PT-141 (Bremelanotide, Vyleesi)
An FDA-approved as-needed shot for low sexual desire in premenopausal women. It works on brain melanocortin receptors, not blood flow.
- Evidence
- Extensive clinical research
- Half-life
- ~3 hours
- Sources
- 3 cited
Is PT-141 (Bremelanotide) FDA-approved?
FDA-approved in 2019 for HSDD in premenopausal women.
Overview
Bremelanotide came out of research on Melanotan II. It's approved as Vyleesi for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), used as needed rather than daily. In two phase 3 trials, it modestly increased desire and reduced distress about low desire compared with placebo. It isn't approved for men.
How it works
It switches on melanocortin receptors (mainly MC4R) in brain areas that drive sexual desire and arousal.
How long does PT-141 (Bremelanotide) stay in the body?
About 2.7 hours; levels peak about 1 hour after a shot.
What it's studied for
- Low sexual desire in premenopausal women
- Erectile dysfunction (earlier studies)
Reported side effects
- Nausea (very common), flushing, headache
- Temporary rise in blood pressure
- Darkening of skin on the face, gums or breasts with repeated use
Related: Teriparatide, Melanotan I (Afamelanotide), Oxytocin, Triptorelin.
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials. Obstet Gynecol, 2019 PubMed
- Bremelanotide: First Approval. Drugs, 2019 PubMed
- Vyleesi (bremelanotide) prescribing information. DailyMed DailyMed
