or its uses. 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.

[0012] While the embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present technology, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized, and that logical may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, steps or functions 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

[0013] 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-4-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO present technology belongs. For the purposes of the present technology, the following terms are defined below.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 st Edition, 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;-5-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO 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.

[0018] “Melanocortin analogs,” “melanocortin 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 non-naturally occurring melanocortin peptides and truncated and / or modified versions of melanocortin full-length protein or peptides. For example, the full-length pro-opiomelanocortin 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. In addition to peptides, the 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. “Melanocortin peptides” can 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.-6-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0019] 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 can 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.

[0020] The terms “bind,” “binding,” “complex,” and “complexing,” refer to all types of physical and chemical binding, reactions, complexing, attraction, chelating and the like.

[0021] The “peptides” described herein can 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.

[0022] 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.-7-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0023] 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.

[0024] “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); and Toniolo, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 35:287-300 (1990); the teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] 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 disclosed herein is included-8-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO within the definition. A “derivative” of an amino acid side chain moiety is included within the definition of an amino acid side chain moiety.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In the peptides described herein, conventional amino acid residues have their conventional meaning as given in Chapter 2400, of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, 8th Ed. 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; “lie” 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 can be used. Thus, for example, “L-Phe” or “IPhe” is L-phenylalanine; “D-Phe” or “dPhe” is D- phenylalanine; dVal is D-valine; dPro is D-proline; “D- / L-Phe” or “d / IPhe” is D-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanine, or combinations thereof; “Phe” is also D-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanine, or combinations thereof, and so on.

[0028] An alpha (oc)-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 oc-carbon). Other types of amino acids exist when the amino group is attached to a different carbon atom.

[0029] 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 called p3peptides and those with the side chain residue on the carbon next to the carbonyl group are called p2amino acids. Further, p-amino acids may adopt L- or D- stereochemistry. Unless otherwise indicated, all p-amino acid abbreviations represent either isomer, i.e., the L-isomer, the D-isomer, or combinations thereof.-9-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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” and “c” refers to a cyclic structure. “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 amidated C-terminus.

[0032] Additional abbreviations are used as follows: Orn is ornithine; dOrn is D- ornithine; Dab is 2,4-diaminobutyric acid; dDab is 2,4-D-diaminobutyric acid; Dap is 2,3- diaminopropionic acid; dDap is 2,3-D-diaminopropionic acid; Aad is aminoadipic acid; Phg is phenylglycine; dPhg is D-phenylglycine; Pen is Penicillamine; dPen is D-Penicillamine; and p(F)dPhe is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (I - iodo, Br - bromo, Cl - chloro, CF3 - trifluoromethyl).

[0033] 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.”

[0034] 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.

[0035] An “amine” includes compounds that contain an amine group ( — NH2).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.”-10-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0038] “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 melanocortin peptide by physiological enzymes and other factors, in such a manner or to a degree that side effects appear. According to one aspect, a 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 embodiments, no more than 25% of the administered peptide causes side effects and / or displays a low half-life. More preferably, in some embodiments, less than 10% of the administered peptide causes side effects and / or displays a low half-life, as compared to a melanocortin analog that lacks a C-terminal extension.

[0039] 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 and PCT Publication No. WO2025 / 123051 .Non-naturally Occurring Melanocortin Analogs

[0040] Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs described herein may be selective for the melanocortin 3 receptor and / or melanocortin 4 receptor over other melanocortin receptors, i.e., the melanocortin 1 , melanocortin 2, and melanocortin 5 receptors. Some of the melanocortin analogs bind the melanocortin 3 receptor with greater affinity than the melanocortin 4 receptor. Certain melanocortin analogs bind the melanocortin 3 receptor with the same or generally similar affinity as the melanocortin 4 receptor.

[0041] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be full agonists 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 80%.

[0042] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be partial agonists or partial antagonists of one or more melanocortin receptor. A partial agonist or antagonist may comprise a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog having a maximum effect Emax agonist value of less than 80%.-11 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0043] 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). Similarly, 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).

[0044] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be one or more of (i) a full MC3R agonist and a full MC4R agonist; (ii) a full MC3R agonist and a partial MC4R agonist; (iii) a full MC3R agonist having no MC4R agonist or antagonist activity; or (iv) a full MC3R agonist and a partial MC4R antagonist.

[0045] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs in accordance with the present technology may have 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 MC4R and / or MC3R. For example, in some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs comprise one or more of (i) blood brain barrier passage capabilities, (ii) enhanced epithelial and / or gastrointestinal transport; (iii) degradation resistance; or (iv) equipotency on MC3R and MC4R activity. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs comprise two or more of (i)-(iv). In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs comprise each of (i)-(iv). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the melanocortin analogs include a stabilizing N-terminus, and / or a C-terminus that provides enhanced transport of the analog. In some embodiments, melanocortin analogs include a D-valine-D-proline (dVal-dPro) chain as their C-terminus, which may provide enhanced transport and resistance to degradation Additionally, in some embodiments, the melanocortin analogs have one or more beta hairpin (p-hairpin) and / or beta turn (p-turn) structures. In general, cyclization and D-amino acids may induce and / or stabilize beta-turns..

[0046] The presence of certain structural features may impart the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology with specific binding properties. For example, inclusion of p(F)dPhe or dPhe at the R4position may result in enhanced binding and activation of the melanocortin 4 receptor. Accordingly, melanocortin analogs-12-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO having p(F)dPhe or dPhe at the R4position may be full agonists on MC4R. Further, inclusion of His at the R3position may result in full agonism on MC3R as well. By contrast, inclusion of residues other than His at the R3position, such as, for example, Pro, may decrease activity on the melanocortin 3 receptor, resulting in only partial agonism on MC3R.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (I):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4( I ) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent, arginine (Arg), or Pro;R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D- arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab;-13-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle, either (i) R2is Lys and R6is dTrp, or (ii) R2is Orn and R5is absent, when Y1-Y4are absent, then R5is Pro, and when one or more ofY1-Y4is present, then R5is absent or Arg, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i)R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (I), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent, arginine (Arg), or Pro;-14-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D- arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 2);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 4);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 7);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );-15-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 13);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 14);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 15);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 16);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 17);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 23);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 26);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 28);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 30);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 31 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 32);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 33);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 34);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 35);-16-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 36);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 37);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 38);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 39);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 40);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 41 );Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 42);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 43);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 48);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 49);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 50);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 52);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 53);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 54);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 55);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 59);-17-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 64);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 65);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 66);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 67);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 68);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 69);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 70)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 71 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 72);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 73);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 74);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 75)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 76);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 77);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 78);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 79)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 80);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 81 )Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 82);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 83);-18-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 84);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 85)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 86);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 87)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 88);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 89);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 90);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-OH (SEQ ID NO: 91 )Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 92);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 93);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);-19-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 );-20-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0049] In some embodiments of the sequence of Formula (I), Y1 is present. Accordingly, in some embodiments, In some embodiments, the sequence of Formula (I) is a sequence of Formula (wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);-21 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR5is absent, or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle, either (i) R2is Lys and R6is dTrp, or (ii) R2is Orn and R5is absent, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i)R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.-22-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence according to Formula (IA):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4( I A) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe,-23-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle, either (i) R2is Lys and R6is dTrp, or (ii) R2is Orn and R5is absent, when Y1-Y4are absent, then R5is Pro, and when one or more ofY1-Y4is present, then R5is absent or Arg, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i)R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence of Formula (IA), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;-24-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOY3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 2);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 4);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 7);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 13);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 14);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 15);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 16);-25-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 17);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 23);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 26);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 28);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 30);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 31 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 32);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 33);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 34);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 35);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 36);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 37);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 38);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 39);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 40);-26-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 41 );Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 42);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 43);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 48);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 49);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 50);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 52);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 53);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 54);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 55);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 59);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 64);-27-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 65);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 66);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 67);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 68);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 71 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 72);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 73);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 74);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 76);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 77);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);-28-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 );-29-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7. wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0052] In some embodiment of the sequence of Formula (I) or (IA), R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the sequence of Formula (I) is a sequence Formula (IA(i)):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4( I A(i)) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);-30-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence Formula (IA(i)):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7-Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4( I A(i)) ,-31 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is absent or selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu,-32-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence Formula (IA(i)), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and-33-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);-34-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );-35-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 ); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.-36-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0055] In some embodiments of the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IA(i)), R4is p(F)dPhe. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (I)- (IA(i)) is a sequence Formula (IB):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4(IB), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R6is dTrp, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO then R7is Dab or Lys,-37-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and R2is not Asp when Y3is dVal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence Formula (IB):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4(IB), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and-38-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R6is dTrp, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO then R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and R2is not Asp when Y3is dVal.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence Formula (IB), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:-39-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);-40-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125) Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126); Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129) Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0058] In some embodiments of the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IA(i)), R4is dPhe. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IA(i)), is a sequence Formula (wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);-41 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad, when R2is is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then R7is Lys or Dab, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu, when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and (ii) R2is not Orn when R1is Glu.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence Formula (IC):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1- Y2- Y3-Y4( I C) ,-42-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad, when R2is is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then R7is Lys or Dab, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu, when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and (ii) R2is not Orn when R1is Glu.-43-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0060] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence Formula (IC), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);-44-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );-45-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112) c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 );Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog has one or more beta hairpin (p-hairpin) and / or beta turn (p-turn) structures. In some embodiments, R3of the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) provides the p-hairpin and / or p-turn structures of the melanocortin analog.

