PT-141 (Bremelanotide): Complete Research Guide — MC4R Mechanism, RECONNECT Phase 3 Data & White-Label Pricing (2026)
- PT-141 (bremelanotide, CAS: 189691-06-3) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), MW 1,025.2 Da, developed by Palatin Technologies and first described by Molinoff et al. in 2003 (Ann N Y Acad Sci) as a melanocortin receptor agonist for sexual dysfunction research.
- The RECONNECT Phase 3 program (2 identical RCTs, n=1,247 women randomized) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in sexual desire scores and reductions in associated distress versus placebo, forming the basis for FDA approval of bremelanotide as Vyleesi in June 2019 (Kingsberg et al., Obstet Gynecol, 2019 — PMID: 31599840).
- Primary mechanism: non-selective melanocortin receptor agonism with high affinity for MC4R in CNS hypothalamic and limbic regions — produces arousal signaling through central dopamine and oxytocin pathways, not peripheral vascular mechanisms. This distinguishes PT-141 from PDE5 inhibitors at the mechanistic level.
- research-grade as Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection, 1.75 mg SC) for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women (June 21, 2019). Research-grade PT-141 from YPB is RUO only and is not equivalent to Vyleesi.
- Research-grade PT-141 is available in a 10mg configuration (Research Use Only) with batch-specific COAs through the YPB catalog.
- 33,000 monthly US searches; highest search volume in the melanocortin category; $93.67 gross margin per unit at Premier tier — 78% margin on $120 MSRP.
What Is PT-141 (Bremelanotide) and Where Does It Come From?
research-grade as Vyleesi (2019)
Phase 3 RCT n=1,247
PT-141 (CAS: 189691-06-3), known generically as bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from Melanotan II through selective chemical modification to improve receptor selectivity and eliminate the tanning (MC1R) activity associated with the parent compound. Updated April 2026. The compound was developed by Palatin Technologies from earlier work on melanocortin peptide analogs conducted at the University of Arizona, where researchers studying the effects of α-MSH analogs on pigmentation first documented unexpected central arousal effects in both animal models and in an accidental human exposure during an early Melanotan II study in the 1990s.
The research-grade designation PT-141 refers to the specific cyclic lactam structure (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH) that became the basis for Palatin Technologies’ compound development program. PT-141 / bremelanotide was the first melanocortin receptor agonist to reach FDA approval for a CNS-mediated sexual dysfunction indication. The research-grade bremelanotide injection as Vyleesi in June 2019 for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women — making it only the second research-grade pharmacological treatment for HSDD after flibanserin (Addyi, 2015) (Mayer & Lynch, Ann Pharmacother, 2020 — PMID: 31893927).
Research-grade PT-141 from YPB is sold exclusively for in vitro and laboratory research purposes. It is not equivalent to Vyleesi (the research-grade compound product) and is not intended for human administration.
Key Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH (cyclic lactam heptapeptide) |
| Common Names | PT-141, Bremelanotide, Vyleesi (research-grade brand), PT141 |
| CAS Number | 189691-06-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C50H68N14O10 |
| Molecular Weight | 1,025.2 Da |
| Structure | Cyclic heptapeptide; lactam bridge between Asp and Lys residues; N-terminus acetylated |
| Half-Life | Approximately 2.7 hours (Vyleesi prescribing information; SC administration) |
| Primary Receptor Targets | MC4R (high affinity) > MC3R > MC1R; non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist |
| Alternative Names | Bremelanotide acetate; PT 141; NDP-MSH cyclic analog; CID9941379 |
| FDA Status | research-grade as Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection 1.75 mg) for HSDD in premenopausal women (June 2019). Research-grade PT-141 from YPB is RUO only — not equivalent to Vyleesi. |
| WADA Status | Prohibited — Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics (S2), WADA Prohibited List 2025 |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 14 days |
| Developer | Palatin Technologies, Inc. (originally derived from University of Arizona α-MSH analog research, 1990s) |
How Does PT-141 Work? Primary Mechanisms of Action
PT-141’s mechanism is CNS-centric rather than vascular, which is the fundamental pharmacological distinction from PDE5 inhibitors and the primary reason it has generated sustained research interest in sexual function biology. Understanding the melanocortin receptor system is prerequisite to interpreting PT-141’s documented effects.
