What is PT-141 and is it the same as bremelanotide?

PT-141 is the research compound designation for bremelanotide — they are the same peptide. PT-141 was its name during preclinical and early clinical development; bremelanotide is the INN (international nonproprietary name) used after FDA approval. The brand name Vyleesi refers to the same compound in its FDA-approved injectable formulation.

Is Vyleesi the same as PT-141?

Yes. Vyleesi is the FDA-approved brand name for bremelanotide (PT-141). The approved product is a prefilled autoinjector for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The compound is identical; the difference is quality control, manufacturing standards, and legal status. Unregulated 'PT-141' sold as a research peptide is the same molecule but lacks pharmaceutical oversight.

Does PT-141 / bremelanotide work for men?

Bremelanotide is FDA-approved only for HSDD in premenopausal women. However, early clinical research — including the trials that led to its development — showed erectile response in men, and it is used off-label by some men. The evidence base for male use is older and smaller than for female use, and it is not an approved indication.

Content reviewed by clinical research staff

Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system.

Bremelanotide (PT-141)

Melanocortin receptor agonist7 amino acidsBrand: Vyleesi

AFDA Approved

Excellent Credibility

2 cited studies | Evidence level A

FDA ApprovedPrescription Required

Bremelanotide is a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist approved by the FDA as Vyleesi for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.

Mechanism of Action

Activates melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4R) in the central nervous system, modulating pathways involved in sexual desire and arousal. Acts centrally rather than peripherally.

Benefits

FDA-approved treatment for HSDD in premenopausal women^[1]
Clinically significant increase in sexual desire^[1]
Works through central nervous system mechanisms^[1]
On-demand dosing (not daily)^[1]

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Bremelanotide (PT-141) - Dosing in Published Research

Reported routes: Subcutaneous injection

FDA-approved dose: 1.75 mg SC at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Maximum one dose per 24 hours, no more than 8 doses per month.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

Nausea (most common, ~40%)^[1]
Flushing^[1]
Headache^[1]
Transient blood pressure increase^[1]
Injection site reactions^[1]
Skin hyperpigmentation with repeated use^[1]

Discuss Bremelanotide (PT-141) with a doctor

Bremelanotide (PT-141) is FDA-approved and available by prescription. Licensed telehealth providers can evaluate if it's right for you.

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FDA approvedBoard-certified doctorsPrescription if appropriate

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Approved Treatment Routing

Bremelanotide (PT-141) in PeptideScholar's approved-treatment dataset

Bremelanotide (PT-141) is currently modeled on this site as an approved treatment path for: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Brand names in the current dataset: Vyleesi.

Validation note: This block reflects the site's current structured treatment data and internal routing logic. It is not a substitute for checking current prescribing, labeling, payer, or local regulatory details.

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Research & Evidence

RCTPMID: 35230162

Prespecified and Integrated Subgroup Analyses from the RECONNECT Phase 3 Studies of Bremelanotide.

J Womens Health (Larchmt), 2022

Bremelanotide significantly improved sexual desire and reduced distress vs placebo in the RECONNECT phase 3 trials

ReviewPMID: 31429064

Bremelanotide: First Approval.

Drugs, 2019

Review of clinical development showing consistent efficacy in HSDD across multiple phase 2/3 trials

Compare Bremelanotide (PT-141) With

Bremelanotide (PT-141) vs Melanotan II

References

1.Prespecified and Integrated Subgroup Analyses from the RECONNECT Phase 3 Studies of Bremelanotide.. J Womens Health (Larchmt), 2022. "Bremelanotide significantly improved sexual desire and reduced distress vs placebo in the RECONNECT phase 3 trials" [PMID: 35230162]
2.Bremelanotide: First Approval.. Drugs, 2019. "Review of clinical development showing consistent efficacy in HSDD across multiple phase 2/3 trials" [PMID: 31429064]

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Bremelanotide (PT-141) FAQ

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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