PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic peptide studied as a melanocortin-receptor agonist. This guide summarizes what the published scientific literature has examined about PT-141, its molecular profile, and how it is handled in a research setting. It is written for researchers and is not medical guidance.
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (also known as bremelanotide, CAS 189691-06-3, molecular formula C50H68N14O10, molar mass ≈ 1025.2 g/mol) is a cyclic seven-amino-acid peptide and a metabolite of the earlier research compound melanotan II. In research models it is studied as an agonist of melanocortin receptors. The active compound has been approved by regulators as a prescription medicine for a specific clinical indication, but the material supplied here is intended strictly for laboratory research and is not for human use.
Research-use note: PT-141 is supplied strictly for laboratory research. It is not a supplement and not for human or animal consumption. Nothing below describes or endorses human use.
Evidence at a glance
Phase 3 trials, approved drugBremelanotide completed two Phase 3 trials and is approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Why researchers are interested
It works through melanocortin pathways in the central nervous system, on desire itself, rather than on blood flow the way PDE5 inhibitors do. That makes it a genuinely different mechanism, and it is taken on demand rather than daily.
What the research found
- Increased sexual desireSignificant improvement in desire scores against placebo in two Phase 3 trials (Clayton, 2019)
- Less associated distressSignificant reduction in distress related to low desire, a co-primary endpoint
- Erectile response in early workInitiated erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (Diamond, 2006, and Wessells)
Reported in the literature
- Nausea is by far the most common effect and caused a substantial share of trial discontinuations.
- Flushing, headache and injection site reactions were frequently reported.
- There is a short lived rise in blood pressure with a fall in heart rate after dosing. It is not recommended with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Repeated dosing can darken patches of skin on the face, gums and breasts, and that may not fully resolve.
Findings are summarised from the sources listed under References on this page, and from approved product labelling where a compound has one. These are outcomes observed in published studies, not effects claimed for any person, and nothing here is a recommendation for human use.
How PT-141 works (the mechanism studied)
PT-141 is characterized in the literature as a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist, with research attention focused on its activity at the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the central nervous system. Unlike vascular-acting compounds, its mechanism of interest in the literature is centrally mediated, a distinction researchers have studied in detail.
What researchers have studied
The published record on PT-141 consists largely of clinical-trial data. The most-cited studies include:
- Early pharmacology: Diamond et al. (2006) examined the subjective response associated with bremelanotide (PT-141) as a melanocortin-receptor agonist.
- Phase 3 research: Clayton et al. (2019) reported two randomized phase 3 trials (the RECONNECT studies).
- Regulatory overview: review literature (2019) summarized the compound’s development.
These findings belong to the published research record and do not represent approved or validated uses of the research compound sold here.
Handling and reconstitution in the laboratory
PT-141 is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder for research use. Standard laboratory practice is to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water, swirl (not shake) until dissolved, and store the reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8 °C). The lyophilized powder is generally stored frozen and protected from light. (General lab-handling notes, not usage instructions.)
For research use only
All products and information referenced here are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research use only. They are not for human or animal consumption and are not drugs, foods, supplements, or medical devices. No statement here should be interpreted as medical advice.
Explore PT-141 and related research peptides
- PT-141 10mg: verified CAS, formula, and specifications
- Browse all research peptides
- Bacteriostatic Water 30ml, reconstitution diluent
References
- Diamond LE, et al. An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist. 2006. PubMed
- Clayton AH, et al. Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials. 2019. PubMed
- Bremelanotide: New Drug Approved for Treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. 2019. PubMed