The Melanocortin Receptor System
The melanocortin system comprises five G-protein-coupled receptors (MC1R–MC5R) distributed across skin, adrenal glands, and the central nervous system. Endogenous ligands include α-MSH (produced in the pituitary), β-MSH, γ-MSH, and ACTH — all derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. MC4R is expressed primarily in the hypothalamus, limbic system, and brainstem, where it participates in energy homeostasis, autonomic regulation, and sexual behavior circuits. MC3R is also expressed centrally and contributes to energy balance and feeding behavior regulation (Molinoff et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2003 — PMID: 12851297).
MC4R Agonism in Hypothalamic Sexual Behavior Circuits
PT-141 binds MC4R with high affinity in the hypothalamus — specifically in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and medial preoptic area (MPOA), regions directly involved in sexual motivation, arousal, and copulatory behavior. MC4R activation in these nuclei stimulates downstream release of oxytocin and modulates dopamine signaling in reward pathways associated with sexual motivation. Preclinical c-Fos immunoreactivity studies documented increased neuronal activation in PVN neurons following PT-141 administration, and pseudorabies virus tracing confirmed anatomical connections between hypothalamic MC4R sites and spinal cord pathways innervating sexual response centers (Wessells et al., Neuroscience, 2003 — PMID: 14726972).
Independence from Vascular Mechanisms
PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) produce their effects through peripheral vascular mechanisms: PDE5 inhibition prevents cGMP degradation in smooth muscle, maintaining vasodilation-mediated engorgement. PT-141 operates through an entirely distinct pathway — central MC4R activation — with no direct effect on PDE5, cGMP, or smooth muscle vasodilation. Published preclinical research documented PT-141 activity in animal models where PDE5 inhibitors produced no response, establishing the mechanistic independence of these pathways. This distinction is the scientific basis for investigating PT-141 in PDE5 inhibitor non-responders, a research population estimated at 30–40% of erectile dysfunction subjects.
Cyclic Lactam Structure and Metabolic Stability
PT-141’s cyclic lactam architecture (the Asp-Lys lactam bridge) confers significantly greater metabolic stability compared to linear α-MSH analogs of comparable sequence. This structural feature extends the in vivo half-life to approximately 2.7 hours — substantially longer than native α-MSH, which is cleared within minutes by plasma peptidases. The cyclic constraint also reduces conformational flexibility, improving receptor selectivity by limiting non-productive binding orientations at non-target receptors.
What Systems Has PT-141 Been Investigated For?
PT-141’s primary published research applications center on sexual function and melanocortin CNS biology, with emerging published literature on energy homeostasis and inflammation research.
Female Sexual Dysfunction Research
The most extensively published application of PT-141 is HSDD in premenopausal women. The RECONNECT Phase 3 program comprised two identical, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trials enrolling a combined 1,267 women (1,247 in the safety population). Both trials met their co-primary efficacy endpoints — statistically significant improvement in sexual desire (FSFI desire domain) and reduction in distress related to low sexual desire — compared to placebo. Integrated analysis across both studies showed a desire score increase of 0.35 (p<0.001) and a distress reduction of −0.33 (p<0.001) (Kingsberg et al., Obstet Gynecol, 2019 — PMID: 31599840). These results formed the regulatory basis for the Vyleesi NDA approval in June 2019.
Male Sexual Dysfunction Research
Phase 2 data in men with erectile dysfunction documented PT-141’s erectogenic activity via central MC4R pathways. Diamond et al. (2006) published a randomized controlled trial in men with ED demonstrating significant improvements in erectile function measured by validated psychometric instruments, with PT-141 producing responses in subjects who had not responded to sildenafil. A 2024 open-label Phase 2 trial (Palatin Technologies, n=50) investigated PT-141 combined with a PDE5 inhibitor in PDE5i non-responders, targeting the approximately 40% of ED subjects who do not achieve adequate response with standard first-line therapy — a research population estimated to represent a multi-billion dollar unmet clinical need (Diamond et al., J Sex Med, 2006).
MC4R Biology and Energy Homeostasis Research
Beyond sexual function, MC4R participates in hypothalamic regulation of energy balance, feeding behavior, and autonomic function. PT-141’s selectivity profile — high MC4R and MC3R affinity with lower MC1R engagement than Melanotan II — makes it a useful tool for dissecting MC4R-specific contributions to energy homeostasis separately from pigmentation (MC1R) effects. Published research has used PT-141 and related melanocortin agonists to probe the intersection between MC4R signaling, hypothalamic feeding circuits, and inflammatory pathways in preclinical models.
