Melanocortin-system peptides
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Also known as bremelanotide · PT 141 · Vyleesi
A cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist derived from melanotan II, approved in the US for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
In 60 seconds
FDA-approved (2019) for acquired, generalised HSDD in premenopausal women; earlier developed as a nasal spray for erectile dysfunction. Approval-era data list nausea, flushing and transient blood-pressure increase; focal hyperpigmentation has been reported with repeated use.
- Summarises the development and 2019 US approval of bremelanotide as a melanocortin receptor agonist for HSDD.
- A development profile of PT-141 as a nasal spray investigated for erectile and female sexual dysfunction.
- Reviews central melanocortin-system pharmacology, the receptor family PT-141 acts on.
Mechanism
Bremelanotide activates melanocortin receptors (mainly MC4R, also MC1R) in the central nervous system. Unlike PDE5 drugs, which act on blood flow, it acts on central pathways involved in sexual desire. It is the deaminated, carboxylic-acid metabolite-like analogue of melanotan II.
Research status
FDA-approved (2019) for acquired, generalised HSDD in premenopausal women; earlier developed as a nasal spray for erectile dysfunction.
Key studies
Summarises the development and 2019 US approval of bremelanotide as a melanocortin receptor agonist for HSDD.
Bremelanotide: First Approval — Drugs, 2019 · PMID 31429064
A development profile of PT-141 as a nasal spray investigated for erectile and female sexual dysfunction.
PT-141 Palatin — Curr Opin Investig Drugs, 2004 · PMID 15134289
Reviews central melanocortin-system pharmacology, the receptor family PT-141 acts on.
Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders — Nat Rev Endocrinol, 2023 · PMID 37365323
A meta-analysis of treatments for female sexual dysfunction, including melanocortin agonists.
Female Sexual Desire, Arousal, and Orgasmic Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Treatment Options — J Minim Invasive Gynecol, 2026 · PMID 40543759
Safety signals in the literature
Approval-era data list nausea, flushing and transient blood-pressure increase; focal hyperpigmentation has been reported with repeated use.
Legal status (South Africa)
Melanocortin-agonist peptides such as melanotan are named in SAHPRA warnings; registered melanocortin medicines are prescription-only. Research use only.
Related compounds we stock
Now in the catalogue
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is now in our catalogue as a research vial. Pre-orders are 10% off until the 15 October delivery lands.
Comparisons
Questions
What is PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
A cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist derived from melanotan II, approved in the US for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Bremelanotide activates melanocortin receptors (mainly MC4R, also MC1R) in the central nervous system. Unlike PDE5 drugs, which act on blood flow, it acts on central pathways involved in sexual desire. It is the deaminated, carboxylic-acid metabolite-like analogue of melanotan II.
What is the research status of PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
FDA-approved (2019) for acquired, generalised HSDD in premenopausal women; earlier developed as a nasal spray for erectile dysfunction.
What safety signals are reported for PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
Approval-era data list nausea, flushing and transient blood-pressure increase; focal hyperpigmentation has been reported with repeated use.
Does Living Water Labs stock PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
Not at present. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Melanocortin-agonist peptides such as melanotan are named in SAHPRA warnings; registered melanocortin medicines are prescription-only. Research use only.
More in Melanocortin
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
