PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Melanocortin agonist
Research overview
A melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide studied in models of central-nervous-system response.
Descriptions reference published research areas for laboratory context only and are not claims of efficacy, safety, or intended use in humans or animals.
- Price
- $120 CAD
- Purity
- ≥99% (HPLC)
- Presentation
- 10 mg lyophilized vial
Order / inquire about PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
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For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a chemical reference material sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or natural health product; it has not been evaluated or approved by Health Canada; and it must never be ingested, injected, or applied to humans or animals. Sold in Canada only, to purchasers 18+. See our Research Use Policy.
Research encyclopedia
Everything the literature has studied.
For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use. The content below summarizes published research context only. It is not medical advice, makes no therapeutic claims, and describes no intended use in humans or animals. These materials have not been evaluated or approved by Health Canada.
What it is
Cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin-receptor agonist that acts centrally (CNS) on sexual motivation, derived from the α-MSH analog melanotan II. Approved by the FDA in 2019 (Vyleesi) as an as-needed subcutaneous injection for acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Mechanism of action
Activates central melanocortin receptors, principally MC4R (with MC1R affinity), in the hypothalamus and limbic system, modulating central circuits of sexual desire and arousal. This is distinct from the peripheral vascular mechanism of PDE5 inhibitors — a non-hormonal, centrally mediated route.
Research areas
- Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
- Erectile dysfunction (phase II data)
- Research in central sexual arousal and desire
Studied effects in research models
- Improvements in desire and satisfying sexual events (phase III, >1200 women)
- Efficacy through a non-hormonal route, independent of the vascular mechanism
Effects listed describe observations reported in laboratory or animal research models only — not outcomes claimed for humans or animals.
Biomarkers tracked in related research
Discovery & background
Bremelanotide is an active metabolite of melanotan II (a synthetic α-MSH analog originally studied for tanning). Its central pro-sexual activity was recognized, and it was developed by Palatin Technologies / AMAG. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, which act peripherally on vascular tissue, PT-141 acts on central melanocortin circuits. FDA approval (Vyleesi, 2019) followed phase III trials in >1200 women.
Considerations & limitations
Research use only in this context; approved (Vyleesi) only for a specific indication and not by Health Canada as a research reagent. Common effects in trials: nausea (~40%), flushing (~20%), headache (~11%); focal hyperpigmentation (~1%), especially in darker skin. Transient blood-pressure elevation with slight heart-rate decrease — not recommended with uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease. Can significantly reduce oral naltrexone exposure. Off-label use in men or intranasally has fewer controlled data. Require COA with HPLC/MS identity and endotoxin testing.
References
- [1]Kingsberg et al., 2019 (RECONNECT phase III) — Obstet Gynecol; PMID: 30870271
- [2]Clayton et al., 2016 (bremelanotide HSDD) — Womens Health (Lond); PMID: 27638899
- [3]Molinoff et al., 2003 (PT-141 pharmacology) — Ann N Y Acad Sci; PMID: 12727668
- [4]Diamond et al., 2004 (PT-141 in ED) — Int J Impot Res; PMID: 14963476