What Does the Human Research Data Show So Far?
PT-141 / bremelanotide has the most extensive human safety dataset of any peptide in the melanocortin research category, derived from the Vyleesi Phase 3 program and prior Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies.
Human Safety Summary
| Study | Route | N | Dose | Adverse Events | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RECONNECT Study 301 (Phase 3 RCT, HSDD) — Kingsberg et al. | SC injection (auto-injector) | ~630 (1:1 randomization) | 1.75 mg SC as needed | Nausea (40.0% bremelanotide vs 1.3% placebo, first dose); flushing (20.2% vs 0.3%); headache (11.3% vs 2.7%). Most events mild-moderate; no serious compound-related AEs meeting stopping criteria. | 2019 |
| RECONNECT Study 302 (Phase 3 RCT, HSDD) — Kingsberg et al. | SC injection (auto-injector) | ~617 (1:1 randomization) | 1.75 mg SC as needed | Consistent with Study 301. Nausea most common; diminished with repeat doses. Safety profile favorable. | 2019 |
| Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study — Althof et al. | SC injection | Not fully disclosed (Phase 2b multi-dose) | Multiple doses (dose-finding) | Significant improvement vs placebo at potential wellness benefits. Well tolerated; nausea dose-related. No serious AEs at studied doses. | 2019 |
| Phase 2 Male ED Study — Diamond et al. | Intranasal (earlier formulation) | Not fully disclosed | Multiple intranasal doses | Nausea and transient facial flushing most common; mild to moderate intensity. No serious compound-related events. | 2006 |
The integrated safety database from the RECONNECT program included 1,247 subjects with up to 52 weeks of exposure in the open-label extension. The most common adverse events were nausea, flushing, and headache — consistent with melanocortin pathway activation. Nausea rates diminished with continued use. Transient blood pressure increases (mean 2–3 mmHg systolic) were observed and are reflected in the Vyleesi prescribing information. No serious compound-related adverse events were reported at the approved dose. All PT-141 from YPB is Research Use Only and is not equivalent to the compound product Vyleesi.
How Does PT-141 Compare to Other Melanocortin Research Peptides?
The melanocortin research peptide category includes compounds spanning the full receptor selectivity spectrum, from non-selective full agonists like Melanotan II to highly selective single-receptor agonists. PT-141’s positioning within this category is defined by its FDA approval history and CNS selectivity profile.
| Parameter | PT-141 (Bremelanotide) | Melanotan II | Afamelanotide | Alpha-MSH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cyclic heptapeptide; derived from Melanotan II; Palatin Technologies | Cyclic heptapeptide; University of Arizona, 1980s | Linear tridecapeptide; Clinuvel compounds | Endogenous 13-AA neuropeptide; POMC-derived |
| Amino Acids | 7 (cyclic lactam) | 7 (cyclic lactam, different structure) | 13 (linear, [Nle4,D-Phe7]-MSH) | 13 (endogenous, linear) |
| Primary Mechanism | MC4R > MC3R > MC1R (CNS-dominant, arousal & desire) | Non-selective MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R (tanning + arousal) | Highly selective MC1R (photoprotection & tanning) | MC1R-MC5R (non-selective endogenous ligand) |
| Tanning Activity | Minimal (reduced MC1R engagement vs Melanotan II) | Strong (MC1R-mediated melanogenesis) | Primary indication (research-grade for EPP) | Yes (endogenous tanning signal) |
| Key Research Focus | Sexual function (HSDD, ED), MC4R CNS biology, energy homeostasis | Tanning, sexual arousal, appetite suppression | Photoprotection (erythropoietic protoporphyria) | Melanocortin system reference ligand |
| FDA Status | Approved (Vyleesi 2019, HSDD in premenopausal women) | Not approved; RUO only | Approved (Scenesse/Afamelanotide, EPP) | Not applicable (endogenous molecule) |
| PubMed Results (2025) | 300+ (bremelanotide / PT-141) | 200+ (Melanotan II) | 150+ (afamelanotide) | 2,000+ (alpha-MSH, all contexts) |
| Research-Grade Available? | Yes — RUO | Yes — RUO | Limited | Yes (research reagent) |
PT-141’s selective reduction in MC1R engagement compared to Melanotan II is mechanistically important for research protocols focused specifically on CNS arousal and MC4R biology — where co-activation of MC1R-mediated pigmentation would confound outcome measurement. For researchers studying the GH-axis pathway or skin biology via GHK-Cu, PT-141 provides a pharmacologically orthogonal melanocortin reference compound through a CNS mechanism distinct from either pathway.
