A synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-MSH; FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
FDA approved as Vyleesi on 21 June 2019 for acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is not approved for men or for erectile dysfunction; an earlier intranasal formulation for ED was discontinued over blood-pressure concerns.
Also known as: Bremelanotide, Vyleesi
A non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist acting mainly on MC4 (and MC3) receptors in the hypothalamus and limbic arousal pathways. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors that work on peripheral blood flow, it modulates the central neural circuitry that generates desire itself, with downstream dopaminergic signalling.
Approval rested on two 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials (RECONNECT) in roughly 1,247 premenopausal women. About 25% of treated women reached a predefined increase in desire score versus about 17% on placebo — statistically real but modest, roughly an 8-percentage-point advantage. The trials excluded postmenopausal women and men, so evidence outside the approved population is thin. Much online use is off-label and unsupported by controlled data.
We report both positive and negative trial results. For exact study protocols, read the sources — we cite them rather than repackage them.
Bars reflect the strength & volume of research evidence for each use — not a guarantee of results.
Nausea dominates (about 40%, worst with the first dose), plus flushing (~20%), injection-site reactions (~13%) and headache (~11%). It causes a transient rise in blood pressure and fall in heart rate, so it is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease. About 1% developed focal hyperpigmentation of gums, face or breasts that did not fully resolve in roughly half of those affected — more common in darker skin.
PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) — they target the peripheral vascular arm of arousal while PT-141 targets central desire. Melanotan II — its structural relative, though that pairing compounds melanocortin side effects rather than adding benefit.
Mechanistic context only — we don't publish combinations, amounts or protocols.
Versus PDE5 inhibitors, PT-141 works centrally on desire rather than genital blood flow — a different problem entirely. Versus Melanotan II it is the far better-characterised, FDA-vetted member of the melanocortin class.
No. It modestly increases desire in a specific diagnosis (premenopausal HSDD), with roughly an 8-percentage-point advantage over placebo.
No. Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor acting on genital blood flow; PT-141 is a melanocortin agonist acting in the brain.
No. Approval is limited to premenopausal women; male use is off-label and not supported by controlled efficacy data.
No reviews yet. If you've used PT-141, be the first to share what it helped with and any side effects.
⚠️ Educational research information only — not medical advice. Many peptides are sold strictly for laboratory research and are not approved treatments. The evidence scores reflect research interest and strength, not efficacy or safety for any individual. Always consult a qualified professional.