MECHANISM OF ACTION
PT-141 (also called bremelanotide) is a peptide that acts on receptors in the brain's hypothalamus, the region that regulates sexual arousal and desire. This is completely different to how drugs like Viagra or Cialis work. Those drugs act on blood vessels in the body to improve physical response. PT-141 works upstream, in the brain itself, addressing the desire side of the equation rather than the physical mechanics. This is what makes it useful for people who have low or absent sexual desire rather than a physical dysfunction. It was FDA-approved in 2019 as Vyleesi, the first centrally-acting (brain-based) prescription treatment specifically for premenopausal women with low sexual desire.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) - FDA approved indication (women)
- Male erectile dysfunction (MC4R mechanism, off-label research)
- Central sexual arousal pathway (hypothalamic MC3R/MC4R) research
- Melanocortin receptor comparative pharmacology
- Post-menopausal sexual function research
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
FDA Approval for HSDD in Women
2019Phase III RECONNECT trials demonstrated significantly improved satisfying sexual events and decreased personal distress in premenopausal women with HSDD vs. placebo.
Ref: Simon et al., Obstet Gynecol
Central vs. Peripheral Mechanism
2006Distinct from PDE5 inhibitors - PT-141 activates desire via hypothalamic MC4R signalling rather than peripheral vascular effects, effective in subjects non-responsive to peripheral agents.
Ref: Diamond et al., J Sex Med
RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES
Chemical Identity
Storage & Stability
Lyophilised: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, 21 days. Protect from light. Approved auto-injector pens: room temperature storage.
Regulatory Status
FDA approved (Vyleesi) for premenopausal HSDD. Not SA SAHPRA registered - importable via named patient pathway. Research vials available. Not WADA prohibited.