Sex

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Cyclic heptapeptide · Melanocortin receptor agonist · 7 amino acids

FDA · APPROVED (VYLEESI)

Half-life

~2.7 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Approved therapeutic

Risk

Moderate

Overview

Known for

FDA-approved as Vyleesi for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Works centrally (brain) to increase sexual arousal and desire in both men and women. Unlike Viagra/Cialis, works on desire not just blood flow.

Mechanism

Melanocortin-4 receptor agonist — acts centrally in the brain to increase sexual desire. Does NOT work on blood flow (unlike Viagra). Works on desire, not mechanics.

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Authoritative
Supply & nature
ExogenousExogenous
FDA category
Approved (Vyleesi)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Approved therapeutic
Risk level
Moderate
Best studies
5 references
  • Kingsberg et al. (2019) Obstet Gynecol 134:899-908 — Phase 3 RECONNECT trials
  • FDA Approved: Vyleesi (2019) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women
  • ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02338960
  • Derived from Melanotan 2 research
  • FDA label limit: max 8 doses/month, max 1 dose/24hr

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
1-2mg
Research range
1–2 mg
Cycle
As needed (max 1×/24h)
Onset
0 days first effects
Full effect
0 days
Half-life
~2.7h
~2.7 hours
Protocol

Men: 1-2mg SubQ 45-60 min before activity. Women: 1.75mg SubQ (FDA dose). Do not exceed 1 dose per 24h or 8 doses per month.

Time to effects

EARLY: 45-60 minutes

FULL: Single dose

This is an ON-DEMAND peptide, not a daily protocol.

45-60 min post-injection: Increased arousal and desire. Effects peak at 1-3 hours.

Duration: 6-12 hours of enhanced sexual desire/function.

No loading or accumulation needed. Each injection is a standalone event. Effects felt from the very first dose in most users.

Side effects (nausea, flushing, headache) also occur within 45-60 minutes.

Recommended vial
  • 10mg (only size)

At 1.75mg per use, ~5-6 uses per vial over 3-4 weeks ✓. Good shelf life fit for regular use.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Nausea (40% — most common reason for discontinuation), flushing (20%), headache (11%), injection site reaction, transient ↑BP

Interactions

Antihypertensives (additive BP effects), naltrexone (may reduce efficacy — opioid pathway interaction). Max 8 doses/month (FDA label).

Handle with research caution

⚠️ Do NOT combine with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide) — risk of severe hypotension

  • Do NOT exceed 1 dose per 24 hours or 8 doses per month (FDA limit)
  • Caution with blood pressure medications (PT-141 can transiently increase BP)

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
room temp in foil pouch until use
Reconstituted
4–6 weeks
2–8°C

Videos & talks

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