Overview
PT-141 is classified as a melanocortin agonist peptide. Sexual arousal, libido.
Central melanocortin pathway. Activates MC4R in the CNS to stimulate sexual desire through brain pathways rather than vascular effects.
Also known as: Bremelanotide, Vyleesi
Category
Melanocortin Agonist
Half-Life
2.7h
Route
SubQ
FDA Status
Approved
How Does PT-141 Work?
Central melanocortin pathway. Activates MC4R in the CNS to stimulate sexual desire through brain pathways rather than vascular effects.
At the molecular level, PT-141 operates through pathways characteristic of the Melanocortin Agonist class, interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades to produce its observed effects.
Published Research
The following studies are indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals:
[1]PT-141 (Bremelanotide) for hypoactive sexual desire Phase 3
Kingsberg et al. (Obstet. & Gynecol.): Two identical Phase 3 RECONNECT trials showing bremelanotide significantly improves sexual desire and reduces distress in premenopausal women with HSDD.
Evidence: very strong[2]Bremelanotide Phase 3 efficacy and safety in HSDD
Clayton et al.: Phase 3 data confirming statistically significant improvements in desire metrics with favorable safety profile (nausea, flushing, headache). Led to FDA approval.
Evidence: very strong[3]PT-141 induces erection in men with erectile dysfunction
Diamond et al.: Double-blind, placebo-controlled study showing PT-141 induces significant erectile response at >7mg doses, effective even in PDE5 inhibitor non-responders.
Evidence: strong[4]Bremelanotide mechanism of action and pharmacology review
Comprehensive review of bremelanotide's MC4R mechanism, pharmacokinetics, clinical trial efficacy, and safety data across male and female sexual dysfunction studies.
Evidence: strong[5]Strategies for Treating Sexual Health Concerns After Breast and Gynecologic Cancer.
A 2025 review found that pharmacological agents like bremelanotide demonstrated efficacy for managing low sexual desire in breast and gynecologic cancer survivors. The analysis investigated multimodal treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for individualized care to address treatment-related sexual dysfunction.
Evidence: moderate[6]Gateways to clinical trials.
A study published in Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[7]Gateways to clinical trials.
A study published in Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[8]Gateways to clinical trials.
A study published in Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[9]Gateways to clinical trials.
A study published in Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[10]Gateways to clinical trials.
A study published in Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[11]Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacodynamic effects of intranasal PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist, in healthy males and patients with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction.
A study published in International journal of impotence research investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[12]PT-141: a melanocortin agonist for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
A study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[13]Evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of subcutaneously administered PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist, in healthy male subjects and in patients with an inadequate response to Viagra.
A study published in International journal of impotence research investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[14]Co-administration of low doses of intranasal PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist, and sildenafil to men with erectile dysfunction results in an enhanced erectile response.
A study published in Urology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[15][Therapy of erectile dysfunction in 2005].
A study published in Der Urologe. Ausg. A investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[16]Gateways to clinical trials.
A study published in Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[17]Melanocortin receptors, melanotropic peptides and penile erection.
A study published in Current topics in medicinal chemistry investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[18]Selective facilitation of sexual solicitation in the female rat by a melanocortin receptor agonist.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[19]An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist.
A study published in The journal of sexual medicine investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety Profile
Nausea/hypertension possible. FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for HSDD in premenopausal women. Limited to 8 doses/month.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | ~40% of users | moderate |
| Flushing | ~20% of users | mild |
| Headache | ~10% of users | mild |
| Transient blood pressure increase | ~8% of users | moderate |
Sourcing PT-141 for Research
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Full Research Profile
PT-141 — dosing, interactions, timelines & more
Comprehensive compound profile with sourcing information, stacking synergies, and outcome timelines.