Introduction

PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, has earned the nickname “female Viagra” due to its investigation in phase IIb human clinical trials as a potential treatment for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This synthetic melanocortin primarily binds to the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC-4R) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). In addition to its application in HSDD, It was also studied in 2009 as a treatment for acute hemorrhage. It is derived from another synthetic melanocortin called melanotan 2 (MT-2).

Molecular Structure of PT-141

Sequence:Ac-Nle-Asp(1)-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys(1)

Molecular Formula: C50H68N14O10

Molecular Weigh: 1025.182 g/mol

PubChem CID: 9941379

CAS Number: 189691-06-3

Research on PT-141

PT-141, through its stimulation of the MC-4R, plays a unique role in promoting sexual arousal. Studies in mice have demonstrated that activation of the MC-4R leads to sexual arousal and increased copulation in both male and female rodents. Unlike medications like Viagra, which primarily address issues related to blood flow, Bremelanotide operates through a different mechanism, making it a potential treatment for sexual arousal disorders in both men and women stemming from various causes.

In a study involving men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who did not respond to sildenafil (Viagra), approximately one-third of them experienced sufficient erection for sexual intercourse when treated with Bremelanotide in the form of a nasal spray. Furthermore, the trial showed a strong dose-dependent response, indicating the effectiveness of Bremelanotide in specific cases. This suggests that Bremelanotide may offer a viable option for addressing ED in situations where sildenafil has proven ineffective and may shed light on central causes of hypoactive sexual desires.

PT-141 and Female Sexual Dysfunction PT-141, although showing promise in clinical trials for treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women by increasing satisfying sexual events and reducing sexual distress, was halted before approval. This decision has left experts in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) disappointed, citing a lack of clear trial endpoints and societal biases as major obstacles to approval. They call for increased attention to women’s sexual health and the establishment of firm FDA guidelines for evaluating such therapies. Additionally, experts believe that combining pharmacological treatments like Bremelanotide with established methods could yield synergistic benefits.