PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide that activates melanocortin receptors in the brain to increase sexual desire. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil that work on blood flow, PT-141 acts on the central nervous system to address the neurological component of arousal. The FDA approved it in 2019 under the brand name Vyleesi for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
FormBlends Peptide Context
Reviewed May 14, 2026Pt 141 peptide guide should help a reader move from broad search interest to specific verification. When the topic touches peptide therapy, the important details are evidence quality, clinical fit, contraindications, pricing, pharmacy transparency, and follow-up support. Use this page to decide what to ask next rather than treating it as personal medical advice.
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Clinical decision snapshot
PT-141 authority snapshot
PT-141 is evaluated by mechanism, evidence quality, regulatory status, practical access, and safety questions a licensed clinician would need to review before use.
Evidence signal
Strong human evidence
Regulatory reality
FDA approved for listed use cases
Safety screen
Nausea (most common, reported in approximately 40% of users), Flushing, Headache should be reviewed in context.
This page currently connects to 5 source-backed evidence items through visible references or structured citation data.
Decision path
What is the supervised-review path for PT-141?
PT-141 should be evaluated by evidence quality, safety status, source quality, dosing context, and whether the goal fits a legitimate clinical pathway. This page is a research and decision aid, not a self-prescribing guide.
- Peptide
- PT-141
- Category
- Sexual Health
- Evidence
- Strong human evidence
- FDA status
- FDA approved
Step 1
Check evidence level
PT-141 (bremelanotide) received full FDA approval in 2019 under the brand name Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Multiple Phase 3 trials (RECONNECT study, N=1,247) demonstrated efficacy. This is one of the few peptides with actual FDA approval.
Review evidenceStep 2
Screen safety context
Nausea (most common, reported in approximately 40% of users), Flushing, Headache should be discussed in light of history, dose, and source.
Check side effectsStep 3
Confirm access route
If FormBlends offers access, review the product page and provider pathway before deciding.
Review product accessLast updated: April 3, 2026
Typical Dosage
1-2 mg injected subcutaneously approximately 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. FDA-approved dose for women is 1.75 mg. Not recommended more than once in 24 hours or more than 8 times per month.
Administration
Subcutaneous injection, Nasal spray (investigational)
Typical Cost
$200-400/month through compounding pharmacies. Vyleesi brand pricing significantly higher.
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Half-Life
Approximately 2.7 hours
Onset of Action
Effects typically begin 30-60 minutes after injection, lasting 6-12 hours.
Bioavailability
Subcutaneous injection. The FDA-approved form (Vyleesi) is a pre-filled autoinjector for self-administration.
About PT-141
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist. Molecular weight: 1,025.2 Da. CAS number: 189691-06-3. It received FDA approval in June 2019 under the brand name Vyleesi for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
PT-141 works through a completely different mechanism than drugs like Viagra or Cialis. Those drugs increase blood flow by relaxing smooth muscle (PDE5 inhibition). PT-141 acts on the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the brain, specifically in areas involved in sexual arousal and desire. It works on the central nervous system, not the vascular system. This means it can address desire, not just physical response.
The FDA approval was based on the RECONNECT study, which consisted of two Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials enrolling a total of 1,247 premenopausal women with HSDD (published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019, PMID: 31599840). Women using bremelanotide reported an average of 0.5 more satisfying sexual events per month compared to placebo, along with significantly reduced distress about low sexual desire.
The approved dose is 1.75 mg injected subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. The FDA label recommends no more than one dose per 24 hours and no more than 8 doses per month. The most common side effects are nausea (40% of patients in trials), flushing (20%), and headache (11%). The nausea typically decreases with repeated use.
PT-141 has an interesting history. It was originally developed from melanotan II, a tanning peptide that researchers noticed had sexual arousal effects as a side effect. The sexual effects were isolated and developed into PT-141, while the tanning aspects were dropped. Melanotan II is still available through research chemical suppliers, but PT-141 is the refined, FDA-approved version.
Off-label, practitioners prescribe PT-141 for men with erectile dysfunction (typically men who don't respond well to PDE5 inhibitors) and for postmenopausal women. The evidence for these uses is anecdotal, as the clinical trials focused exclusively on premenopausal women.
The brand-name Vyleesi autoinjector is expensive (roughly $800-900 for a pack of 4 doses). Compounded PT-141 from 503A pharmacies costs significantly less, typically $100-200/month.
How PT-141 Works
PT-141 is a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus. Activation of these receptors triggers downstream signaling pathways that increase dopamine release in brain regions associated with sexual arousal and desire. This central mechanism of action distinguishes it from vascular-based erectile dysfunction drugs and makes it effective for desire-related dysfunction in both men and women.
Receptor targets:
Benefits
- Increases sexual desire through central nervous system activation
- Effective for both men and women with low libido
- Works through a different pathway than Viagra or Cialis
- FDA approved formulation available for women (Vyleesi)
- Can help when PDE5 inhibitors have failed for erectile dysfunction
- Onset of action within 45 minutes of administration
What Does the Research Say?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) received full FDA approval in 2019 under the brand name Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Multiple Phase 3 trials (RECONNECT study, N=1,247) demonstrated efficacy. This is one of the few peptides with actual FDA approval.
PubMed evidence trail
Research sources used to frame this page
For PT-141, FormBlends checks the page topic against primary trials, systematic reviews, guidelines, and current PubMed-indexed literature where available. These citations are context, not a claim that every study applies to every patient.
Emerging pharmacotherapies for obesity: A systematic review
Broad context for new and established obesity-drug categories.
PubMed
Glucagon-like receptor agonists and next-generation incretin-based medications
Current review for incretin-based obesity medications and cardiometabolic effects.
PubMed
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea (most common, reported in approximately 40% of users)
- Flushing
- Headache
- Temporary increase in blood pressure
- Injection site reactions
- Skin hyperpigmentation with repeated use
Drug Interactions
| Compound | Interaction | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure medications | PT-141 can cause transient blood pressure changes (both increases and decreases). Patients on antihypertensives should monitor carefully. | moderate |
Who Is PT-141 For?
Women
This is the FDA-approved population. Vyleesi was specifically approved for premenopausal women with HSDD. The RECONNECT trials enrolled women exclusively.
Adults Over 50
Limited data in postmenopausal women. Some practitioners prescribe off-label for postmenopausal sexual desire concerns, but the clinical trial data is in premenopausal women.
Athletes
Not relevant for athletic performance. Not on WADA's prohibited list.
Regulatory Status
FDA Approved
Yes
Approved for: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women
Compounding Legal
Yes
2026 HHS Status
Not affected (FDA-approved compound)
PT-141 is FDA-approved as Vyleesi (brand). Compounded versions are also available at lower cost through 503A pharmacies. Not affected by the 2023 peptide restrictions.
Last verified: 2026-04-06
Conditions Addressed
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