— Research monograph
PT-141
A cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin-receptor agonist (bremelanotide).
- Class
- Cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist
- Half-life (research)
- ~2.7 hr (clinical pharmacokinetic data).
- Origin
- Developed by Palatin Technologies as a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Approved by the FDA in 2019 (brand name Vyleesi) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
- Solubility
- Reconstitutes in bacteriostatic water; clear solution.
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH that acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors with preferential activity at MC3R and MC4R. The cyclic structure confers proteolytic stability relative to linear α-MSH analogs.
In contrast to peripheral PDE5-inhibitor mechanisms used by earlier sexual-medicine compounds, the bremelanotide mechanism is central — acting at hypothalamic melanocortin receptors. The compound has been investigated extensively in both preclinical and Phase 3 human research.
How does PT-141 work?
Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with preferential activity at MC3R and MC4R in hypothalamic neuronal populations. Activation modulates downstream neuroendocrine pathways implicated in sexual response in preclinical models.
Research applications
- Melanocortin receptor pharmacology
- Central neuroendocrine signaling
- MC3R / MC4R selectivity research
- Hypothalamic peptide signaling
Handling & reconstitution
PT-141 ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Reconstitutes in bacteriostatic water; clear solution. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
Frequently asked questions
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH that acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors with preferential activity at MC3R and MC4R. The cyclic structure confers proteolytic stability relative to linear α-MSH analogs. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does PT-141 work?
Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with preferential activity at MC3R and MC4R in hypothalamic neuronal populations. Activation modulates downstream neuroendocrine pathways implicated in sexual response in preclinical models. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of PT-141?
~2.7 hr (clinical pharmacokinetic data). Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
Is Merit PT-141 for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- Selective facilitation of sexual solicitation in the female rat by a melanocortin receptor agonist. Pfaus JG, Shadiack A, Van Soest T, et al.. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 2004 · PMID 15226502
- An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist. Diamond LE, Earle DC, Heiman JR, et al.. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2006 · PMID 16839319
- Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials. Kingsberg SA, Clayton AH, Portman D, et al.. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019 · PMID 31599840
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.