What Should Researchers Know About PT-141 Stability and Handling?
PT-141 at 1,025.2 Da is a mid-weight research peptide. Its cyclic lactam structure confers substantially greater enzymatic stability than linear α-MSH analogs, but specific reconstitution practices still apply.
Storage and Reconstitution Protocol
Lyophilized PT-141 is stable at −20°C for up to 24 months when protected from light and moisture. Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water is recommended for extended-use laboratory preparations. Once reconstituted, solutions should be held at 2–8°C and used within 14 days. The cyclic structure resists DPP-IV and other plasma peptidase degradation that limits linear α-MSH analogs, contributing to the approximately 2.7-hour half-life documented for bremelanotide in the Vyleesi clinical program. Solutions should appear clear and colorless; any turbidity suggests degradation.
COA Verification
At 1,025.2 Da, HPLC purity (≥98%) combined with mass spectrometry confirmation is the appropriate verification standard. MS should confirm the correct molecular weight consistent with the cyclic lactam form — distinct from the linear peptide precursor at a different MW. Researchers should verify the cyclic structure is intact, as the lactam bridge is essential for MC4R binding selectivity. All YPB PT-141 batches include lot-traceable documentation accessible through the COA Library.
Key Research Findings: PT-141 in 2026
Key Research Findings
- research-grade compound (Vyleesi, 2019): Bremelanotide is the first and only research-grade melanocortin peptide for sexual dysfunction; RUO research-grade PT-141 is not equivalent to Vyleesi but shares the same active molecular structure.
- RECONNECT Phase 3 trial (n=1,247): Two identical RCTs met co-primary endpoints — statistically significant improvement in desire (integrated +0.35, p<0.001) and distress reduction (−0.33, p<0.001) versus placebo (PMID: 31599840).
- CNS mechanism is independent of vascular pathways: MC4R activation in PVN and MPOA produces dopamine/oxytocin-mediated arousal signaling without PDE5 inhibition, enabling research in PDE5 non-responder models.
- Cyclic lactam structure drives selectivity and stability: The Asp-Lys lactam bridge reduces MC1R engagement versus Melanotan II and extends half-life to ~2.7 hours by resisting plasma peptidase degradation.
- Phase 2 data in male ED subjects: Diamond et al. (2006) documented erectogenic activity via intranasal bremelanotide in men; 2024 Phase 2 combo trial with PDE5i in non-responders is ongoing.
- Nausea is the primary tolerability signal: First-dose nausea (40% in RECONNECT) diminishes with continued use; reflects melanocortin pathway activation in area postrema; no serious compound-related adverse events at approved dose.
- MC4R biology extends beyond sexual function: Published research uses PT-141 as a CNS MC4R probe for energy homeostasis, autonomic regulation, and inflammatory pathway research independent of sexual behavior endpoints.
- 300+ PubMed publications: Strong and growing research literature spanning preclinical, Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 data, with active ongoing investigation in male ED combination protocols (2024).
Why Is PT-141 a High-Demand Research Compound?
PT-141 generates 33,000 monthly US searches — the highest search volume in the melanocortin peptide category — driven by consumer awareness of the Vyleesi approval, ongoing Phase 2 male ED research, and the distinctive CNS-mechanism story that differentiates it from well-known PDE5 inhibitors in search queries.
Search Volume and Consumer Interest
The FDA approval of Vyleesi in 2019 created sustained awareness among practitioners, researchers, and consumers seeking information on PT-141 as the underlying research compound. PT-141 search queries span both female HSDD research contexts and male ED research contexts — an unusually broad demand base for a single compound SKU. The BPC-157 Research Guide covers the most-searched healing compound for cross-category positioning.
Publication Velocity
PubMed indexes 300+ publications for bremelanotide and PT-141 as of April 2026. The ongoing 2024 Phase 2 trial in PDE5 non-responders generates active press coverage that drives search spikes, and any future regulatory submissions (male ED indication, combination therapy) would represent major demand catalysts for the research category.
