What is PT-141?
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a melanocortin receptor agonist that works centrally in the brain to enhance sexual arousal and desire. Unlike vasodilatory drugs like sildenafil, PT-141 acts on the central nervous system by activating melanocortin receptors in areas of the brain involved in sexual motivation and arousal. It is FDA-approved under the brand name Vyleesi® for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Central Acting Mechanism
Works centrally in the brain through melanocortin receptors rather than peripheral vascular mechanisms.
FDA-Approved for HSDD
FDA-approved as Vyleesi® for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Research and Clinical Benefits
PT-141's FDA approval for HSDD was based on clinical trials demonstrating significant improvements in sexual desire and arousal.
- ✓ Sexual Desire: Significant improvement in desire scores compared to placebo in clinical trials.
- ✓ Sexual Arousal: Enhanced arousal response through central nervous system activation.
- ✓ Quality of Life: Improvements in sexual satisfaction and relationship quality measures.
PT-141 activates melanocortin receptors in brain regions involved in sexual motivation, creating desire-enhancing effects independent of vascular function.
- ✓ MC4R Activation: Primarily targets melanocortin-4 receptors in hypothalamic and limbic brain regions.
- ✓ Hypothalamic Pathway: Modulates neural circuits involved in sexual motivation and arousal.
- ✓ Non-Vascular Action: Works independently of peripheral vascular mechanisms unlike PDE5 inhibitors.
PT-141 has established safety data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, with most side effects being mild to moderate.
- ! FDA-Approved Drug: Prescription medication requiring medical evaluation and monitoring for appropriate use.
- ! Common Side Effects: Nausea, flushing, and injection site reactions are most frequently reported.
- ! Blood Pressure: May cause transient increases in blood pressure; cardiovascular assessment recommended.
References & Citations
- Clayton, A. H., et al. (2016). Bremelanotide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder: analyses from a Phase 3 trial. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127(4), 750-759. Source.
- Kingsberg, S. A., et al. (2019). Bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder: two randomized phase 3 trials. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 134(5), 899-908. Source.
- Diamond, L. E., et al. (2006). An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 3(4), 628-638. Source.
Ask Dr. John About PT-141
Get personalized clinical insights from Dr. Jobby John, PharmD, FACA. Ask specific questions about PT-141 and receive evidence-based answers from his extensive clinical experience.
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