PT-141
Melanocortin Receptor AgonistAlso known as: Bremelanotide · Peptide Tyrosine-141
An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women, & widely used off-label for sexual function in both sexes.
Typical Dose
1–2 mg per use
Route
Subcutaneous injection (abdomen or thigh)
Cycle
On-demand, not daily. 72+ hour minimum between uses.
Half-life
~2.7 hours
Storage
Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days. Lyophilized: room temp or freezer.
Overview
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist derived from alpha-MSH. It acts centrally on MC3R & MC4R receptors in the hypothalamus & limbic system to increase sexual motivation & arousal — a mechanism entirely distinct from PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil, which act peripherally on blood flow.
PT-141 received FDA approval in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, making it the only FDA-approved peptide of its class. This provides a foundation of regulatory clinical data that most research peptides lack.
Effects typically onset within 45–90 minutes & last 8–12 hours. Unlike sildenafil, PT-141 does not require sexual stimulation to work & does not affect blood pressure. It has demonstrated efficacy in men with erectile dysfunction unresponsive to PDE5 inhibitors.
Quick Start Guide
Reconstitute with 2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial (5000 mcg/mL).
Start with 1 mg (0.2 mL) subcutaneously in the abdomen, 45–90 minutes before activity.
Assess tolerability at 1 mg before moving to 1.75–2 mg.
Do not use more than once in 72 hours. Use only when needed — not daily.
Research Indications
Sexual dysfunction (male & female)
Most EffectiveFDA-approved for HSDD in women. Demonstrates efficacy in male ED including in PDE5 non-responders. Acts centrally rather than peripherally, so it addresses desire & arousal rather than only mechanical erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction (PDE5 non-responders)
EffectivePhase II data showed significant improvement in erectile function in men with ED who did not respond to sildenafil. The central mechanism complements peripheral vascular approaches.
Research Protocols
Sexual function (on-demand)
Dose
1–1.75 mg
Frequency
As needed, maximum every 72 hours
Route
SubQ abdomen or thigh
Take 45–90 min before anticipated activity. Do not exceed 1.75 mg per use (FDA approved dose). Some off-label protocols use up to 2 mg.
Peptide Interactions
No known interaction. Sometimes used together in recovery contexts.
Side Effects & Safety
Common
- Nausea (most common; onset 30–60 min post-injection, resolves within 2–4 hours)
- Flushing
- Transient increase in blood pressure
- Headache
Uncommon
- Vomiting
- Hyperpigmentation with repeated use
- Fatigue
When to Stop
- Cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension (transient BP elevation)
- Signs of allergic reaction
How to Reconstitute
Swab the vial stopper with alcohol.
Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Inject slowly down the inner wall of the vial.
Swirl gently until dissolved. Refrigerate.
Dosing math: 2 mL BAC water per 10 mg vial gives 5000 mcg/mL. For 1 mg dose: draw 0.2 mL. For 1.75 mg: draw 0.35 mL.
Quality Indicators
Good — use as normal
- Clear, colorless solution
Acceptable
- Very faint discoloration that clears on swirl
Discard immediately
- Persistent cloudiness or particulate
- Strong discoloration
What to Expect
Per-use onset
Effects begin 45–90 minutes after injection. Arousal & desire enhancement are the primary effect. Duration is 8–12 hours.
Community Insights
Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.
Research References
New England Journal of Medicine · 2019
Phase III randomized controlled trial supporting FDA approval of PT-141 (Bremelanotide) for HSDD in premenopausal women. Primary endpoint met.
doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1807309 →Verify what you have
Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.
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