What it is
PT-141, generic name bremelanotide, is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and a metabolite of Melanotan II. It is clinically approved in the US for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which gives it an unusually complete human dataset for a research peptide.
Mechanism
It is a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist with highest affinity for MC4R and MC3R. Its effects on sexual arousal are mediated centrally, through hypothalamic melanocortin pathways, rather than through the vascular system.
Research areas
- Melanocortin receptor pharmacology
- Central regulation of sexual behaviour
- Appetite and energy balance (MC4R)
- Neuroendocrine signalling
Safety and metabolism
Clinical data: nausea, flushing and transient blood-pressure increase are the most frequent findings. Half-life ≈ 2.7 h; hepatic and renal clearance.
Why this amount
10 mg is the standard research vial.