Market Demand Indicators
| Demand Indicator | PT-141 Data Point |
|---|---|
| Monthly US searches | 33,000/mo |
| PubMed publications (total) | 300+ (bremelanotide / PT-141 combined) |
| PubMed publications (2020+) | 40+ new publications since 2020 |
| Clinical trial stage | Phase 3 completed (research-grade 2019); Phase 2 ongoing (male ED combo, 2024) |
| FDA regulatory status | Approved (Vyleesi, June 2019 — HSDD in premenopausal women) |
| Human safety studies | 1,247+ subjects (RECONNECT); Phase 2 male data; favorable tolerability profile in all published studies |
| Keyword difficulty range | Low-medium competition (KD <20) |
| Unique positioning | Only research-grade melanocortin peptide; only CNS-mechanism sexual dysfunction peptide in the YPB catalog |
How Can Researchers Offer PT-141 Under Their Own Brand?
YourPeptideBrand.com provides a white-label dropship model for research peptide operators. PT-141 is available in a standalone 10mg configuration. Its FDA approval history, 300+ publication depth, and unique CNS mechanism story make it a high-conversion SKU for white-label brands targeting practitioners and researchers familiar with melanocortin biology.
What White-Labeling Means
White-label operators receive a fully built WooCommerce storefront with pre-built RUO-compliant product pages, COA library links, and molecular data tables — all compliant with Research Use Only labeling standards. Operators set their own retail pricing and keep the margin. YPB handles all fulfillment. Download the full product catalog for all 60+ SKU pricing tiers.
PT-141 Wholesale Pricing & Margin Analysis
| SKU | Compound | Premier ($497/mo) | Core ($297/mo) | Suggested MSRP | Premier Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YPB.274 (RUO) | PT-141 10mg | $26.33 | $31.60 | $120.00 | $93.67 (78%) |
Use the YPB Profit Calculator to model projected monthly revenue at your target pricing and volume. PT-141 at Premier tier generates $93.67 gross margin per unit at $120 MSRP — a 78% margin rate identical to ipamorelin, making it among the highest-margin standalone SKUs in the entire catalog. 250+ white-label research brands are already live on the platform.
Who This Is For
PT-141’s FDA approval history, CNS-unique mechanism, and 33,000 monthly searches make it a natural addition for white-label brands in the hormonal, sexual health, and longevity research categories. Practitioners familiar with Vyleesi already understand the compound’s pharmacological profile, creating a highly informed buyer segment with above-average purchase intent per search impression.
Methodology & Data Sources
Methodology & Data Sources
Scientific literature: PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov searched for “bremelanotide,” “PT-141,” “melanocortin-4 receptor agonist,” “Vyleesi,” and CAS 189691-06-3. Search conducted through April 2026.
Key sources: Molinoff et al. (2003) Ann N Y Acad Sci; Wessells et al. (2003) Neuroscience; Diamond et al. (2006) J Sex Med; Kingsberg et al. (2019) Obstet Gynecol (RECONNECT); Mayer & Lynch (2020) Ann Pharmacother; Portman et al. (2019) first approval article compounds. FDA Vyleesi approval June 2019 (NDA 210557).
Search volume data: Google Ads keyword data via DataForSEO, April 2026. Monthly US searches for “PT-141,” “bremelanotide,” and close variants combined.
Pricing data: YPB Full Pricing Catalog, current as of April 2026. Premier ($497/mo) and Core ($297/mo) membership tiers. Margin calculated as MSRP minus Premier wholesale price.
Limitations: The RECONNECT trials were conducted in premenopausal women with HSDD; male ED and other population data is from Phase 2 studies only. Vyleesi safety data is presented for historical and educational reference. Research-grade PT-141 from YPB is RUO only and not equivalent to the compound product. This article does not constitute medical or research protocol advice.
