Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Melanocortin System
PT-141 (Bremelanotid)
Bremelanotid · Vyleesi · PT-141
Bremelanotide (PT-141) is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist (chiefly at the MC4R) that acts centrally in the brain on sexual desire — not via blood flow like the PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil). In the USA it has been FDA-approved since 2019 as Vyleesi for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. In the EU it is not approved.
Regulatory status
Approved · prescription-only
Approved and prescription-only in the USA as Vyleesi (HSDD); not approved in the EU.
Drug class
Melanocortin receptor agonist (MC4R-mediated)
Half-life (informative)
In the range of hours; in the approved indication used as an on-demand medication.
Studied in the literature
Subcutaneously, in the approved indication as an on-demand medication, prescribed by a physician.
Mechanism of action
PT-141 activates central melanocortin receptors — chiefly the MC4R — in brain regions that govern sexual desire. It is derived from melanotan II but was specifically developed for this central nervous effect.
The effect is central (on desire), not vascular.
Research history
PT-141 emerged from melanocortin research (melanotan II) and was developed by Palatin Technologies. Following the phase-3 trials (RECONNECT), the FDA granted approval as Vyleesi on June 21, 2019.
Regulatory status by region
Approved in 2019 for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD.
No EU approval of bremelanotide.
Research areas
- Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women
- Erectile and sexual function (early research)
Documented effects (from the literature)
- Nausea (common), flushing, headache.
- Injection-site reactions.
- Transient blood pressure elevation; in some, a focal hyperpigmentation.
Safety concerns & caution
- The rise in blood pressure makes it unsuitable in uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease (contraindication).
- The approval limits the frequency of use and applies only to a defined group of patients.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- "PT-141" vials from the gray market are not the tested Vyleesi — content and purity are unknown.
- Use without a medical suitability check (including blood pressure) is risky.
Frequently asked questions
Is PT-141 a potency drug like Viagra?
No. PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil act via blood flow. PT-141 acts centrally in the brain on sexual desire (via the MC4R).
Is PT-141 approved everywhere?
In the USA it is approved as Vyleesi for premenopausal women with HSDD. In the EU there is no approval.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.