BMS-470539 is a small-molecule experimental drug which acts as a potent and highly selective full agonist of the MC<sub>1</sub> receptor. It was discovered in 2003 as part of an effort to understand the role of the MC<sub>1</sub> receptor in immunomodulation, and has since been used in scientific research to determine its role in inflammatory processes. The compound was designed with the intention of mimicking the central His-Phe-Arg-Trp pharmacophore of the melanocortins, and this proved to be successful based on its favorable pharmacodynamic profile.