The present invention is directed to a compound according to the formula: €ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ Ac-Arg-c(Cys-D-Ala-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Cys)-NH 2 and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof. This compound acts as a ligand for one or more of the melanocortin receptors. The invention also relates to methods of using this compound to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compound.