What Is PT-141 (Bremelanotide)? A Research Overview

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide classified as a melanocortin receptor agonist, studied in clinical and preclinical research for its activity at melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system. Bremelanotide is also the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription medicine (Vyleesi). The material described here is sold strictly for laboratory research use only (RUO); it is not that approved medicine and is not for human consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use.

Quick facts

• Class: melanocortin receptor agonist (activity at MC4R and other melanocortin receptor subtypes)
• Research focus: melanocortin-system signaling research
• Identity: synthetic cyclic heptapeptide; also known as bremelanotide
• Form: lyophilized powder, ≥99% HPLC purity, third-party tested

What is PT-141?

PT-141 is the research designation for bremelanotide, a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from the melanocortin peptide family. Structurally it is a melanocortin analog with an acetylated amino terminus and a free acid at the carboxyl terminus. As a chemical class, it is described in the scientific literature as a melanocortin receptor agonist — a compound that binds and activates melanocortin receptors. Bremelanotide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Vyleesi, a prescription medicine approved by the FDA in 2019. The lyophilized material offered here is a research-grade reference compound and is not the approved drug product.

What does the research show?

Bremelanotide has been characterized across early-phase and later-phase clinical studies. In an early double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I evaluation, investigators assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic effects of PT-141, describing it as a melanocortin receptor agonist [1]. In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials, investigators reported on subcutaneously administered bremelanotide; the published trial data noted statistically significant differences versus placebo on the studied endpoints, with the most commonly reported treatment-emergent events including nausea, flushing, and headache [2]. These outcomes are attributed to the published clinical literature and the trial populations studied; they are not statements about any individual and not benefit claims. The FDA prescribing information for the approved product notes that the mechanism by which bremelanotide produces its clinical effect is not fully understood [3].

Mechanisms studied in the lab

• Melanocortin receptor agonism: bremelanotide is reported to nonselectively activate melanocortin receptor subtypes, with binding at MC1R and MC4R described as most relevant at the doses studied.
• Central nervous system signaling: MC4R-expressing neurons are distributed across many regions of the central nervous system, and melanocortin-system signaling in the CNS is a focus of mechanistic research on this compound.

Research status and safety

PT-141 supplied for research is a research-use-only material. It is intended exclusively for in–vitro and laboratory investigation by qualified researchers and is not for human use, human consumption, clinical use, diagnostic use, or therapeutic use. Although bremelanotide is the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription medicine, the research compound described here is not that medicine and has not been evaluated by the FDA for any use as supplied.

Handling

PT-141 is provided as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, generally stored cold and protected from light and moisture; consult the product documentation and your laboratory’s standard operating procedures. For general laboratory background, see our guide on how to reconstitute a research peptide, and browse related reference compounds in the catalog. Product details and certificate-of-analysis information are available on the product page: PT-141 — research-grade, ≥99% pure.

FAQ

Is PT-141 the same as Vyleesi? PT-141 is the research designation for bremelanotide, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription medicine Vyleesi. The research-grade material sold here is not Vyleesi and is not a finished, approved drug product; it is intended for laboratory research only.

What class of compound is PT-141? It is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide classified as a melanocortin receptor agonist, with reported activity at melanocortin receptors including MC4R.

Can PT-141 be used in humans? No. This material is sold for research use only and is not for human consumption or any clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic application.

References

1. Diamond LE, et al. Evaluation of intranasal PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist. Int J Impot Res. 2004.
2. Kingsberg SA, et al. Bremelanotide: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials. Obstet Gynecol. 2019.
3. VYLEESI (bremelanotide) prescribing information. FDA / DailyMed. 2019.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. The research material is not the FDA-approved medicine. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.