References
- Molinoff, P. B., Shadiack, A. M., Earle, D., Diamond, L. E., & Quon, C. Y. (2003). PT-141: a melanocortin agonist for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 994, 96–102. PMID: 12851297
- Wessells, H., Levine, N., Hadley, M. E., Dorr, R., & Hruby, V. (2000). Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II. Int J Impot Res, 12(Suppl 4), S74–79. PMID: 11035391
- Wessells, H., Van der Graaf, P. H., & Dorr, R. T. (2003). Neuroanatomy of MC4R in the hypothalamus. Neuroscience, 120(4), 1055–1062. PMID: 14726972
- Diamond, L. E., Earle, D. C., Heiman, J. R., Rosen, R. C., Perelman, M. A., & Harning, R. (2006). An effect on the subjective sexual response in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder by bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist. J Sex Med, 3(4), 628–638. PMID: 16839320
- Althof, S., Derogatis, L. R., Greenberg, S., et al. (2019). Responder Analyses from a Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study of Bremelanotide. J Sex Med. PMID: 31277966
- Kingsberg, S. A., Clayton, A. H., Portman, D., et al. (2019). Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials. Obstet Gynecol, 134(5), 899–908. PMID: 31599840
- Portman, D. J., & Kingsberg, S. A. (2019). Bremelanotide: First Approval. compounds, 79(14), 1523–1530. PMID: 31429064
- Mayer, D., & Lynch, S. E. (2020). Bremelanotide: New compound Approved for Treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. Ann Pharmacother, 54(7), 684–690. PMID: 31893927
- Clayton, A. H., Althof, S. E., Kingsberg, S., et al. (2016). Bremelanotide for female sexual dysfunctions in premenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled dose-finding trial. Womens Health (Lond), 12(3), 325–337. PMID: 27188918
Frequently Asked Questions
PT-141 (bremelanotide, CAS: 189691-06-3) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist with high affinity for MC4R in CNS hypothalamic and limbic regions. In research models, published data demonstrates PT-141 activates MC4R in the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area, stimulating dopamine and oxytocin pathways associated with arousal and sexual motivation (Wessells et al., 2003 — PMID: 14726972). Its mechanism is independent of PDE5 inhibition and peripheral vascular pathways. PT-141 is the research-grade compound underlying Vyleesi (bremelanotide), research-grade in 2019 for HSDD in premenopausal women. Research-grade PT-141 from YPB is not approved for research use only and is classified for Research Use Only (RUO). Updated April 2026.
PubMed indexes 300+ publications for bremelanotide and PT-141 as of April 2026. The research record spans preclinical MC4R mechanism studies, multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials, and the pivotal RECONNECT Phase 3 program (two identical RCTs, n=1,247 women) that supported FDA approval of Vyleesi in 2019 (Kingsberg et al., PMID: 31599840). A 2024 Phase 2 open-label trial in male PDE5 inhibitor non-responders (n=50) represents the most recent active clinical investigation. Active new publications have appeared each year since approval, including the Mayer & Lynch pharmacist review in 2020 (PMID: 31893927).
PDE5 inhibitors act peripherally by preventing cGMP degradation in vascular smooth muscle, maintaining vasodilation-mediated engorgement. PT-141 operates through a completely distinct CNS mechanism: MC4R agonism in the hypothalamus activates dopamine and oxytocin pathways involved in sexual motivation and desire — with no direct effect on PDE5, cGMP, or peripheral blood flow. Published preclinical data documented PT-141 activity in models where PDE5 inhibitors produced no response. This mechanistic independence is the research basis for investigating PT-141 in PDE5 inhibitor non-responder models, estimated at 30–40% of erectile dysfunction subjects, and for the 2024 Phase 2 combination trial (Molinoff et al., PMID: 12851297).
Bremelanotide has an in vivo half-life of approximately 2.7 hours, as documented in the Vyleesi prescribing information from clinical pharmacokinetic studies. The cyclic lactam structure (Asp-Lys lactam bridge) confers resistance to DPP-IV and plasma peptidase degradation that would otherwise rapidly clear a linear peptide of comparable sequence — accounting for the longer half-life relative to endogenous α-MSH (<5 minutes). Lyophilized PT-141 stored at −20°C is stable for up to 24 months. Reconstituted solution should be held at 2–8°C and used within 14 days. The cyclic structure is essential for MC4R selectivity and must be confirmed intact in COA documentation via MS verification.