[0062] As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs comprising a sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) 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)-(IC) may be at X1. Similarly, the C-terminus of a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) may be at Y2.

[0063] In some embodiments, the N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, if present, is modified by an acyl group. In some embodiments, the acyl group is acetyl group

[0064] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the N-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, if present, is not modified.

[0065] The moiety Y1Y2Y3Y4represents a C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog. In some embodiments, the most C-terminal residues of the melanocortin analog are dVal-dPro. The C-terminal dVal-dPro moiety may confer improved-46-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO properties on the melanocortin analog, such as increased plasma duration and improved transport across the blood-brain-barrier, the epithelium, and / or gastrointestinal tract.

[0066] In some embodiments, Y1-Y4are absent.

[0067] In some embodiments, Y1is present and Y2-Y4are absent. In some embodiments when Y1is present and Y2-Y4are absent, then Y1is dArg. In some embodiments when Y1is present and Y2-Y4are absent, then Y1is Arg.

[0068] In some embodiments, Y1and Y2are present and Y3and Y4are absent. In some embodiments, when Y1and Y2are present and Y3and Y4are absent , then Y1is dVal and Y2is dPro.

[0069] In some embodiments, Y1-Y4are present. In some embodiments, when Y1-Y4are present, then Y1is dVal, Y2is dVal, Y3is dVal, and Y4is dPro. In some embodiments, when Y1-Y4are present, then Y1is dPro, Y2is dPro, Y3is Lys, and Y4is Asp.

[0070] In some embodiments, the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is modified by an amide groupthe sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC), a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog with a C- terminus modified by an amide may be represented by a terminal -NH2.

[0071] In some embodiments of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC), the C-terminus of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is not modified. In the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC), a non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog with an unmodified C- terminus may be represented by -OH.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC), the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog disclosed herein is cyclized. For example, the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog may be cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis- CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu.-47-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0073] In some embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a side-chain lactam bridge. In some embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Asp at R2and Lys at R7. In other embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Lys at R2and Asp at R7. In other embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Glu at R2and Orn at R7. In yet other embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Orn at R2and Glu at R7. In still other embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Aad at R2and Dab at R7. In still other embodiments, the melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Dab at R2and Aad at R7.

[0074] In some embodiments, R3is His or Pro. In some embodiments, R3is His.

[0075] In some embodiments, R1is Nle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, R1is an amino acid other than Nle. In some embodiments, R1is dGIn. In further embodiments, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dGln-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 145);Ac-dGln-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 146);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 147);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 148);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 149);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 150);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 151 );Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 152);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 153);Ac-dGln-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 154); andAc-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 155),-48-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0076] In some embodiments, R1is dAsn. In further embodiments, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2;Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 156);Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 157);Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 158);Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 159);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 160);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 161 );Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 162);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 163);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 164);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 165);Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 166); andAc-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 167), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0077] In some embodiments, R1is Ala. In further embodiments, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 168);Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 169);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 170);-49-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Ala-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 171 );Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 172);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 173);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 174);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 175);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 176);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 177), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0078] In some embodiments, R1is dAla. In further embodiments, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dAla-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 178);Ac-dAla-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 179);Ac-dAla-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 180);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 181 );Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 182);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 183);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 184);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 185);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 186); andAc-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 187), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0079] In some embodiments, R5is Arg. Alternatively, in some embodiments, R5is an amino acid other than Arg or absent. In some embodiments, R5is absent. In further embodiments, R4is p(CI)dPhe. the sequence of Formula (I) is: Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe--50-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 188), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0080] In some embodiments, R5is Pro. In further embodiments, R4is dPhe. the sequence of Formula (I) is: Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 189), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0081] In some embodiments, R6is Trp. Alternatively, in some embodiments, R6is an amino acid other than Trp. In some embodiments, R6is dTrp. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 190);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 191 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 192);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 193);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 194);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 195);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 196);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 197);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 198);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 199);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 200);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 201 ); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 202), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.-51 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0082] In some embodiments, Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. Alternatively, in some embodiments, Y1is an amino acid other than dVal and Y2-Y4are absent. In some embodiments, Y1is Arg. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 203);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 204);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 205);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 206);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 207);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 208);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 212);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 213); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 214), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0083] In some embodiments, Y1is dArg. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(F)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 215);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 216);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 217);-52-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 219);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 221 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 222);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 224);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 225); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 226), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0084] In some embodiments, Y1-Y4are present. In further embodiments, Y1is dVal, Y2is dVal, Y3is dVal, and Y4is dPro. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab. In still further embodiments, then R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 227);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 228);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 229);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 230);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 231 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 232);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 233);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 234);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 235);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 236); and-53-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 237), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0085] In some embodiments, Y1is dPro, Y2is dPro, Y3is Lys, and Y4is Asp. In further embodiments, R1is Glu, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab. In still further embodiments, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Glu-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Dab]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 238);Ac-Glu-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Dab]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 239);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 240);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 241 );Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 242);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 243);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Orn]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 244);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Orn]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 245);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 246);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 247); andAc-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 248), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0086] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between Asp at R2and dOrn at R7, Aad at R2and Dab at R7, or Dab at R2and Aad at R7. In further embodiments, R1is Nle, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is dPhe or p(CI)dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 249);-54-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 250); andAc-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 251 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0087] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a lactam bond between CO-cis-CH=CH-CO at R2and Lys, Dab, or Orn at R7. In further embodiments, R1is absent, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and Y1-Y2is absent or dVal- dPro. In still further embodiments, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe. In some embodiments, the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 252); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 253); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 254); and c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Om]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 255), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0088] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: 145-255.Non-Naturally Occurring Melanocortin Analog Synthesis

[0089] The melanocortin analogs described herein may be readily synthesized by any known conventional procedure for the formation of a peptide linkage between amino acids. Such conventional procedures include, for example, any solution phase procedure permitting a condensation between the free alpha amino group of an amino acid or residue thereof having the carboxyl group or other reactive groups protected and the free primary carboxyl group of another amino acid or residue thereof having the amino group or other reactive groups protected. In an exemplary procedure, the peptides described herein may be synthesized by solid-phase synthesis and purified according to methods known in the art. Any of a number of well-known procedures utilizing a variety of resins and reagents may be used to prepare the peptides described herein.

[0090] The process for synthesizing the peptides may be carried out by a procedure whereby each amino acid in the desired sequence is added one at a time in succession to-55-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO another amino acid or residue thereof or by a procedure whereby peptide fragments with the desired amino acid sequence are first synthesized conventionally and then condensed to provide the desired peptide. The resulting peptide is then cyclized to yield a cyclic peptide.

[0091] Solid phase peptide synthesis methods are well known and practiced in the art. In such methods, the synthesis of peptides can be carried out by sequentially incorporating the desired amino acid residues one at a time into the growing peptide chain according to the general principles of solid phase methods. These methods are disclosed in numerous references, including Merrifield, Angew Chem. 24:799-810 (1985) and Barany et al., The Peptides, Analysis, Synthesis and Biology, Vol. 2, Gross E. and Meienhofer J., Eds. Academic Press 1 -284 (1980).

