PT-141

What is PT-141?

PT-141, is an FDA-approved treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women [1]. It is a modified synthetic derivative of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide of the melanocortin family that regulates skin pigmentation, feeding behaviour, and sexual activity, among its other functions.

In 2019, bremelanotide (PT-141) was approved in the United States as a therapy for premenopausal women with HSDD, and it is currently available under the brand name Vyleesi in auto-injection pens. The manufacture and commercialization of Vyleesi in the United States are conducted by Palatin Technologies, the company that originally developed the drug.

In addition to its role in treating HSDD in women, PT-141 has been extensively studied in a variety of contexts, including for its roles in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and other forms of sexual dysfunction.

What Does PT-141 Do?

As an analogue of α-MSH, PT-141 acts on the melanocortin receptors (MCRs), which are found predominantly in the skin and central nervous system and cause an increase in pigmentation by activating melanocytes. However, MCRs are also associated with effects on sexual desire and appetite. PT-141 strongly engages MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R, the latter of which plays a role in modulating sexual desire

Following a subcutaneous injection of PT-141, maximal levels occur after about one hour, with a range of 30 minutes to one hour. In the realm of male sexual desire, this translates to a virtually on-demand erection.

PT-141 Benefits

 Potential treatment of erectile dysfunction: While PT-141 is not indicated to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), several small-scale studies have found that it may be beneficial to male patients with ED .

 Treatment of HSDD in premenopausal women: Bremelanotide is an FDA-approved treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal women 

PT-141 Dosage Calculator

As a treatment of low sexual desire in women, bremelanotide is typically administered subcutaneously via self injection. The most common dosage is 1.25mg, roughly 45 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity . Patients with HSDD who are prescribed bremelanotide are advised to self-administer it no more than once per day, for a maximum of 8 times per month 

Studies involving male subjects with or without ED have tested subcutaneous injections of PT-141 ranging from 1 to 10 mg, showing that PT-141 can produce statistically significant results at doses exceeding 1 mg and dose-dependent improvements in erectile function at doses up to 20 mg.

Research suggests a starting dose of 1 mg as a treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Patients with ED who are prescribed bremelanotide are advised to self-administer it no more than once per day, for a maximum of 8 times per month.