PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
An FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, also studied for broader sexual dysfunction.
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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
What is PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
PT-141, known pharmaceutically as Bremelanotide (brand name Vyleesi), is an FDA-approved peptide medication for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It works through the melanocortin system in the brain rather than through hormonal or vascular mechanisms, representing a novel approach to sexual dysfunction treatment. Phase 3 RECONNECT trials demonstrated significant improvements in sexual desire and reduced distress. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra), PT-141 acts centrally on desire rather than peripherally on blood flow.
Why People Talk About It
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
StrongFemale sexual dysfunction
StrongMale erectile dysfunction
ModerateCentral nervous system-mediated arousal
ModerateHow It Works
PT-141 works in the brain's desire centers rather than the body's plumbing. It activates melanocortin receptors that influence sexual desire and arousal at the neurological level, which is why it works differently from drugs like Viagra.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Nausea is common and can be significant
- • Not for use with certain cardiovascular conditions
- • Maximum 8 doses per month recommended
- • Can cause temporary blood pressure changes
What We Don't Know
Long-term effects of repeated melanocortin receptor activation are being monitored through post-marketing surveillance.
Published Research
36 studiesFemale Sexual Desire, Arousal, and Orgasmic Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Treatment Options
Re-Analyzing Phase III Bremelanotide Trials for "Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder" in Women
Female Sexual Dysfunction and the Placebo Effect: A Meta-analysis
Bremelanotide: New Drug Approved for Treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Safety Profile of Bremelanotide Across the Clinical Development Program
Prespecified and Integrated Subgroup Analyses from the RECONNECT Phase 3 Studies of Bremelanotide
The Patient Experience of Premenopausal Women Treated with Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: RECONNECT Exit Study Results
Responder Analyses from a Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study of Bremelanotide
Phase I Randomized Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Study of the Safety and Tolerability of Bremelanotide Coadministered With Ethanol in Healthy Male and Female Participants
Usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to assess the melanocortin receptor agonist bremelanotide
Bremelanotide for female sexual dysfunctions in premenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled dose-finding trial
Salvage of sildenafil failures with bremelanotide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study
An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist
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
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
Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials
PT-141: a melanocortin agonist for the treatment of sexual dysfunction
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
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
Gateways to clinical trials
Small Effects, Questionable Outcomes: Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
An evaluation of bremelanotide injection for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Bremelanotide for Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire
Bremelanotide and flibanserin for low sexual desire in women: the fallacy of regulatory precedent
Bremelanotide: First Approval
Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Bremelanotide
Bremelanotide
PT-141 Palatin
The neurobiology of bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women
Female Syrian hamster analyses of bremelanotide, a US FDA approved drug for the treatment of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist Bremelanotide Induces Cell Death and Growth Inhibition in Glioblastoma Cells via Suppression of Survivin Expression
Effect of bremelanotide on body weight of obese women: Data from two phase 1 randomized controlled trials
LC-HRMS characterization of the skin pigmentation and sexual enhancers melanotan II and bremelanotide sold on the black market of performance and image enhancing drugs
Failure of a Meta-analysis: A Commentary on Glen Spielmans's "Re-Analyzing Phase III Bremelanotide Trials for 'Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women'"
Ultra-sensitive quantification of the therapeutic cyclic peptide bremelanotide utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS for evaluation of its oral plasma pharmacokinetics
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
Related Peptides
Melanotan II
EmergingA synthetic melanocortin peptide studied for tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression. Not FDA-approved; the FDA has issued public warnings against its use.
Kisspeptin
ModerateA naturally occurring neuropeptide that plays a central role in reproductive hormone regulation and fertility.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
- Evidence
- Strong
- Safety
- Well-Studied
- Updated
- Mar 2026
- Citations
- 36PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
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