What has PT-141 research looked at?

The phase-3 RECONNECT trials in premenopausal women, earlier human studies, and animal behaviour work. The cited studies are above.

Bremelanotide, a melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide that acts through the central nervous system.

PT-141 research: what the studies have looked at

Q: Is PT-141 approved?

Yes, as a prescription medicine: bremelanotide, sold as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. The research material we supply is not that product and is for laboratory use only.

This page summarises the published research on PT-141, for reference. It sets out what each study tested and in whom, not an outcome for any individual, and it is not medical advice. PT-141 is the active ingredient in an approved medicine, but the material we supply under this name is a research chemical for laboratory use only and is not that product.

What PT-141 is

PT-141, also called bremelanotide, is a melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide. It is approved by the US FDA and sold as Vyleesi, an injectable used for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. That is a prescription medicine used under medical supervision. The powder we supply has the same chemical identity but is unapproved research material, not Vyleesi, and it is not for human use.

What the studies investigated

Kingsberg et al. (2019), Obstetrics and Gynecology 134(5):899-908 (RECONNECT). Human, two phase-3 randomised trials, premenopausal women. Investigated bremelanotide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder against placebo Source.

Rosen et al. (2004), International Journal of Impotence Research 16(2):135-142. Human, phase-1 and phase-2, men. Investigated the pharmacokinetics and early effects of PT-141 Source.

Pfaus et al. (2004), Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 101(27):10201-10204. Female rat. Investigated the effect of the melanocortin agonist on solicitation behaviour Source.

Mechanism, as described in the literature

Unlike the erectile-dysfunction drugs that act on blood vessels, PT-141 is described as acting through melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system. The pivotal trials measured desire and distress scores in a defined group of women, under medical supervision, against placebo. That is what an approved use looks like; it says nothing about what a research powder does outside it.

The material we supply

We supply PT-141 as a research chemical, released against a written specification with a batch certificate of analysis. It is not Vyleesi or any other medicine, and it is not for human or animal use. For the vial sizes, the price per mg and how to order, see the PT-141 product page; the COA lookup pulls the certificate for any batch. The references above link to each study’s record; this summary is for research and educational reference only.