An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder with central nervous system mechanism.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that was developed from Melanotan II. It was approved by the FDA in 2019 as Vyleesi for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women — the first and only centrally-acting pharmacological treatment for female sexual dysfunction. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) which work peripherally by increasing genital blood flow, PT-141 acts centrally through melanocortin receptors in the hypothalamus and limbic system, directly activating the neural circuits responsible for sexual desire and arousal. This central mechanism makes it effective for both men and women and in cases where PDE5 inhibitors have failed, as it addresses the motivational/desire component of sexual function rather than the vascular component.
* Benefits based on preclinical/animal research unless otherwise noted.
PT-141 activates melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus and limbic system. MC4R activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is particularly important for sexual function; it triggers the release of dopamine in the mesolimbic system (the brain’s reward pathway), activating neural circuits associated with sexual motivation and arousal. MC3R activation in the arcuate nucleus modulates energy homeostasis and may contribute to appetite suppression. Unlike Melanotan II, PT-141 has minimal MC1R activity (responsible for skin tanning), making it more selective for sexual function. The peptide also activates oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus, contributing to its pro-social and intimacy-enhancing effects. PT-141 does not affect blood pressure through the same mechanism as PDE5 inhibitors, though transient blood pressure increases have been observed.
Protocol Notes: Administer 45–60 minutes before desired activity. Start with 1 mg to assess tolerance. Nausea is common at higher doses.
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL For 1 mg dose: draw 0.2 mL (20 units on U-100 syringe)
When sourcing PT-141 for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use.
Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 30 days.
The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.
Strong Evidence — Multiple randomized controlled trials with high confidence in efficacy and safety data.
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