[0092] In chemical syntheses of peptides, reactive side chain groups of the various amino acid residues are protected with suitable protecting groups, which prevent a chemical reaction from occurring at that site until the protecting group is removed. Also common is the protection of the alpha amino group of an amino acid residue or fragment while that entity reacts at the carboxyl group, followed by the selective removal of the alpha amino protecting group to allow a subsequent reaction to take place at that site. Specific protecting for solid phase synthesis methods and solution phase synthesis methods groups are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0093] Alpha amino groups may be protected by a suitable protecting group, including a urethane-type protecting group, such as benzyloxycarbonyl (Z) and substituted benzyloxycarbonyl, such as p-chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, p- bromobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-biphenyl-isopropoxycarbonyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl (Moz); aliphatic urethane-type protecting groups, such as t-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), diisopropylmethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, and allyloxycarbonyl. Fmoc is useful for alpha amino protection.

[0094] Guanidino groups may be protected by a suitable protecting group, such as nitro, p-toluenesulfonyl (Tosyl), Z, pentamethylchromanesulfonyl (Pmc), adamantyloxycarbonyl, pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl (Pbf) and Boc. Pmc is a useful protecting group for Arg.-56-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0095] Solid phase synthesis is commenced from the C-terminal end of the peptide by coupling a protected alpha amino acid to a suitable resin. Such starting material is prepared by attaching an alpha amino-protected amino acid by an ester linkage to a p- benzyloxybenzyl alcohol (Wang) resin or a 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin, by an amide bond between an Fmoc-Linker, such as p-[(R,S)-a-[1 -(9H-fluor-en-9-yl)-methoxyformamido]-2,4- dimethyloxybenzyl]-phenoxyacetic acid (Rink linker) to a benzhydrylamine (BHA) resin, or by other means well known in the art. Fmoc-Linker-BHA resin supports are commercially available and generally used when feasible. The resins are carried through repetitive cycles as necessary to add amino acids sequentially. The alpha amino Fmoc protecting groups are removed under basic conditions. Piperidine, piperazine, diethylamine, or morpholine (20- 40% v / v) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) may be used for this purpose.

[0096] Following removal of the alpha amino protecting group, the subsequent protected amino acids are coupled stepwise in the desired order to obtain an intermediate, protected peptide-resin. The activating reagents used for coupling of the amino acids in the solid phase synthesis of the peptides are well known in the art. After the peptide is synthesized, if desired, the orthogonally protected side chain protecting groups may be removed using methods well known in the art for further derivatization of the peptide.

[0097] Reactive groups in a peptide may be selectively modified, either during solid phase synthesis or after removal from the resin. For example, peptides may be modified to obtain N-terminus modifications, such as acetylation, while on resin, or may be removed from the resin by use of a cleaving reagent and then modified. Methods for N-terminus modification, such as acetylation, and for C-terminus modification, such as amidation, are known in the art. Similarly, methods for modifying side chains of amino acids are well known to those skilled in the art of peptide synthesis. The choice of modifications made to reactive groups present on the peptide will be determined, in part, by the characteristics that are desired in the peptide.

[0098] The peptide may be cyclized prior to cleavage from the peptide resin. For cyclization through reactive side chain moieties, the desired side chains are deprotected, and the peptide suspended in a suitable solvent and a cyclic coupling agent added. Suitable solvents include, for example DMF, dichloromethane (DCM) or 1 -methyl-2-pyrrolidone-57-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO(NMP). Suitable cyclic coupling reagents include, for example, 2-(1 H-benzotriazol-1 -yl)- 1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU), 2-(1 H-benzotriazol-1 -yl)-1 ,1 ,3,3- tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU), benzotriazole-1 -yl-oxy- tris(dimethylamino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (BOP), benzotriazole-1 -yl-oxy- tris(pyrrolidino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (PyBOP), 2-(7-aza-1 H-benzotriazol-1 - yl)-1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TATU), 2-(2-oxo-1 (2H)-pyridyl)-1 ,1 ,3,3- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TPTU) or N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide / 1 - hydroxybenzotriazole (DCCI / HOBt). Coupling is convention initiated by use of a suitable base, such as N,N-diispropylethylamine (DIPEA), sym-collidine or N-methylmorpholine (NMM).

[0099] Following cleavage of peptides from the solid phase following their synthesis, the peptide can be purified by any number of methods, such as reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), using a suitable column, such as a C18 column. Other methods of separation or purification, such as methods based on the size or charge of the peptide, can also be employed. Once purified, the peptide can be characterized by any number of methods, such as high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC), amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry, and the like.Salt Forms of Non-Naturally Occurring Melanocortin Analogs

[0100] The melanocortin analog peptides described herein may be in the form of any salt. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to salts prepared from non-toxic bases or acids including inorganic or organic bases and inorganic or organic acids. Salts derived from inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic salts, manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc, and the like. Exemplary salts are the ammonium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium salts. Salts derived from organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines, and basic ion exchange resins, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N'- dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethyl-morpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine,-58-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine, and the like.

[0101] When the peptides described herein are basic, acid addition salts may be prepared from non-toxic acids, including inorganic and organic acids. Such acids include acetic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, carboxylic, citric, ethanesulfonic, formic, fumaric, gluconic, glutamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, lactic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, malonic, mucic, nitric, pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, propionic, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, p-toluenesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and the like. Acid addition salts of the peptides described herein are prepared in a suitable solvent from the peptide and an excess of an acid, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, trifluoroacetic, citric, tartaric, maleic, succinic or methanesulfonic acid. The acetate salt form is especially useful. Where the peptides described herein include an acidic moiety, suitable salts may include alkali metal salts, such as sodium or potassium salts, or alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium or magnesium salts.Pharmaceutical Compositions

[0102] Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the carriers and / or excipients disclosed in the present technology facilitate delivery of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog disclosed herein in any of its embodiments to a subject.

[0103] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in a pharmaceutical composition in a therapeutically effective amount. The therapeutically effective amount may be an amount sufficient to elicit a desired response in the subject, such as, for example, weight loss.

[0104] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.1 mg / mL to 500 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.1 mg / mL to 500 mg / mL, 0.5 mg / mL to 250 mg / mL, 1 mg / mL to 100 mg / mL, 2.5 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, or 5 mg / mL to 25 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring-59-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 5 mg / mL to 100 mg / mL, or about 50 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0105] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 5 mg / mL to 100 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is present in the composition in a concentration of 5 mg / mL to 100 mg / mL, 10 mg / mL to 75 mg / mL, 15 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, 20 mg / mL to 40 mg / mL, or 25 mg / mL to 30 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is present in the composition in a concentration of about 50 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0106] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the non- naturally occurring melanocortin analog is formulated for intraperitoneal, intravenous, parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracerebroventricular, intranasal, or oral administration. In some embodiments, the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject parenterally. In some embodiments, the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject subcutaneously. In some embodiments, the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject orally.

[0107] Pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein formulated for parenteral administration may be in the form of an aqueous or non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solution or suspension. The term “parenteral”, as used herein, includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, and intralesional, or infusion techniques. Pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein formulated for oral administration may be in the form of tablet, capsule, lozenge, pill, sachet, or any other orally deliverable form know in the art.-60-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0108] In some embodiments, the composition formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., subcutaneous administration) comprises the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) at a concentration at about 0.001 nmol, 0.005 nmol, 0.01 nmol, 0.02 nmol, 0.05 nmol, 0.1 nmol, 0.25 nmol, 0.5 nmol, 1 nmol, 2.5 nmol, 5 nmol, 10 nmol, 20 nmol, 25 nmol, 50 nmol, 100 nmol, 250 nmol, 500 nmol, or 1000 nmol, or even more, depending on the specific peptide selected, the desired response, the route of administration, the formulation and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprises a sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) .

[0109] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog crosses blood-brain-barrier (BBB) of the subject.

[0110] In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal, including but not limited to a human, a non-human primate such as a chimpanzee, a domestic livestock or a farm animal such as a cow, a bison, sheep, a pig, a goat, a horse, a chicken, and a rooster, a domestic pet animal such as a dog, a cat, a rat, a mouse, and a rabbit, and a laboratory subject such as a rodent, including a rat, a mouse, and a guinea pig. In some embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is an animal such as a rat or a dog.

[0111] The pharmaceutical composition comprising the carriers and / or excipients disclosed in the present technology facilitate delivery (e.g., parenteral administration, in particular subcutaneous injection) of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog disclosed herein in any of its embodiments to a subject. Other purposes of the compositions comprising the carriers and / or excipients are to enhance dispersion, solubility, and stability of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog, and to reduce adverse injection site reactions.