Yes — bremelanotide has the most extensive human safety dataset in the melanocortin research peptide category. The RECONNECT Phase 3 program enrolled 1,247 women in two identical double-blind RCTs, both meeting co-primary endpoints for desire improvement and distress reduction (Kingsberg et al., Obstet Gynecol, 2019 — PMID: 31599840). Phase 2 male ED data was published by Diamond et al. (2006, PMID: 16839320). A 2024 open-label Phase 2 combination trial in PDE5 non-responders (n=50) is the most recent active investigation. The approved Vyleesi dose (1.75 mg SC) demonstrated nausea (40% first dose, diminishing with use), flushing, and mild headache as the primary adverse events; no serious compound-related AEs at the approved dose.
Yes. YourPeptideBrand.com provides white-label dropship for PT-141 in a 10mg configuration at $26.33 Premier wholesale, with a suggested MSRP of $120 generating $93.67 gross margin per unit (78% margin). White-label storefronts include pre-built RUO-compliant product pages with COA library links and molecular data tables. Operators set their own retail pricing and keep the margin. Storefronts launch within 30 days with no inventory requirements. Use the profit calculator to model projected revenue across your target pricing scenarios.
Every PT-141 batch includes a lot-specific COA from an independent third-party laboratory covering: qualitative ID (HPLC and MS confirmation of the cyclic lactam structure at 1,025.2 Da), HPLC purity (≥98%), endotoxin (<1 EU/mg), TAMC, and TYMC. MS verification confirms the cyclic form rather than the linear peptide precursor — critical because the lactam bridge is essential for MC4R selectivity. Documentation is accessible through the batch-specific COA library per order.
Premier tier members ($497/mo) access PT-141 10mg at $26.33 wholesale, generating $93.67 gross margin per unit at suggested $120 MSRP — a 78% margin rate, one of the highest in the entire YPB catalog. Core tier ($297/mo) pricing is $31.60 per unit. PT-141’s unique positioning as the only research-grade (as Vyleesi) melanocortin peptide in the catalog supports premium pricing power compared to compounds with only preclinical records. White-label brands in the hormonal or longevity research categories can position PT-141 as a credibility anchor SKU alongside GH-axis compounds like sermorelin ($57.77 wholesale) and ipamorelin ($26.68 wholesale) to maximize total basket value.
Key Takeaways
Research Takeaways
- PT-141 is the only research-grade melanocortin peptide for sexual dysfunction — bremelanotide (Vyleesi) approval in June 2019 places it in the same regulatory tier as sermorelin (formerly Geref) within the YPB catalog.
- RECONNECT Phase 3 data (n=1,247) represents the largest and most rigorous human clinical dataset of any peptide in the melanocortin category; both RCTs met co-primary efficacy endpoints (PMID: 31599840).
- CNS MC4R mechanism is independent of vascular pathways — no PDE5 inhibition; activity demonstrated in PDE5 non-responder models; pharmacological class distinct from all other research peptides in the YPB catalog.
- Cyclic lactam structure drives receptor selectivity and metabolic stability — Asp-Lys bridge reduces MC1R engagement versus Melanotan II and extends half-life to ~2.7 hours.
- Active 2024 Phase 2 trial in male PDE5 non-responders (Palatin Technologies, n=50) represents a potential future regulatory catalyst for a new indication.
- Nausea is the primary tolerability signal (40% first dose) — diminishes with continued use; reflects melanocortin pathway activation at the area postrema; no serious compound-related AEs at the approved dose.
- MC4R biology extends beyond sexual function to energy homeostasis, autonomic regulation, and inflammation — providing a research rationale beyond the primary HSDD indication.
Business Takeaways
- 33,000 monthly searches at low-medium KD — highest in the melanocortin category; FDA approval of Vyleesi creates sustained, high-intent search traffic that extends across both female HSDD and male ED research queries.
- $93.67 gross margin per unit at Premier tier — 78% margin, among the highest of any standalone SKU in the YPB catalog; FDA approval history supports premium MSRP positioning.
- Unique catalog positioning — PT-141’s CNS-mechanism story differentiates white-label brands from those carrying only healing and GH-axis compounds, expanding the addressable buyer segment.
- Ongoing Phase 2 trial is a demand catalyst — any 2025–2026 results from the PDE5 non-responder study would generate significant search and press activity around the PT-141 / bremelanotide keyword cluster.
Ready to add PT-141 to your research peptide catalog? Book a consultation with the YPB team to discuss melanocortin category positioning and the full 60+ SKU platform.
[ypb_studies peptide=”pt-141″]