Melanocortins
PT-141
Also known as: Bremelanotide, Vyleesi, Melanocortin-Agonist
A cyclic heptapeptide and melanocortin receptor agonist (bremelanotide), approved in the USA for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. PT-141 acts centrally in the brain rather than on blood vessels.
Structure
- Sequence
- Ac-Nle-cyclo(Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-OH
- Molecular formula
- C₅₀H₆₈N₁₄O₁₀
- Molecular weight
- 1,025 Da
- Amino acids
- 7
- Half-life
- ~2,7 hours
Mechanism of action
PT-141 binds melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors in the hypothalamus. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it does not act on blood vessels but on central neural pathways linked to sexual desire.
Studies
More detail (research areas, comparisons, FAQ): German lexicon entry.