[0112] The carriers and / or excipients of the pharmaceutical composition can generally include one or more of the following components: a pH buffered aqueous solution comprising (a) sodium acetate, (b) Tris, and (c) water. In some embodiments, all components are compatible with the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog (i.e., do not react or cause the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog to react) and are homogeneously dispersed or dissolved uniformly in the composition.-61 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0113] In some embodiments, the carrier and / or excipient is isotonic.

[0114] In order to achieve a desirable tonicity, the composition of the present technology can further include a salt such as sodium chloride, sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the salt is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.1 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, 1 mg / mL to 25 mg / mL, or 5 mg / mL to 10 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0115] The carriers and / or excipients of the composition may also include a pH buffered aqueous solution which comprises (a) sodium acetate, (b) Tris, and (c) water.

[0116] The water used herein can act as a diluent and include, without limitation, water for injection (WFI), sterile water, bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), distilled water, bidistilled water, deionized water, deionized distilled water, and reverse osmosis water. In some embodiments, the water present in the pH buffered aqueous solution is water for injection.

[0117] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further includes water in an amount of about 1 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 75 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 50 wt%, relative to a total weight of the composition.

[0118] In some embodiments, sodium acetate is present in the pharmaceutical composition in a concentration of 0.5 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, sodium acetate is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.5 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, 1 mg / mL to 40 mg / mL, 2 mg / mL to 30 mg / mL, 4 mg / mL to 20 mg / mL, 5 mg / mL to 15 mg / mL, 6 mg / mL to 12 mg / mL, or 8 mg / mL to 10 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. In some embodiments, sodium acetate is present in the composition in a concentration of about 6 mg / mL to about 8 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, sodium acetate is present in the composition in a concentration of 6 mg / mL, 6.5 mg / mL, 7 mg / mL, 7.1 mg / mL, 7.5 mg / mL, or 8 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0119] In some embodiments, sodium acetate is present in the composition in a molar concentration of 5 mM to 700 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example,-62-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO sodium acetate is present in the composition in a molar concentration of 5 mM to 700 mM, 10 mM to 600 mM, 20 mM to 500 mM, 30 mM to 400 mM, 40 mM to 300 mM, 50 mM to 200 mM, 60 mM to 100 mM, or 70 mM to 80 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition. In some embodiments, sodium acetate is present in the composition in a molar concentration of about 80 mM to about 100 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, sodium acetate is present in the composition in a molar concentration of 80 mM, 85 mM, 87 mM, 90 mM, 95 mM, or 100 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0120] The term “Tris” represents tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane also known as Tris buffer, Tris base, TRIS, tromethamine, tromethamine buffer, Trizma®, Trisamine, Trometamol, Tromethane, Trisaminol, or THAM. In some embodiments, Tris is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.5 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, Tris is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.5 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, 1 mg / mL to 40 mg / mL, 2 mg / mL to 30 mg / mL, 4 mg / mL to 20 mg / mL, 5 mg / mL to 15 mg / mL, 6 mg / mL to 12 mg / mL, or 8 mg / mL to 10 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. In some embodiments, Tris is present in the composition in a concentration of about 6 mg / mL to about 8 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, Tris is present in the composition in a concentration of 6 mg / mL, 6.5 mg / mL, 7 mg / mL, 7.3 mg / mL, 7.6 mg / mL, or 8 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0121] In some embodiments, Tris is present in the composition in a molar concentration of 2 mM to 500 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, Tris is present in the composition in a molar concentration of 2 mM to 500 mM, 5 mM to 400 mM, 10 mM to 300 mM, 20 mM to 200 mM, 30 mM to 150 mM, 40 mM to 100 mM, 50 mM to 80 mM, or 60 mM to 70 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition. In some embodiments, Tris is present in the composition in a molar concentration of about 50 mM to about 70 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition. For example, Tris is present in the composition in a molar concentration of 50 mM, 55 mM, 60 mM, 65 mM, or 70 mM, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0122] In some embodiments, the pH buffered aqueous solution provides the composition with a pH equivalent or close to the physiological pH levels. This may reduce-63-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO adverse injection site reactions and also provide the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog with enhanced stability and resistance to aggregation and degradation.

[0123] In addition to sodium acetate and Tris, the composition may further include other buffering agents. Non-limiting examples of additional buffering agents include saline, phosphate, phosphoric acid, citrate, succinate, gluconate, histidine, acetic acid, ascorbate, tartartic acid, maleic acid, glycine, lactate, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, imidazole, bicarbonate, carbonic acid, succinic acid, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, gluconate, edetate, malate, imidazole, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises acetic acid as an additional buffering agent.

[0124] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of sodium acetate to Tris is 1 :4 to 4:1 , 2:7 to 7:2, 1 :3 to 3:1 , 2:5 to 5:2, 1 :2 to 2:1 , 2:3 to 3:2, or about 1 :1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of sodium acetate to Tris is about 1 :1.

[0125] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog to sodium acetate is 1 :1 to 20:1 , 3:2 to 15:1 , 2:1 to 12:1 , 3:1 to 10:1 , 4:1 to 9:1 , 5:1 to 8:1 , or 6:1 to 7:1 . In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog to sodium acetate is about 7:1 .

[0126] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog to Tris is 1 :1 to 20:1 , 3:2 to 15:1 , 2:1 to 12:1 , 3:1 to 10:1 , 4:1 to 9:1 , 5:1 to 8:1 , or 6:1 to 7:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog to Tris is about 7:1 .

[0127] The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise a preservative agent. Exemplary preservative agents include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, phenol, m-cresol, benzyl alcohol, alpha-tocopherol, citric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid, benzalkonium chloride, phenoxyethanol, and methyl paraben.-64-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0128] If present, the concentration of the preservative agent can range from 0.001 mg / mL to 50 mg / mL, 0.01 mg / mL to 25 mg / mL, 0.1 mg / mL to 10 mg / mL, or 1 mg / mL to 5 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0129] In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution or a suspension. In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of an emulsion. In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution which is clear, colorless, and / or free of visible foreign matter.

[0130] The active ingredient(s) (e.g., the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog) may be dissolved or suspended in the aforementioned carrier and / or excipient. Additional aqueous or non-aqueous carriers that may facilitate dissolution of the active ingredient include, but are not limited to, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, DMSO, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, and / or various buffers.

[0131] In some embodiments, the composition has a pH ranging from 6.5 to 8.5. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, or 8.5.

[0132] In some embodiments, the composition is basic and has a pH of about 7.1 , 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1 , 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, or 8.5. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH ranging from about 7.3 to about 7.4. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of 7.3 or 7.4.

[0133] In some embodiments, the composition has an osmolality ranging from 250 mOsm / kg to 350 mOsm / kg. For example, the composition has an osmolality ranging from 250 mOsm / kg to 360 mOsm / kg, 260 mOsm / kg to 340 mOsm / kg, 270 mOsm / kg to 330 mOsm / kg, 280 mOsm / kg to 320 mOsm / kg, 290 mOsm / kg to 310 mOsm / kg, or about 300 mOsm / kg. In some embodiments, the composition has an osmolarity of about 250 mOsm / kg, about 260 mOsm / kg, about 270 mOsm / kg, about 280 mOsm / kg, about 290 mOsm / kg, about 300 mOsm / kg, about 310 mOsm / kg, about 320 mOsm / kg, about 330 mOsm / kg, about 340 mOsm / kg, about 350 mOsm / kg, or about 360 mOsm / kg. In some embodiments, the composition has an osmolality ranging from about 275 mOsm / kg to about 330 mOsm / kg. In-65-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO some embodiments, the composition has an osmolality of about 279 mOsm / kg, about 314 mOsm / kg, or about 329 mOsm / kg.

[0134] In some embodiments, the composition has a viscosity ranging from 0.5 cP to 5 cP. For example, the composition has a viscosity ranging from 0.5 cP to 5 cP, 0.75 cP to4.5 cP, 1 .0 cP to 4 cP, 1 .2 cP to 3.5 cP, 1 .3 cP to 3 cP, 1 .4 cP to 2.5 cP, 1 .5 cP to 2 cP, or1 .6 cP to 1 .8 cP. In some embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of about 0.5 cP, 0.6 cP, 0.7 cP, 0.8 cP, 0.9 cP, 1 .0 cP, 1 .1 cP, 1 .2 cP, 1 .3 cP, 1 .4 cP, 1 .5 cP, 1 .6 cP, 1 .7 cP, 1 .8 cP, 1.9 cP, or 2.0 cP. In some embodiments, the composition has a viscosity of about 1.4 cP or 1 .6 cP.

