PT-141 — EU research guide.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide derived from Melanotan-2 that selectively activates melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R in the CNS to produce sexual arousal responses. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women.
- PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic metabolite of Melanotan-2 that acts centrally on MC3R/MC4R in the brain.
- It affects sexual desire through a central mechanism — distinct from PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil, which act on blood flow.
- FDA-approved as Vyleesi in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, based on the Phase 3 RECONNECT trials.
- Not EMA-approved in the EU; research-grade PT-141 is for laboratory use only.
- Transient blood-pressure elevation and nausea are recognised effects; distinguish PT-141 from Melanotan-2.
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a metabolite of Melanotan-2 with the C-terminal amide removed and a lactam bridge introduced, making it a cyclic peptide with improved stability. It activates MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus and limbic system, producing sexual arousal through a central mechanism distinct from PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil). It acts on desire, not peripheral vasodilation.
What does the research show?
FDA approved bremelanotide (Vyleesi) in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Approval was based on trials showing improved satisfying sexual events and desire scores. Research in male sexual dysfunction shows pro-erectile effects via central pathways. Side effects include transient blood pressure increase and nausea.
EU legal status
FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for HSDD in women in the US. Not EMA-approved in the EU as of mid-2026. Research-grade PT-141 from EU vendors is for laboratory research only. Not for human use in EU research context.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
PT-141 across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is PT-141? ▾
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic peptide derived from Melanotan-2. It activates melanocortin receptors (MC3R/MC4R) in the brain to influence sexual arousal through a central pathway.
How is PT-141 different from Viagra? ▾
Sildenafil (Viagra) works peripherally by increasing blood flow. PT-141 acts centrally on desire via melanocortin receptors in the hypothalamus — a fundamentally different mechanism.
Is PT-141 approved? ▾
The molecule is FDA-approved as Vyleesi (2019) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. It is not EMA-approved in the EU, where research-grade PT-141 is sold for laboratory use only.
What did the trials show? ▾
The Phase 3 RECONNECT trials enrolled over 1,200 women and met their co-primary endpoints of improved sexual desire and reduced desire-related distress versus placebo.
What are the side effects? ▾
Commonly reported effects include nausea, flushing and headache, plus transient increases in blood pressure — consistent with melanocortin receptor activity.
Is PT-141 the same as Melanotan-2? ▾
No. PT-141 is a cyclic metabolite of Melanotan-2 with the C-terminal amide removed and a lactam bridge added, giving different stability and receptor selectivity.
Does PT-141 work in men? ▾
Early studies in male erectile dysfunction showed pro-erectile effects via central pathways, but the male development programme did not reach Phase 3, so the strongest evidence is in women.
How do I verify PT-141 quality? ▾
Require a batch-matched COA showing ≥98% HPLC purity and mass-spec identity from a named lab, and confirm the product is PT-141 and not Melanotan-2.
References
- Two identical Phase 3 RECONNECT trials showing bremelanotide improved sexual desire and reduced distress versus placebo in premenopausal women with HSDD. Kingsberg SA, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;134(5):899–908. DOI PubMed 31599840
- 52-week open-label extension establishing longer-term safety and efficacy. Simon JA, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;134(5):909–917. DOI PubMed 31599847