Description
PT-141 (also Bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from the metabolic profile of Melanotan-2. Unlike MT-2, PT-141 does not act primarily on pigmentation pathways but rather as a high-affinity agonist at melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R, with a particular focus on the MC4R pathway in the central nervous system.
In research, PT-141 ranks among the most-investigated compounds in the field of melanocortinergic mechanisms of sexual function. Unlike classical PDE-5 inhibitors that modulate vasodilation peripherally, PT-141 acts centrally via hypothalamic melanocortin receptor systems. In research models, effects on sexual arousal and libido were observed in both male and female subjects.
Bioavailability following subcutaneous administration in research settings is high, with a Tmax of approximately 60 minutes and a half-life of two to three hours. PT-141 is primarily renally cleared, with minimal plasma protein binding. Studies on co-administration with sildenafil showed enhanced effects compared to monotherapy in preclinical setups.
Clinically, PT-141 received approval as Vyleesi in the US in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, making the research database particularly robust compared to many other peptides. In addition to the primary sexual research applications, effects on appetite-regulating pathways and melanocortinergic stress response are also being investigated.
You can order PT-141 in 10-vial packs at 10mg per vial.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
PT-141 has a comparatively robust clinical database through its approval as Vyleesi, but per study reports it shows a defined side-effect profile via central melanocortin activation.
Documented in studies and user reports:
- Nausea: nausea is the most frequently documented observation following application and can be pronounced depending on the dose.
- Flushing and headache: facial flushing, warmth and headache are regularly described in the literature.
- Blood pressure changes: clinical studies documented transient blood pressure increases and a slight drop in heart rate, mostly transient.
- Pigment changes: through melanocortin activity, darkening of skin, moles or freckles is possible with repeated exposure.
- Injection site: redness or pressure at the injection site is among the common observations.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Bremelanotide for Female Sexual Dysfunctions in Premenopausal Women: Phase IIb Trial - Womens Health 2016: Phase IIb data on dose-dependent effects in female sexual research.
- Effect on Subjective Sexual Response in Premenopausal Women with Sexual Arousal Disorder - Journal of Sexual Medicine 2006: Classical study on the effect of intranasal PT-141.
- 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 - International Journal of Impotence Research 2004: Double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study of intranasal PT-141 in healthy men: plasma levels rose dose-dependently, the half-life was about 2 hours and the most common adverse events were flushing and nausea.
- Bremelanotide: First Approval - Drugs 2019: Approval review and clinical efficacy database.
