FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Two phase 3 randomized trials support the approval.
PT-141 works in the brain rather than on blood vessels, which is what separates it from erectile dysfunction drugs like sildenafil. It activates melanocortin receptors in the hypothalamus, a region involved in sexual desire and arousal. Because the pathway is central rather than vascular, it does not depend on nitric oxide signalling. It is approved for low sexual desire in premenopausal women, taken as needed rather than daily.
Bremelanotide is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and the active metabolite of melanotan II. It is a non-selective agonist across melanocortin receptors with preferential activity at MC4R and MC1R, and lower activity at MC3R and MC5R. The pro-sexual effect is attributed to MC4R agonism in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area, where Gs-coupled cAMP elevation modulates dopaminergic and oxytocinergic outflow to spinal autonomic centres. This is a centrally initiated pathway independent of the NO/cGMP vasodilatory axis targeted by PDE5 inhibitors. MC1R agonism accounts for the reported hyperpigmentation with repeat dosing, and transient MC4R-mediated sympathetic activation accounts for the observed post-dose blood pressure rise.
Research areas
Community-specified data
Source note: Men: start at displayed dose, bump by 5 units (max 25 units). Women: start at 0.5mg, bump by 5s
Source note: 5 sprays per dose. No reconstitution needed.
Source note: 3 sprays per dose. No reconstitution needed.
Not medical guidance. These third-party figures have not been independently verified, clinically reviewed, or endorsed by DB Peptide. They may be inaccurate or unsafe and should not replace product labelling or advice from a qualified clinician.
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 1.75 mg subcutaneously, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, no more than once per 24 hours and no more than 8 doses per month | RECONNECT phase 3 protocol and FDA approved labelling |
Approved. Two identical phase 3 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials (RECONNECT) completed.
Dose-ranging study in premenopausal women with HSDD established the 1.75 mg dose taken forward to phase 3.
Two identically designed trials with 1,247 premenopausal women. Both met co-primary endpoints for improvement in sexual desire and reduction in desire-related distress versus placebo over 24 weeks.
PT-141 is the active metabolite of melanotan II. Melanotan II retains far stronger MC1R activity, which is why it produces pronounced tanning and pigmentation. PT-141 was developed specifically to retain the central MC4R sexual-desire effect while reducing pigmentary activity, and it is the one that completed phase 3 trials and reached approval.
Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Premenopausal Women: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials
Efficacy and Safety of Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Phase 2b Study
The role of melanocortin receptor agonists in the treatment of sexual dysfunction
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
How this profile was built →