PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Research profile · How we handle evidence
Bremelanotide (PT-141) is an FDA-approved prescription medicine (Vyleesi) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in certain premenopausal women.
Evidence Score
High confidence
Category
Therapeutic area
Standard Dose
As needed, 45-60 min before
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route
Subcutaneous or Intranasal
Safety Tier
Well characterized
Overview
Bremelanotide activates melanocortin receptors that influence neural pathways related to sexual desire. The approved use comes with a specific dosing schedule and safety considerations—especially around nausea and flushing. If you’re reading this for educational context, treat any “off-label” discussion as optional background and rely on the prescribing clinician’s instructions for the approved indication.
Mechanism of Action
Unlike sildenafil or tadalafil, which work through blood flow (PDE5 inhibition), PT-141 works through the brain, it activates melanocortin receptors to trigger sexual desire, not just physical response. Melanotan II also affects libido but comes with tanning as a side effect. Kisspeptin-10 similarly affects the brain's sexual axis but through hormonal pathways rather than neural ones.
pH & Mixing
Peptides reconstituted at very different pH levels can destabilize when combined in the same syringe, which lowers how much of the peptide your body actually absorbs. If you're unsure whether two peptides are close enough in pH, reconstitute and inject them separately.
A dedicated compatibility check between two specific peptides is coming to the Compare tool. This section covers this peptide's pH only.
Benefits
- FDA-approved for low libido
- Works for both men and women
- Works within 45 minutes
- Works through the brain
- Effects last 6-12 hours
Side Effects
- Nausea and flushing (reported in clinical studies and the approved use context)
- Headache
- Injection-site discomfort
- Temporary blood pressure changes can occur
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals under 18 years old
- Those with known allergies to the medication components
- Uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular concerns (follow clinician guidance)
Structure & Sequence
Verified structure
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Sequence illustration backed by PubChem match.
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH (bremelanotide)
- Cyclization
- Cyclic (lactam) backbone
- Molecular Weight
- 1,025.2 Da
- Chemical Formula
- C50H68N14O10
- CAS Number
- 189691-06-3
- Reconstituted pH
- 9.5
- InChIKey
- FFHBJDQSGDNCIV-FNFJQGSNSA-N
Stack & Route Context
Stacks with
- Testosterone
Administration
Subcutaneous or Intranasal
Research Status
FDA approved for female HSDD (Vyleesi brand).
Approval Status
Approved
Sports Legal
Permitted
References
- 1View source
Bremelanotide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder: two phase 3 trials (study records / publication context)
2014
- 2View source
Bremelanotide phase 3 trial NCT02338960 (clinical trial record)
2014
- 3View source
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Bremelanotide (publication context)
2019
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.