COGNITIVE · Injectable
PT-141 (Bremelanotide).
Central melanocortin receptor agonist for libido
How it works
Class & mechanism.
Class
Synthetic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist (CNS-Acting)
Mechanism
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide and metabolite of Melanotan II, acting as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Unlike peripheral vasodilators (e.g. PDE5 inhibitors), PT-141 acts centrally in the brain — primarily through MC4R activation in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus — to stimulate dopamine release and activate neural sexual motivation circuits. This CNS-first mechanism means it enhances desire and arousal at the neurological level rather than simply increasing genital blood flow, making it effective in both physiological and psychogenic sexual dysfunction. It received FDA approval in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Did you know
PT-141 is the only FDA-approved drug that works by targeting the brain's desire circuitry directly — not blood vessels, not hormones. It was accidentally discovered during research on a tanning peptide, when test subjects unexpectedly reported spontaneous sexual arousal as a side effect.
Benefits
What it does.
FDA-approved treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women
Enhances sexual desire via central CNS dopamine pathway activation — not just vascular effect
Improves arousal, desire, and orgasm scores in clinical trials with significant patient-reported distress reduction
Works regardless of hormonal status — effective in cases where hormone therapy has failed
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
Two pivotal Phase 3 trials demonstrated bremelanotide 1.75 mg SC significantly improved the number of satisfying sexual events and reduced HSDD-associated personal distress versus placebo in premenopausal women with HSDD.
SOURCE · Kingsberg et al., Journal of Sexual Medicine / PMC6819021 (2019)
Bremelanotide achieves ~100% subcutaneous bioavailability with median Tmax ~1 hour; at the approved 1.75 mg dose, it produces mean Cmax of 72.8 ng/mL and AUC of 276 hr·ng/mL, with plasma concentration plateau occurring at 7.5 mg (4.3× maximum recommended dose).
SOURCE · FDA Prescribing Information — Vyleesi (bremelanotide) NDA 210557
PT-141 is hypothesised to stimulate dopamine in the medial preoptic area — one of the brain's primary sexual motivation centres — explaining its ability to generate genuine desire rather than simply facilitating a physiological response.
SOURCE · DrugBank DB11653; Pfaus et al., Hormones and Behavior (2010)
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
1.75 mg subcutaneous injection to abdomen or thigh, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Maximum one dose per 24-hour period. No more than 8 doses per month recommended (per FDA label).
Cycle
As-needed dosing; not a daily protocol. Use the minimum effective frequency. The FDA label notes that clinical benefit is achieved on a PRN (as-needed) basis.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Contraindicated with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease. Transiently raises systolic BP ~6 mmHg and reduces heart rate ~5 bpm for up to 12 hours post-dose. Not indicated in postmenopausal women, men, or for 'performance enhancement' per FDA labelling. Common side effects: nausea (40%), flushing, injection site reactions, headache, hyperpigmentation with repeated use.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for PT-141 (Bremelanotide), sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See PT-141 (Bremelanotide) pricing — and your supplier match.
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Indicative price range: $102–$154 USD