[0135] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more antioxidants. For example, the pharmaceutical composition may comprise ascorbic acid, cysteine, sodium metabisulfite, propyl gallate, butylated hydroxytoluene, and / or butylated hydroxyanisole.

[0136] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a surfactant, such as a sorbitan ester.

[0137] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a flavoring or scent, such as an aromatic oil.

[0138] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions including the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs described herein are useful to treat, reduce, or prevent conditions associated with full agonism of MC3R and full or partial agonism of MC4R. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions including the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs described herein are also useful to stimulate appetite, increase body weight and / or increase food consumption. Examples of conditions associated with full agonism of MC3R and full or partial agonism of MC4R include, but are not limited to, psychological diseases and conditions, allergies, intolerances, gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, side-effects from a medication, substance abuse, viral infections, bacterial infections, food poisoning, dehydration, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, pain, cardiovascular diseases and conditions,-66-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO anemia, autoimmune diseases and conditions, respiratory diseases and conditions, and inflammatory diseases and conditions.Subjects

[0139] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs of the present technology may be formulated for delivery to a subject in need thereof. The subject may have or be at risk of developing a metabolic dysfunction. In some embodiments, the metabolic dysfunction is selected from the group consisting of obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, metabolic acidosis, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, Cushing Syndrome, and metabolic myopathies. In other embodiments, the subject has another condition which is not metabolic dysfunction, but administration of the weight loss agent provides therapeutic benefit to the non-metabolic dysfunction condition.Dosing and Administration

[0140] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog may be formulated for delivery to a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is formulated for intraperitoneal, intravenous, parenteral, depot, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracerebroventricular, intranasal, or oral administration. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is formulated for subcutaneous administration. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is formulated for oral administration. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is formulated for depot administration.

[0141] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.001 mg / kg to about 1000 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 10 mg / kg to about 250 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily. In some embodiments, non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 15 mg / kg to about 100 mg / kg per body weight of the subject-67-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO once daily. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 20 mg / kg to about 75 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily.

[0142] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.001 mg / kg to about 25 mg / kg per body weight of the subject. 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. In some embodiments, the amount administered is a therapeutically effective amount.

[0143] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at a dose of about 0.001 mg / kg, about 0.01 mg / kg, about 0.10 mg. kg, about 0.5 mg / kg, about 1 .0 mg / kg, about 3 mg / kg, about 5 mg / kg, about 10 mg / kg, about 15 mg / kg, about 20 mg / kg, about 25 mg / kg, about 30 mg / kg, about 35 mg / kg, about 40 mg / kg, about 50 mg / kg, about 65 mg / kg, about 70 mg / kg, about 75 mg / kg, about 80 mg / kg, about 85 mg / kg, about 90 mg / kg, about 95 mg / kg, about 100 mg / kg, about 125 mg / kg, about 150 mg / kg, about 175 mg / kg, about 200 mg / kg, about 250 mg / kg, about 300 mg / kg, about 350 mg / kg, about 400 mg / kg, about 450 mg / kg, or about 500 mg / kg per body weight of the subject once daily or twice daily.

[0144] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject for at least about 1 day, about 1 week, about 1 month, about 3 months, about 6 months, about 1 year, or about 5 years.

[0145] In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject for at least about 1 day, about 5 days, about 7 days, about 14 days, about 21 days, about 28 days, about 35 days, about 40 days, about 45 days, about 50 days, about 60 days, about 75 days, about 90 days, about 100 days, about 110 days, or about 120 days.EXAMPLES

[0146] The following examples are intended to illustrate various embodiments of the present technology. As such, the specific embodiments discussed are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the present technology. It will be apparent to one skilled in the-68-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO art that various equivalents, changes, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of present technology, and it is understood that such equivalent embodiments, are to be included herein. Further, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if fully set forth herein.Example 1: Peptide Synthesis-Generic

[0147] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs described herein were synthesized by conventional procedures (e.g., solution-phase procedure, solid-phase synthesis) for the formation of a peptide linkage between amino acids. The solution-phase procedure involved a condensation between the free alpha amino group of an amino acid or derivative thereof having the carboxyl group or other reactive groups protected and the free primary carboxyl group of another amino acid or derivative thereof having the amino group or other reactive groups protected. The solid-phase synthesis utilized a variety of resins and reagents and may involve additional purification steps.

[0148] The process for synthesizing the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs was generally performed by a procedure as follows. Each amino acid in the desired sequence of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs was added one at a time in succession to another amino acid or derivative thereof or by a procedure whereby peptide fragments with the desired amino acid sequence were first synthesized conventionally and then condensed to provide the desired peptide. In most cases, the resulting peptide was then cyclized to yield a cyclic peptide.

[0149] Solid-phase peptide synthesis was carried out by sequentially incorporating the desired amino acid residues one at a time into the growing peptide chain coupled to a solidphase support according to the general principles of solid phase methods (see Merrifield, Angew Chem. 24:799-810 (1985) and Barany et al., The Peptides, Analysis, Synthesis and Biology, Vol. 2, Gross E. and Meienhofer J., Eds. Academic Press 1 -284 (1980)). An exemplary solid-phase synthesis of non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs is provided below.

[0150] Initially, the C-terminal amino acid residue of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog was coupled to a solid-phase support, e.g., a solid-phase resin.-69-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOCoupling of the C-terminal amino acid residue and the solid-phase support may be carried out according to any method know in the art. Depending on the coupling method, the alphaamine of the C-terminal amino acid residue may or may not be protected with an amine protecting group, as described below. Likewise, the carboxyl group of the amino acid residue may or may not be activated prior to coupling to the solid-phase support in order to increase its electrophilicity. Some methods of coupling rely on the formation of an ester bond between the carboxyl group of the amino acid and a reactive handle on the solid-phase resin. For example, an amino acid residue may be coupled to a p-benzyloxybenzyl alcohol resin (Wang) or a 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin via an ester linkage. Some methods of coupling rely on the formation of an aminde bond between the carboxyl group of the amino acid and a reactive handle on the solid-phase resin For example, an amino acid residue may be coupled to a benzhydrylamine (BHA) resin through an Fmoc-linker such as, for example, p- [(R,S)-a-[1 -(9H-fluor-en-9-yl)-methoxyformamido]-2,4-dimethyloxybenzyl]-phenoxyacetic acid (Rink linker) via an amide linkage.

[0151] The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog was then synthesized by sequential amino acid addition or combination of peptide fragments. Subsequently, the peptide was cleaved from the solid-phase support and purified by methods known in the art, such as, for example, reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) using a suitable column, such as a C18 column. Additionally, or alternatively, other methods of separation or purification were employed, including, but not limited to, methods based on the size or charge of the peptide. Once purified, the peptide was characterized by methods such as high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC), amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry, and the like.Example 2: Peptide Synthesis-Protecting Groups

[0152] During synthesis of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs, reactive side chain groups of the various amino acid residues were protected with suitable protecting groups, which prevented undesirable chemical reaction from occurring at that site until the protecting group was removed.

[0153] Additionally, protection of the alpha amino group of an amino acid residue or fragment was performed while that entity reacting with the carboxyl group, followed by the-70-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO selective removal of the alpha amino protecting group to allow a subsequent reaction to take place at that site. Specific protecting groups for solid phase synthesis methods and solution phase synthesis methods are known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Alpha amino groups were protected by a suitable protecting group, including a urethane-type protecting group, such as benzyloxycarbonyl (Z) and substituted benzyloxycarbonyl, such as p- chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-bromobenzyloxycarbonyl, p- biphenyl-isopropoxycarbonyl, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and p- methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl (Moz); aliphatic urethane-type protecting groups, such as t- butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), diisopropylmethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, and allyloxycarbonyl. Fmoc was also used for alpha amino protection. Guanidino groups, if present, were protected by a suitable protecting group, such as nitro, p-toluenesulfonyl (Tos), Z, pentamethylchromanesulfonyl (Pmc), adamantyloxycarbonyl, pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl (Pbf) and Boc. Pmc was used as a protecting group for Arg.

[0154] Alpha aminoprotecting groups may be removed under basic conditions, such as, for example, using a solution of piperidine, piperazine, diethylamine, or morpholine (20- 40% v / v) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). In synthesis methods in which alpha amino protecting groups were used, protecting groups were removed after synthesis of the peptide and before or after cleavage of the solid-phase support.Example 3: Peptide Synthesis-Additional Modifications

[0155] If necessary, the peptides were further modified to obtain N-terminus modifications, such as acetylation, while on resin, or were removed from the resin by use of a cleaving reagent and then modified. Likewise, C-terminus modification (e.g., amidation), was performed if needed.

