Research library
Sexual HealthFDA approved with RCT backed data
PT-141 / Vyleesi
Bremelanotide, Melanocortin (MC4R) agonist
A cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin (MC4R) agonist that acts centrally on sexual desire circuitry, FDA approved as Vyleesi for premenopausal HSDD.
MC4R
FDA approved
How Bremelanotide works
An FDA approved peptide that works in the brain, not the bloodstream, switching on sexual desire circuitry through melanocortin receptors. A different mechanism from Viagra type drugs.
Bremelanotide
Hypothalamus
Dopamine circuitry
Sexual response
Research applications
HSDD (women)
Sexual desire
Erectile function (men)
Off label
Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.
Molecular profile
Key studies
Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials
Kingsberg SA, et al.
Across the two RECONNECT trials (1,247 premenopausal women), bremelanotide significantly improved sexual desire and reduced related distress vs placebo over 24 weeks.
Evidence, safety & status
Claimed benefits & evidence
FDA approved (June 2019) as Vyleesi for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women, on the basis of two Phase 3 trials (RECONNECT). Off label male use: in 342 sildenafil non responders, 34% achieved adequate erections vs 9% placebo. The label explicitly states it is NOT indicated in men or to enhance performance.
Safety & dangers
Nausea (~40% on first dose, often subsides); transient blood pressure rise (~6 mmHg systolic) with heart rate decrease resolving within 12 hours; focal hyperpigmentation with repeated use.
Contraindications
Uncontrolled hypertension, CVD, history of stroke/MI; pregnancy; concurrent naltrexone.
Regulatory status
FDA approved (Palatin Technologies). Gray market PT-141 is widely sold for men off label. WADA: not explicitly named, but caution advised.
Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. For medical questions, consult a qualified physician.
For research use only
For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.