PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Bremelanotide · Vyleesi

Rank#999
Sexual HealthApprovedApprovedPrescriptionSubQIntranasal

Popular for:Sexual dysfunction, FDA-approved for HSDD, melanocortin agonist

0

Total Studies

0

Human Studies

Approved

Evidence Level

Approved

FDA Status

Overview

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist that is FDA-approved under the brand name Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is the only FDA-approved peptide that works through the central nervous system to address sexual dysfunction.

Originally derived from Melanotan II research, PT-141 was developed after researchers noticed sexual arousal effects during tanning peptide trials. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) which work on blood flow, PT-141 acts on the brain's melanocortin system to influence desire and arousal.

Mechanism of Action

PT-141 activates melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates sexual behavior and arousal. This central mechanism of action distinguishes it from vascular-based treatments. It does not directly affect blood flow but rather modulates the neural pathways involved in sexual desire and arousal.

Key Research Benefits

FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women (Vyleesi)
Works through CNS melanocortin pathways (not vascular)
Studied for both male and female sexual dysfunction
Only peptide FDA-approved for sexual function
Does not require sexual stimulation to take effect

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

0

Total Studies

0

Human Studies

FDA-approved as Vyleesi (2019) for HSDD in premenopausal women. Available via prescription. Also available as research compound.

Key Studies / PubMed References

Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Review

Sweeney P, Gimenez LE, Hernandez CC, et al. · Nature reviews. Endocrinology · 2023

PMID: 37365323

Medical Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction.

Review

Nappi RE, Tiranini L, Martini E, et al. · The Urologic clinics of North America · 2022

PMID: 35428435

Bremelanotide for Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire.

Review

Edinoff AN, Sanders NM, Lewis KB, et al. · Neurology international · 2022

PMID: 35076581

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women: Physiology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Review

Pettigrew JA, Novick AM · Journal of midwifery & women's health · 2021

PMID: 34510696

Bremelanotide: First Approval.

Human Study

Dhillon S, Keam SJ · Drugs · 2019

PMID: 31429064

Side Effects & Safety

Nausea (most common, ~40% in trials)
Facial flushing
Headache
Injection site reactions
Transient blood pressure elevation

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for PT-141 (Bremelanotide) yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.