[0156] Additionally, the cyclized peptide structures were obtained prior to cleavage from the peptide resin. For cyclization through reactive side chain moieties, the desired side chains were deprotected, and the peptide suspended in a suitable solvent and a cyclic coupling agent added. Suitable solvents, for example DMF, dichloromethane (DCM) or 1 - methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), were used for the cyclization. Suitable cyclic coupling reagents (e.g., 2-(1 H-benzotriazol-1 -yl)-1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU), 2-(1 H--71 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO benzotriazol-1 -yl)-1 ,1 ,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU), benzotriazole- 1 -yl-oxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (BOP), benzotriazole-1 -yl- oxy-tris(pyrrolidino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (PyBOP), 2-(7-aza-1 H-benzotriazol- 1 -yl)-1 ,1 , 3, 3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TATU), 2-(2-oxo-1 (2H)-pyridyl)-1 ,1 ,3,3- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TPTU), N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide / 1 - hydroxybenzotriazole (DCCI / HOBt)) were also used for the cyclization. Coupling was initiated by a suitable base, such as N,N-diispropylethylamine (DIPEA), sym-collidine or N- methylmorpholine (NMM).Example 4: Biological Data

[0157] The agonist and antagonist activity of exemplary non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs at the melanocortin receptors (e.g., MC1 R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R) were measured via cAMP accumulation assay, according to the following procedure. Experimental design and execution were conducted by Epics Therapeutics S.A. EuroscreenFast (Bruxelles, Belgium).Compound Handing

[0158] Compounds were delivered as powder (1 mg) or 10 mM solutions (100 pl) in 100% DMSO. Powders were solubilized in 100% DMSO at a concentration of 10 mM (master solution) in a solvent volume defined. Serial dilutions were performed from master solution in 100% DMSO to obtain intermediate concentrations 200-, 300- or 400-fold higher than the concentrations to be tested, depending on the assay. Each sample was diluted 100- fold in the assay buffer and dispensed in a test plate. Amounts, solvents, and dilutions were estimated based on standard small-molecule drugs. Cell lines used for functional assays are shown in Table 1 .Table 1. Cell lines-72-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOCompound Testing

[0159] Compounds were tested for (i) agonist and / or antagonist activity at the human MC3 (FAST-0232C) and MC4 (FAST-0233C) receptors, (ii) agonist activity at the human MC1 (FAST-0230C) receptor, and / or (iii) agonist activity at the human MC5 (FAST-0233C) receptor at the following nanomolar concentrations, in duplicate: 0.0001 , 0.001 , 0.01 , 0.03, 0.1 , 0.3, 1 , 10, 100, and 1 ,000.Testing Protocol

[0160] Cyclic AMP (cAMP) Homogenous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) assay for Gs coupled receptor:

[0161] CHO-K1 cells expressing recombinant human receptor grown prior to the test in media without antibiotic were detached by gentle flushing with PBS-EDTA (5 mM EDTA), recovered by centrifugation and resuspended in assay buffer (KRH: 5 mM KCI, 1.25 mM MgSO4, 124 mM NaCI, 25 mM HEPES, 13.3 mM Glucose, 1.25 mM KH2PO4, 1.45 mM CaCI2, 0.5 g / l BSA, supplemented with 1 mM IBMX or 25pM Rolipram).

[0162] Dose response curves were performed in parallel with the reference compounds.

[0163] For agonist test (384well): 5 pl of cells were mixed with 5 pl of the test compound at increasing concentrations and then incubated 30 min at room temperature. After addition of the lysis buffer containing cAMP-d2 and anti-cAMP cryptate detection reagents, plates were incubated 1 -hour at room temperature, and fluorescence ratios were measured according to the manufacturer specification, with the HTRF kit. Reference agonist NDP-a- MSH (Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val (SEQ ID NO: 256)) was also tested as a comparator.

[0164] For antagonist test (384well): 5 pl of cells were mixed in the wells of an assay plate with 5 pl of a mix of the test compound at increasing concentrations for a final concentration corresponding to the historical EC80. The plates were then incubated 30 min at room temperature. After addition of the lysis buffer containing cAMP-d2 and anti-cAMP cryptate detection reagents, plates were incubated 1 -hour at room temperature, and fluorescence ratios were measured according to the manufacturer specification, with the-73-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOHTRF kit. Reference antagonist SHU9119 (Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Nal-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 257)) was also tested as a comparator.Quality Control for Compound Testing

[0165] On each day of experimentation and prior to the testing of compounds, reference compounds were tested at several concentrations in duplicate (n=2) to obtain a dose-response curve and an estimated EC50 and / or IC50 values.

[0166] Reference values thus obtained for the test were compared to historical values obtained from the same receptor and used to validate the experimental session.

[0167] A session was considered as valid only if the reference value was found to be within a 0.5 logs interval from the historical value.

[0168] For replicate determinations, the maximum variability tolerated in the test was of + / -20% around the average of the replicates.Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog grouping

[0169] Group A included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs A1 to A20, all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe. Group A melanocortin analogs also comprise Ala or dAla at the N-terminus and dVal-dPro at the C-terminus. Group A non- naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 2.Table 2. Group A Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs-74-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0170] Group B included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs B1 to B23, all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may include substitution of His for Pro and / or substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe. Group B melanocortin analogs also comprise dAsn or dGIn at the N-terminus and dVal-dPro at the C-terminus. Group B non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 3.Table 3. Group B Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs-75-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0171] Group C included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs C1 to C1 1 , all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may include substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe. Group 0 melanocortin analogs also comprise Glu at the N-terminus and an extended C-terminus. Group C non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 4.Table 4. Group C Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs

[0172] Group D included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs D1 to D24, all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may include substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe. Group D melanocortin analogs-76-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO also comprise Nle at the N-terminus and Arg or dArg at the C-terminus. Group D non- naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 5.Table 5. Group D Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs

[0173] Group E included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs E1 to E13, all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may include substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe or p(CI)dPhe and / or substitution of dTrp for Trp. Group E melanocortin analogs also comprise Nle at the N- terminus and dVal-dPro at the C-terminus. Group E non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 6.-77-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOTable 6. Group E Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs

[0174] Group F included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs F1 to F8, all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may include substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe or p(CI)dPhe. Group F melanocortin analogs also comprise either no amino acid at the N-terminus, or Nle at the N- terminus, and dVal-dPro at the C-terminus. Group F non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 7.Table 7. Group F Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs-78-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0175] Group G included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs G1 to G11 , all of which are cyclic peptides comprising the motif His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 259), or a derivative thereof. Derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 259 may include substitution of p(F)dPhe for another aromatic amino acid, such as, for example, dPhe. Group G melanocortin analogs also comprise an Nle N-terminus, as well as a dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro C-terminus. Group G non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs are provided in Table 8.Table 8. Group G Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs

[0176] Group H included non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog H1 , which is a cyclic peptide comprising the motif His-dPhe-Pro-Trp (SEQ ID NO: 258). The Group H melanocortin analog also comprises Nle at the N-terminus and linear C-terminal amino acids. Group H non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs is provided in Table 9.Table 9. Group H Non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs-79-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAgonist activity of melanocortin analogs on melanocortin 1 receptor and melanocortin 5 receptor

[0177] Administration of all the exemplary non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs activated melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1 R) and melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R) activity, as measured by cAMP levels (Table 10).Table 10. Dose-response results of melanocortin analogs and control against the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1 R) and the melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R)-80-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO-81-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO-82-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO** = 1 nM to 100 nM* = > 100 nMA — > 80% EmaxB = 50 - 80% EmaxC = < 50% EmaxAgonist activity of melanocortin analogs on melanocortin 3 receptor and melanocortin 4 receptor

[0178] Administration of all the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs activated melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) activity, as measured by cAMP levels (Table 11 ).Table 11. Dose-response results of melanocortin analogs and control against the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)-83-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO-84-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO-85-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO*** = < 1 nM** = 1 nM to 100 nM* = > 100 nMA — > 80% EmaxB = 50 - 80% EmaxC = < 50% EmaxAntaoonist activity of melanocortin analogs on melanocortin 3 receptor and melanocortin 4 receptor

