What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide, brand: Vyleesi) is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, PT-141 acts centrally on melanocortin receptors in the CNS to increase sexual desire and arousal rather than acting peripherally on blood flow. Administered as a subcutaneous autoinjector 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Banned from 503A compounding pharmacies.
Mechanism of Action
Melanocortin MC3R and MC4R agonism in the central nervous system; activates dopaminergic reward pathways and hypothalamic circuits governing sexual behavior; CNS-mediated increase in sexual desire independent of vascular effects
Target: Melanocortin MC3R and MC4R
Educational reference — not medical advice. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
moderate 61/100
PubMed hits
114
CT.gov trials
10
Strong-human apps
1
Sample papers
8
Sample articles by era
- pre-20183
- 2018-20203
- 2021-20233
- 2024-20261
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps1
- Animal / in-vitro0
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (premenopausal women) — bremelanotide | Approved bremelanotide (Vyleesi) covers HSDD in premenopausal women; research-chemical forms are distinct. | Strong human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •Melanocortin MC3R and MC4R agonism in the central nervous system; activates dopaminergic reward pathways and hypothalamic circuits governing sexual behavior; CNS-mediated increase in sexual desire independent of vascular effects
- •Primary target framing: Melanocortin MC3R and MC4R
Half-life
~2.7 hours
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 189691-06-3
- PubChem
- CID 9941379
- Formula
- C50H68N14O10
- Molar mass
- 1025.2 Da
- InChIKey
- FFHBJDQSGDNCIV-MFVUMRCOSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 18–24 months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often 14–30 days (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Bremelanotide.
· 2012 · PMID 34436837
- Bremelanotide: First Approval.
Drugs · 2019 · PMID 31429064
- PT-141 Palatin.
Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) · 2004 · PMID 15134289
- Bremelanotide.
· 2006 · PMID 31369224
- Bremelanotide for Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire.
Neurology international · 2022 · PMID 35076581
- Safety Profile of Bremelanotide Across the Clinical Development Program.
Journal of women's health (2002) · 2022 · PMID 35147466
Research Indications
Research and clinical data supporting effects on sexual response
Clinical data shows improvements in desire and arousal metrics
Acts via central nervous system melanocortin receptor pathways
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | Low dose | Per protocol | Varies |
| Standard Dose | Titrated | Per protocol | Varies |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove PT-141 vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Initial effects and adaptation period. Monitor for any adverse reactions.
Week 2–4
Primary effects begin to manifest. Adjust dosing as recommended by your provider.
Week 4–8
Main therapeutic effects should be established. Assess progress with your provider.
Week 8+
Evaluate results and determine continuation, cycling, or dose adjustments.
Side Effects & Safety
- Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, mild pain)
- Potential for allergic reaction — discontinue if rash or hives occur
- Individual reactions vary — start at the lowest dose and monitor carefully
- Consult your healthcare provider before use and report any unusual symptoms
PT-141 cannot be prepared by 503A compounding pharmacies. A branded FDA-approved product may exist by prescription. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Talk with a licensed clinician.
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
PT-141 (bremelanotide, brand: Vyleesi) is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, PT-141 acts centrally on melanocortin receptors in the CNS to increase sexual desire and arousal rather than acting peripherally on blood flow. Administered as a subcutaneous autoinjector 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Banned from 503A compounding pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 29 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 4% · Mixed 3% · Unfavorable overall 93%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 2–3 mg · Most common: 2–3 mg
Reports span 0.1 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 87% said they felt similar to their last entry, 13% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 100 days · Based on 23 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate PT-141 in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.