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FDA Approved

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Hormonal & Endocrine · ['Bremelanotide', 'PT-141', 'Vyleesi']

A cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide studied for its central action on melanocortin signaling pathways.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.
Molecular Formula
C50H68N14O10
Molecular Weight
1025.2 g/mol
PubChem
CID 9941379 ↗
Research Level
FDA Approved
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PT-141 (Bremelanotide) chemical structure

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic heptapeptide analog derived from the melanocortin peptide family, structurally related to alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors and has been studied primarily for its central nervous system effects on melanocortin signaling.

Bremelanotide received FDA approval under the brand name Vyleesi for a specific indication in adult women, making it one of the few melanocortin-pathway peptides to reach regulatory approval. Its distinguishing feature in research is a central rather than peripheral vascular mechanism.

Scientific literature examines its receptor pharmacology, central pathway activation, and the physiology of the melanocortin system.

Bremelanotide is a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors, with activity at the MC3R and MC4R subtypes that are expressed in the central nervous system. Research indicates that activation of MC4R-containing neural circuits underlies its studied central effects, distinguishing it from peripherally acting vasoactive compounds.

Because it engages a neural signaling pathway rather than directly acting on vascular tissue, studies have characterized its effects as centrally mediated melanocortin activation.

  • Characterization of melanocortin MC4R and MC3R receptor agonism [1]
  • Investigation of central melanocortin pathway signaling in neural circuit models [2]
  • Clinical trials evaluating melanocortin-pathway activation endpoints in adults [3]
  • Study of melanocortin-receptor pharmacology and cardiovascular safety parameters [3]
  • Exploration of melanocortin signaling in appetite and energy-balance research [2]
📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

Melanocortin receptor pharmacology (in vitro) [1]: Receptor-binding and functional studies measured agonist activity of bremelanotide across melanocortin receptor subtypes, characterizing MC3R and MC4R engagement.

Central pathway studies (rodent) [2]: Animal research administered melanocortin agonists and measured neural activation markers and behavioral endpoints tied to MC4R circuits, investigating the central mechanism of the pathway.

Phase 3 clinical program (human) [3]: Randomized placebo-controlled trials in adult women measured predefined melanocortin-pathway response endpoints and monitored blood-pressure and safety parameters, supporting the compound's regulatory review.

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

Alpha-MSH / melanocortin agonistsCompatible
Shares the melanocortin-receptor target studied across this peptide family.
Antihypertensive agentsCaution
Transient blood-pressure changes observed in trials make cardiovascular co-factors a research consideration.
Melanotan IINeutral
Another melanocortin-receptor agonist studied in the same pharmacologic class.
Naltrexone / opioid modulatorsNeutral
Noted in some literature as affecting melanocortin-linked central pathways in study contexts.
  1. Molinoff et al., PT-141 melanocortin agonist (Ann N Y Acad Sci)
  2. Central melanocortin MC4R signaling (review)
  3. Bremelanotide Phase 3 (RECONNECT) trials (Obstet Gynecol)
  4. PubChem CID 9941379 (Bremelanotide)
What is PT-141?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist peptide studied for its central action on melanocortin signaling pathways.
How does it act at the receptor level?
It is an agonist at melanocortin receptors including MC3R and MC4R, and studies indicate its effects are centrally mediated through neural circuits rather than direct vascular action.
Is it an approved drug?
A pharmaceutical form (Vyleesi) received FDA approval for a specific indication in adults, though this entry describes the compound for research reference only.
What does the research examine?
Published work investigates melanocortin receptor pharmacology, central pathway signaling, and cardiovascular safety parameters in trials.
Can this material be used personally?
No. It is supplied strictly for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, or treatment.
Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.