The invention describes peptide analogues of a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), which posses an increased efficacy compared to the native .alpha.-MSH peptide. The .alpha.-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to .alpha.-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.