[0179] Administration of none of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analogs inhibited melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) activity, as measured by cAMP levels (Table 12).Table 12. Dose-response results of melanocortin analogs and control against the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)-86-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO-87-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO-88-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO*** = < 1 nM** = 1 nM to 100 nM* = > 100 nMA — > 80% EmaxB = 50 - 80% EmaxC = < 50% EmaxAdditional Embodiments

[0180] Various embodiments of the present technology are set forth below in paragraphs

[0181] to

[0237] :

[0181] 1. A non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (IA):-89-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4( I A) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent, or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle, either (i) R2is Lys and R6is dTrp, or (ii) R2is Orn and R5is absent,-90-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i)R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

[0182] 2. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of embodiment 1 , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of:-91 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 2);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 4);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 7);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 13);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 14);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 15);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 16);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 17);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);-92-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 23);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 26);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 28);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 30);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 31 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 32);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 33);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 34);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 35);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 36);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 37);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 38);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 39);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 40);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 41 );Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 42);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 43);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);-93-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 48);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 49);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 50);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 52);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 53);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 54);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 55);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 59);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 64);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 65);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 66);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 67);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 68);-94-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 71 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 72);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 73);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 74);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 76);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 77);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );-95-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 ); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);-96-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0183] 3. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the sequence of Formula (I) is a sequence of Formula (IA(i)):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4( I A(i)) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;-97-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOY3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

[0184] 4. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);-98-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);-99-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );-100-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 ); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);-101 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0185] 5. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the sequence of Formula (I) or (IA) is a sequence of Formula (IB):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4(IB), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);-102-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOY2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R6is dTrp, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO then R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and R2is not Asp when Y3is dVal.

[0186] 6. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);-103-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);-104-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143),-105-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0187] 7. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the sequence of Formula (I) or (IA) is a sequence of Formula (IC):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1- Y2- Y3-Y4( I C) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that:-106-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad, when R2is is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then R7is Lys or Dab, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu, when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and (ii) R2is not Orn when R1is Glu.

[0188] 8. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 4 and 7, wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu,-107-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)-108-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112) c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 );Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

[0189] 9. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the N-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is acylated.

[0190] 10. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the N-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is acetylated.

[0191] 11. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the N-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is not modified.

[0192] 12. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 1 1 , wherein the C-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is amidated.

[0193] 13. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 1 1 , wherein the C-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is not modified.-109-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0194] 14. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein R3is His or Pro.

[0195] 15. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro.

[0196] 16. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein R1is dGIn.

[0197] 17. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dGln-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 145);Ac-dGln-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 146);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 147);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 148);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 149);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 150);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 151 );Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 152);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 153);Ac-dGln-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 154); andAc-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 155), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0198] 18. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein R1is dAsn.-110-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0199] 19. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15 and 18, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 156);Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 157);Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 158);Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 159);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 160);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 161 );Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 162);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 163);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 164);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 165);Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 166); andAc-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 167), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0200] 20. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein R1is Ala.

[0201] 21. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15 and 20, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2;Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 168);Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 169);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 170);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 171 );-111 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Ala-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 172);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 173);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 174);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 175);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 176);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 177), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0202] 22. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein R1is dAla.

[0203] 23. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 15 and 22, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAla-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 178);Ac-dAla-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 179);Ac-dAla-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 180);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 181 );Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 182);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 183);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 184);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 185);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 186); andAc-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 187), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0204] 24. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro.-112-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0205] 25. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 24, wherein R5is Arg.

[0206] 26. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 24, and 25, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is: Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 188), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0207] 27. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 24, wherein R6is dTrp.

[0208] 28. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 24, and 27, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 190);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 191 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 192);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 193);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 194);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 195);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 196);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 197);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 198);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 199);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 200);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 201 ); and Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 202), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.-113-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0209] 29. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein R1is Nle, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab.

[0210] 30. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is Arg.

[0211] 31. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 29, and 30, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 203);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 204);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 205);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 206);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 207);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 208);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 212);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 213); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 214), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0212] 32. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is dArg.

[0213] 33. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 29, and 32, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:-114-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 215);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 216);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 217);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 219);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 221 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 222);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 224);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 225); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 226), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0214] 34. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is dVal, Y2is dVal, Y3is dVal, and Y4is dPro.

[0215] 35. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 29, and 34, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 227);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 228);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 229);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 230);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 231 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 232);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 233);-115-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 234);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 235);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 236); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 237), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0216] 36. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is dPro, Y2is dPro, Y3is Lys, and Y4is Asp.

[0217] 37. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 29, and 36, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Glu-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Dab]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 238);Ac-Glu-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Dab]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 239);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 240);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 241 );Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 242);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 243);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Orn]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 244);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Orn]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 245);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 246);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 247); andAc-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 248), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0218] 38. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14 and 29, wherein R1is Nle, R3is His, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, Y1is dVal, and Y2is dPro.-116-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO

[0219] 39. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 29, and 38, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 249); Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 250); and Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 251 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0220] 40. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, 29, and 38, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal- dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 252); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 253); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 254); and c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 255), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

[0221] 41. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in a pharmaceutical composition.

[0222] 42. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of embodiment 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutical salt.

[0223] 43. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of embodiment 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutical carrier.

[0224] 44. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of embodiment 43, wherein the pharmaceutical carrier comprises water.

[0225] 45. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.1 mg / mL to 500 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0226] 46. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present-117-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO in the composition in a concentration of 5 mg / mL to 100 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0227] 47. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 41 to 46, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of about 50 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

[0228] 48. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 47, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered via intraperitoneal, intravenous, parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracerebroventricular, intranasal, or oral administration.

[0229] 49. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 41 to 48, wherein the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject parenterally.

[0230] 50. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 40 to 49, wherein the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

[0231] 51. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog crosses the blood-brain-barrier of the subject.

[0232] 52. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 51 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is from 0.001 mg / kg to 25 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

[0233] 53. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is from 0.5 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

[0234] 54. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 53, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is-118-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from 0.001 mg / kg to 25 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

[0235] 55. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 54, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

[0236] 56. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 55, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject for at least 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

[0237] 57. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of embodiments 1 to 55, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the 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.

[0238] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the present technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the present technology is not limited except as by the appended claims.-119-168577925.2

Claims

1. Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOCLAIMS l / We claim:

1. A non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog comprising a sequence of Formula (IA):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4( I A) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent, or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and-120-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R4is p(CI)dPhe, then R1is Nle, either (i) R2is Lys and R6is dTrp, or (ii) R2is Orn and R5is absent, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i)R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.

2. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of claim 1 , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is selected from the group consisting of D-phenylalanine (dPhe), para-fluoro-D- phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe), and para-chloro-D-phenylalanine (p(CI)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;-121 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOY1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 2);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 4);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 7);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 13);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 14);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 15);-122-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 16);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 17);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 23);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 26);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 28);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 30);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 31 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 32);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 33);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 34);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 35);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 36);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 37);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 38);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 39);-123-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 40);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 41 );Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 42);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 43);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 44);Ac-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 45);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 46);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 47);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 48);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 49);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 50);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 51 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 52);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 53);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 54);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 55);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 56);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 57);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 58);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 59);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 60);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 61 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 62);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 63);-124-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[0rn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 64);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 65);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 66);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 67);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 68);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 71 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 72);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 73);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 74);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Pro-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 76);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Pro-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 77);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)-125-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130);-126-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 ); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

3. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sequence of Formula (I) is a sequence of Formula (I A(i)):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2-Y3-Y4( I A(i)) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);-127-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R3is Pro, then R1is dAsn, and R4is p(F)dPhe, when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, and (a) R4is dPhe, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad or (b) R4is p(CI)dPhe, R5is absent, and R7is Glu, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then either (i) R4is dPhe and R7is Lys or Dab; or (ii) R4is p(F)dPhe and R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and (i) R4is p(F)dPhe, Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala or (ii) R4is dPhe, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, (ii) R2is not Orn when R4is dPhe and R1is Glu, and (iii) R2is not Asp when R4is p(F)dPhe and Y3is dVal.-128-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO4. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe) or para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is absent or arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);-129-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 8);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);-130-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112)Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);-131 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 ); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143); andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

5. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sequence of Formula (I) or (IA) is a sequence of Formula (IB):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1-Y2- Y3- Y4(IB), wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);-132-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R6is dTrp, when R2is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO then R7is Dab or Lys, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu and Y3is absent, and either R2is not Glu or R5is dTrp, wherein when R2is Asp, then R1is not Ala, and when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and R2is not Asp when Y3is dVal.-133-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO6. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is para-fluoro-D-phenylalanine (p(F)dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 5);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 8);-134-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 18);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 19);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 20);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 21 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 22);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 27);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 1 13);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 114);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 115);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 116);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 117);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 1 18)Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 119);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 120);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 121 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 122)Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 123);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 124);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 125)Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 126);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 127);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 128);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 129)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 130);-135-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 132);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 135);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 136);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 137);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 138);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 139);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 140);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 141 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 142); and Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 143), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

7. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sequence of Formula (I) or (IA) is a sequence of Formula (IC):R1- R2- R3- R4- R5- R6- R7- Y1- Y2- Y3-Y4( I C) , wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);R7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;-136-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOY1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that: when R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R5is present and either (i) R6is dTrp, or (ii) R6is Trp, R5is Arg, and R7is dOrn, Dab, or Aad, when R2is is CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, then R7is Lys or Dab, when R1is not absent or Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro, then R1is not Glu, when Y1-Y2is not dVal-dPro then (i) Y2is not dVal when Y1is dPro, and (ii) R2is not Orn when R1is Glu.

8. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, wherein:R1is absent or is selected from the group consisting of norleucine (Nle), alanine (Ala), D-alanine (dAla), D-asparagine (dAsn), glutamic acid (Glu), and D-glutamine (dGIn);R2is selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid (Asp), Glu, lysine (Lys), ornithine (Orn), aminoadipic acid (Aad), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), and CO-cis-CH=CH- CO;R3is proline (Pro) or histidine (His),R4is D-phenylalanine (dPhe);R5is arginine (Arg);R6is selected from the group consisting of tryptophan (Trp), tryptyl-glycine (Trp- Gly),and D-tryptophan (dTrp);-137-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOR7is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Orn, D-ornithine (dOrn), Asp, Glu, Aad, and Dab;Y1is selected from the group consisting of dVal, dPro, Arg, and D-arginine (dArg);Y2is absent, dVal, or dPro;Y3is absent, Lys, or dVal;Y4is absent, Asp, or dPro; and the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is cyclized through a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Glu, Asp, Aad, or CO-cis-CH=CH-CO, R3is His, R4is p(F)dPhe or dPhe, and R7is Lys, dOrn, Orn, or Dab; a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Dab and R7is Aad, and a lactam bond between R2and R7when R2is Orn, or Lys, R3is His, and R7is Asp, or Glu, provided that the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog does not comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 3);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 6);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 9);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 10);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 11 );Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 12);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 24);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 25);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-Pro-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 29);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 94);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 95);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 96);-138-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 97);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 98);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 99);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 100);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 101 )Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 102);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 103);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 104);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 105);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 106)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 107);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 108)Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 109);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 110);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 111 );Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-OH (SEQ ID NO: 112) c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 131 );Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 133);Ac-Glu-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 134);andAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dPro-dVal-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 144), wherein c represents cyclization through a lactam bond between R2and R7.

9. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the N-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is acylated.-139-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO10. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the N-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is acetylated.1 1 . The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the N-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is not modified.

12. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the C-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is amidated.

13. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the C-terminus of the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is not modified.

14. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein R3is His or Pro.

15. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab, and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro.

16. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein R1is dGIn.

17. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: Ac-dGln-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 145);Ac-dGln-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 146);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 147);Ac-dGln-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 148);Ac-dGln-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 149);-140-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dGln-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 150);Ac-dGln-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 151 );Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 152);Ac-dGln-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 153);Ac-dGln-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 154); andAc-dGln-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 155), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

18. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein R1is dAsn.

19. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15 and 18, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 156);Ac-dAsn-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 157);Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 158);Ac-dAsn-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 159);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 160);Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 161 );Ac-dAsn-c[Dab-Pro-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 162);Ac-dAsn-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 163);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 164);Ac-dAsn-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 165);Ac-dAsn-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 166); andAc-dAsn-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 167),-141 -168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

20. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein R1is Ala.

21. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15 and 20, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2;Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 168);Ac-Ala-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 169);Ac-Ala-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 170);Ac-Ala-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 171 );Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 172);Ac-Ala-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 173);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 174);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 175);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 176);Ac-Ala-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 177), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

22. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein R1is dAla.

23. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 15 and 22, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:-142-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-dAla-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 178);Ac-dAla-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 179);Ac-dAla-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 180);Ac-dAla-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 181 );Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 182);Ac-dAla-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 183);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 184);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 185);Ac-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 186); andAc-dAla-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 187), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

24. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein R1is Nle and Y1-Y2is dVal-dPro.

25. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 24, wherein R5is Arg.

26. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 24, and 25, wherein the sequence of any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is: Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His- p(CI)dPhe-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 188), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

27. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 24, wherein R6is dTrp.-143-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO28. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 24, and 27, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 190);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 191 );Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 192);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Lys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 193);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 194);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 195);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 196);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 197);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 198);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(CI)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 199);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Asp]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 200);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 201 ); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-dTrp-Glu]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 202), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

29. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein R1is Nle, R2is Asp, Glu, Lys, Orn, Dab, or Aad, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, and R7is Lys, Orn, Asp, Glu, Aad, or Dab.

30. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is Arg.-144-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO31 . The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 29, and 30, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 203);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 204);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 205);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 206);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 207);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 208);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 209);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 210);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 211 );Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 212);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 213); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Arg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 214), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

32. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is dArg.

33. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 29, and 32, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 215);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 216);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 217);-145-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 218);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 219);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 220);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 221 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 222);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 223);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 224);Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 225); andAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dArg-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 226), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

34. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is dVal, Y2is dVal, Y3is dVal, and Y4is dPro.

35. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 29, and 34, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 227);Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 228);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 229);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 230);Ac-Nle-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 231 );Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 232);Ac-Nle-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 233);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 234);Ac-Nle-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Asp]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 235);-146-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WOAc-Nle-c[Orn-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 236); and Ac-Nle-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Glu]-dVal-dVal-dVal-dPro-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 237), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

36. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 29, wherein Y1is dPro, Y2is dPro, Y3is Lys, and Y4is Asp.

37. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 29, and 36, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Glu-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Dab]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 238);Ac-Glu-c[Aad-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Dab]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 239);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 240);Ac-Glu-c[Asp-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 241 );Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 242);Ac-Glu-c[Dab-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Aad]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 243);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Orn]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 244);Ac-Glu-c[Glu-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Orn]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 245);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 246);Ac-Glu-c[Lys-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Asp]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2 (SEQ ID NO: 247); andAc-Glu-c[Orn-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Glu]-dPro-dPro-Lys-Asp-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 248), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

38. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 29, wherein R1is Nle, R3is His, R5is Arg, R6is Trp, Y1is dVal, and Y2is dPro.-147-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO39. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 29, and 38, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of:Ac-Nle-c[Aad-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 249);Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-dOrn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 250); andAc-Nle-c[Dab-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Aad]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 251 ), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.

40. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 14, 29, and 38, wherein the sequence any one of Formulae (l)-(IC) is selected from the group consisting of: c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-Dab]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 252); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-l_ys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 253); c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-l_ys]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 254); and c[CO-cis-CH=CH-CO-His-p(F)dPhe-Arg-Trp-Orn]-dVal-dPro-NH2(SEQ ID NO: 255), wherein c represents cyclization through R2and R7via a lactam bond.41 . The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in a pharmaceutical composition.

42. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of claim 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutical salt.

43. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of claim 41 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutical carrier.

44. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of claim 43, wherein the pharmaceutical carrier comprises water.-148-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO45. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 0.1 mg / mL to 500 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

46. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of 5 mg / mL to 100 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

47. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is present in the composition in a concentration of about 50 mg / mL, relative to a total volume of the composition.

48. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered via intraperitoneal, intravenous, parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracerebroventricular, intranasal, or oral administration.

49. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 41 to48, wherein the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject parenterally.

50. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 40 to49, wherein the composition comprising the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject subcutaneously.51 . The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog crosses the blood-brain-barrier of the subject.-149-168577925.2Docket No.: 183B-412973-WO52. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 51 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is from 0.001 mg / kg to 25 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

53. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is from 0.5 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

54. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog 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.

55. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered at least once daily in an amount ranging from about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg per body weight of the subject.

56. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the subject for at least 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.

57. The non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog of any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the non-naturally occurring melanocortin analog is administered to the 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.-150-168577925.2

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