COGNITIVE · Injectable
PT-141 (Bremelanotide).
Central melanocortin receptor agonist for libido
How it works
Class & mechanism.
In short
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic peptide that activates melanocortin receptors in the brain to stimulate sexual desire directly through central nervous system pathways, rather than acting on blood vessels the way PDE5 inhibitors do. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi specifically for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, based on Phase 3 trial data showing improved desire and reduced associated distress. Use outside that approved population — including in men or postmenopausal women — is off-label and has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.
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, which theoretically supports relevance in both physiological and psychogenic sexual dysfunction — though the FDA-approved indication is specifically HSDD in premenopausal women. It received FDA approval in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven peptide recommendations — we are not a compounding pharmacy, peptide synthesis company, or clinical provider.
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.
Half-life
2.7 h
Bioavailability
100%
Tmax
1 h
Cmax
1.7 ng/mL
Route
SC
Molecular weight
1025 Da
Pharmacokinetic data shown for educational context. Individual response varies. Not a substitute for clinical dosing guidance.
Benefits
What it does.
FDA-approved treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women
Enhances sexual desire via central CNS activity — hypothesised to work through dopamine pathway activation in the brain's desire circuitry, rather than a vascular effect
Improves arousal, desire, and orgasm scores in clinical trials with significant patient-reported distress reduction
May be relevant regardless of a patient's hormonal status, since the mechanism is CNS-based rather than hormonal — potentially useful in cases where hormone therapy has been insufficient, though this specific comparison has not been directly studied
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
What this does not mean
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Compounded formulations and off-label use — including use in men, postmenopausal women, or for performance enhancement — are not FDA-approved and are not evaluated or endorsed by Personalized Peptides. The information on this page is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This page does not recommend, endorse, or prescribe any compound for off-label human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions. Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven educational context and test interpretation — not clinical protocols or pharmaceutical recommendations.
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 centers — 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.
Regulatory Context
FDA compounding status.
| FDA Status | Risk Level | Compounding | Key Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-Approved (Vyleesi — Bremelanotide) | 🟢 Stable | Different route = not essentially copy | Approved 2019 |
FDA-approved as Vyleesi (1.75mg SC for HSDD in premenopausal women). Compounded versions using different routes (sublingual troches, nasal) are not "essentially copies" of the approved drug. Not FDA-approved for male use. Solid regulatory footing for differentiated formulations.
Source: FDA Federal Register, PCAC agendas, industry analyses. Educational context only — not legal advice. Review after July 23-24, 2026 PCAC meeting.
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
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Indicative price range: $102–$154 USD