PT-141
Melanocortin Receptor Agonist | Sexual Dysfunction Treatment
On this page
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic peptide that activates melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system — the same receptor pathway used by an FDA-approved prescription medicine (Vyleesi) for a specific diagnosed condition in premenopausal women. Researchers also study this receptor pathway in broader central-nervous-system and animal research unrelated to that approved use. Research-grade PT-141 sold here is intended for laboratory research use only; it is not the same product as, and is not a substitute for, an approved prescription medication, and is not intended for use in people.
Key terms:
PT-141 is a synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a lab-made peptide that holds FDA approval. It switches on melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system, specifically MC3R and MC4R. Traditional ED medications work on blood vessels. PT-141 acts differently: it influences sexual arousal pathways in the brain directly. Researchers have studied that pathway in both male and female sexual dysfunction.
Key research areas
- FDA-approved route with predictable absorption
- Works within 45 minutes
- Effective for both male and female sexual dysfunction
Researched dosing
This table reflects the dosing structures used in the clinical trials behind PT-141's approval — published research methodology and regulatory reference points, not personal usage guidance.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female HSDD trials (FDA-approved) | 1.75mg | As needed, max 1 dose/24hr | Subcutaneous (abdomen/thigh) |
| Male erectile dysfunction studies | 1-2mg | As needed, 45-60min before activity | Subcutaneous |
| Female arousal disorder studies | 0.75-1.25mg | As needed, max 1 dose/24hr | Subcutaneous |
| Starting dose | 0.5mg | Test dose to assess tolerance | Subcutaneous |
How it works
At the cell level, PT-141 research examines how the peptide activates melanocortin receptors (MC3R and MC4R) in the central nervous system — a receptor pathway studied in the clinical literature, distinct from the vascular mechanisms most other compounds in this category rely on.
Activates melanocortin receptors (MC3R/MC4R) in the central nervous system, triggering sexual arousal pathways independent of vascular mechanisms
Pharmacokinetics
This chart plots how a research dose of PT-141 is absorbed and cleared over a period of hours in the published literature — a short window that is part of why the approved medication built on this compound is used on an as-needed basis rather than daily.
- Peak
- 1 hr
- Half-life
- 2.7 hrs
- Cleared
- ~13.5 hrs
FDA Vyleesi Label
Research applications
This section summarizes the research areas the clinical literature has studied for PT-141, including the specific diagnosed condition behind its FDA approval; research-grade PT-141 sold here is intended for laboratory study only, not human use, and this section is not medical information about any individual.
Hormonal
FDA-approved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD. Effective in men including those unresponsive to PDE5 inhibitors. Improves physiological and subjective arousal measures for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder.
Mood
Melanocortin receptor activation in the CNS produces positive mood and motivational effects alongside sexual arousal enhancement.
Metabolic
Melanocortin system involvement in metabolic regulation; secondary effects on energy balance observed in clinical research.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- Clinical trials used 1.75 mg per dose in women and 1–2 mg in men.
- Frequency in studies
- As needed, 45-60 minutes before sexual activity
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- Onset 45-60min, peak effects 2-4 hours, duration 6-12 hours
- Storage
- Refrigerate reconstituted solution (2-8°C), use within 30 days
- Cycle length
- No cycling needed - use as required
- Break between cycles
- Minimum 24 hours between doses
Interactions
This list shows which other compounds researchers have studied alongside PT-141 in the literature, and flags pairings — including blood-pressure-related medications — that the research flags for extra caution.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried PT-141 powder into a liquid research solution — the same basic water-based mixing process used for most peptide research.
- Allow vial to reach room temperature (15-20 minutes)
- Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to dry
- Calculate required bacteriostatic water volume using the calculator below
- Draw calculated volume of bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject water slowly down the inside wall of the vial (never directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until powder completely dissolves (never shake)
- Solution should be clear - discard if cloudy or contains particles
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, use within Per manufacturer expiration
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within 30 days
Open the PT-141 reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the checks researchers use to confirm a PT-141 sample is genuine and hasn't degraded, including verifying it comes from a properly licensed and documented source.
FDA-approved pharmaceutical grade - If prescribed as Vyleesi, guaranteed pharmaceutical quality and safety
White crystalline powder - Pure PT-141 appears as white to off-white lyophilized powder
Clear solution when reconstituted - Properly manufactured PT-141 dissolves completely without cloudiness
Colored or oily appearance - May indicate impurities or degradation - do not use
Compounded versions - Ensure compounding pharmacy is licensed and follows USP standards
Proper labeling with concentration - Legitimate sources provide clear concentration and purity information
What to expect
This timeline summarizes the time course reported in the clinical literature after a single research dose — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
May experience mild nausea or facial flushing
Onset of effects - increased arousal and desire
Peak effects - enhanced sexual response and satisfaction
Effects gradually diminish
Safety notes
This section summarizes PT-141's regulatory status and handling notes, including the blood-pressure caution noted in its FDA labeling — reference context for laboratory researchers, not medical guidance for any individual.
- Not for use with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease
- Avoid alcohol to minimize blood pressure effects
- Monitor blood pressure - can cause transient decrease
- FDA approved (Vyleesi) for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD
- FDA black box warning for blood pressure effects
Regulatory status
- Approved by the FDA for at least one indication. That approval applies to regulated pharmaceutical products, not to research-grade material.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
Frequently asked questions
What is PT-141?
PT-141, also called bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide that acts as a melanocortin-receptor agonist, targeting the MC3R and MC4R receptors in the central nervous system. The same receptor pathway underlies an FDA-approved prescription medicine for a specific diagnosed condition. Research-grade PT-141 sold by Lux BioPure is intended for laboratory study only, not for use in people.
What class of compound is PT-141?
PT-141 is classified as a synthetic melanocortin-receptor agonist. Unlike compounds that act through vascular mechanisms, the research literature describes it activating MC3R and MC4R receptors within the central nervous system. Receptor-binding studies characterize this central pathway as distinct from peripheral vasodilation. In this encyclopedia the compound is treated purely as a laboratory research material.
How is PT-141 typically reconstituted for research use?
In laboratory settings, the vial is brought to room temperature and its stopper cleaned with an alcohol swab, then bacteriostatic water is drawn up and injected slowly down the inside wall of the vial rather than onto the powder. The vial is gently swirled — never shaken — until dissolved; a correct solution is clear, and any cloudiness or particles is a reason to discard.
How should reconstituted PT-141 be stored in the lab?
Lyophilized PT-141 is generally kept refrigerated at 2–8°C per manufacturer specification. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be refrigerated at roughly 2–6°C and used within about 30 days. Researchers confirm a good sample by its white to off-white crystalline powder and a clear solution after mixing; a colored or oily appearance indicates degradation.
Is PT-141 legal to purchase for research in Canada?
Lux BioPure sells PT-141 in Canada strictly as a research-use-only chemical for laboratory study — it is not for human or veterinary use and is not offered as a drug or supplement. Although the same compound is FDA-approved as the prescription medicine Vyleesi, research-grade PT-141 is not that product and is not a substitute for it. Its FDA labeling also carries a blood-pressure warning.
References
Phase 3 trials in premenopausal women with HSDD showed statistically significant improvements in sexual desire and reduced distress related to low sexual desire. 24.5% improvement vs 17.2% placebo.
View StudyClinical studies demonstrated PT-141 induced erections in men with ED, including those unresponsive to PDE5 inhibitors, through central nervous system pathways. Dose-dependent erectile response.
View StudyResearch confirmed PT-141 selectively binds MC3R and MC4R receptors, activating neural pathways involved in sexual arousal without peripheral vasodilation.
View Study