PT-141
Bremelanotide
Overview
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a melanocortin receptor agonist originally developed from Melanotan II research and FDA-approved in 2019 under the brand name Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women — making it the first pharmacological treatment for female sexual dysfunction. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors that work on blood vessel mechanics PT-141 acts centrally in the brain on the melanocortin system to directly enhance sexual desire and arousal in both men and women. It has a strong clinical evidence base from its FDA approval pathway and is widely used off-label for sexual enhancement in both sexes.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C50H68N14O10
Molecular Weight
1025.20 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(3S,6S,9R,12S,15S,23S)-15-[[(2S)-2-acetamidohexanoyl]amino]-9-benzyl-6-[3-(diaminomethylideneamino)propyl]-12-(1H-imidazol-5-ylmethyl)-3-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,18-hexazacyclotricosane-23-carboxylic acid
PubChem CID
9941379Where does PT-141 sit?
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Mechanism of Action
PT-141 acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with affinity for MC1R MC3R MC4R and MC5R receptors. Its sexual function effects are primarily mediated through MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus and limbic system — brain regions controlling sexual motivation reward and arousal. Unlike erectile dysfunction drugs that act peripherally on blood vessels PT-141 works centrally to increase sexual desire at the neurological level. MC4R activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus increases dopamine release in mesolimbic reward circuits and activates the autonomic nervous system pathways that produce genital arousal. This central mechanism means PT-141 can be effective for both psychological and physiological components of sexual dysfunction.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
1.75 mg (FDA-approved dose for HSDD)
Frequency
As needed, at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. Maximum once per 24 hours.
Administration
Subcutaneous injection (auto-injector pen for approved use)
Notes
FDA-approved specifically for HSDD in premenopausal women. Off-label use in men typically uses 0.5-2mg doses. Blood pressure monitoring recommended as it can cause transient hypotension.
Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection (auto-injector pen for approved use)
- Typical Dose
- 1.75 mg (FDA-approved dose for HSDD)
- Frequency
- As needed, at least 45 minutes before sexual activity. Maximum once per 24 hours.
- References
- 0 curated + 0 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 10.0 / 100