# PT-141

> Evidence tier S — Approved · Hormones & Drive · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/pt-141/

Also known as: Bremelanotide, Vyleesi

## Quick answers

**What is PT-141?**

Bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.

**How strong is the evidence for PT-141?**

Tier S (approved) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Two phase 3 RCTs (RECONNECT) led to FDA approval as Vyleesi in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.

**Is PT-141 FDA-approved?**

Yes. The FDA approved PT-141 (Vyleesi) in 2019. Approved for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.

**Is PT-141 banned in sport?**

No. PT-141 is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.

**How does PT-141 work?**

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist that acts in the central nervous system to enhance sexual desire. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it works through hypothalamic melanocortin pathways that modulate dopaminergic signaling in reward and arousal circuits, increasing desire independent of vascular mechanisms.

**What is known about the safety of PT-141?**

FDA-approved (Vyleesi) with Phase III safety data. Common side effects: nausea (40%), flushing, headache, injection site reactions.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** S (Approved)
- **FDA:** approved 2019 (Vyleesi)
- **WADA:** not on the Prohibited List
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Sequence:** [Ac][Nle]DH[D-Phe]RWK (7 residues)
- **Formula:** C50H68N14O10
- **Molecular weight:** 1025.2 g/mol
- **Routes studied:** Subcutaneous, Intramuscular

## Overview

Bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. It acts centrally rather than on the vascular system.

## Mechanism

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist that acts in the central nervous system to enhance sexual desire. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it works through hypothalamic melanocortin pathways that modulate dopaminergic signaling in reward and arousal circuits, increasing desire independent of vascular mechanisms.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Increased sexual desire via central pathways
- Enhanced arousal and satisfaction
- Effective regardless of hormonal status
- No cardiovascular mechanism of action

## Safety & unknowns

FDA-approved (Vyleesi) with Phase III safety data. Common side effects: nausea (40%), flushing, headache, injection site reactions. Transient blood pressure increase may occur. Limited to one dose per 24 hours and 8 doses per month. Contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension.

## Studies

- Kingsberg SA, Clayton AH, Portman D, et al. (2019). *Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials*. Obstetrics and Gynecology. Clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599840/
  Two identical 24-week phase 3 RCTs (RECONNECT, 1,267 premenopausal women with HSDD) in which bremelanotide modestly but significantly increased sexual desire and reduced related distress versus placebo.

## Status sources

- [FDA approval package, NDA 210557 (Vyleesi), approved 21 Jun 2019](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2019/210557Orig1s000Approv.pdf)
- [Kingsberg et al. 2019 — two randomized phase 3 trials (Obstet Gynecol)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599840/)
- [PubChem CID 9941379 (bremelanotide)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9941379)
- [WADA 2026 Prohibited List (not named; S0 does not apply to an approved drug)](https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/2026list_en_final_clean_september_2025.pdf)

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Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.