PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist derived from Melanotan II, specifically developed for sexual dysfunction. PT-141 was designed to retain the sexual function effects of Melanotan II while minimizing tanning and other off-target effects. The peptide activates MC4R receptors in the central nervous system, stimulating sexual desire and arousal through neural pathways rather than vascular mechanisms (unlike PDE5 inhibitors). In 2019, PT-141 (Vyleesi) became the first FDA-approved treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, representing a novel mechanism of action in sexual medicine.
| Research Status | FDA approved |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | 2-4 hours |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Dosage | 1.75 mg as needed |
| Molecular Weight | 1,025.2 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C50H68N14O10 |
MC3R and MC4R agonist that acts centrally to increase sexual desire without direct vascular effects.
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.