PT-141

Also called: Vyleesi

Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 16, 2026

What is PT-141 (bremelanotide)?

PT-141 is the development code for bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist sold as the FDA-approved drug Vyleesi. Vyleesi was approved on June 21, 2019 for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Compounded products marketed as 'PT-141' are not the approved product, and Vyleesi is not approved for men.

What is Vyleesi approved for?

Vyleesi is the brand name of bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist. FDA approved it on June 21, 2019 [4] for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and specifically says it is not indicated for postmenopausal women or men, or to enhance sexual performance [1]. The label dose is 1.75 mg injected subcutaneously with an autoinjector, at least 45 minutes before anticipated sexual activity, with a maximum of one dose per 24 hours and more than 8 doses a month not recommended [1].

What are Vyleesi's main risks and how well did it work in trials?

Two identical 24-week phase 3 trials randomized 1,267 women; bremelanotide raised sexual desire scores and reduced related distress compared with placebo, with more nausea, flushing and headache in 10% or more of users [2]. The label reports nausea in 40% of patients, with 13% needing anti-emetics and 8% discontinuing, plus a transient rise in blood pressure after each dose and focal hyperpigmentation in 1% [1]. It is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension or known cardiovascular disease [1].

Is compounded 'PT-141' the same as Vyleesi?

No. Vyleesi is the FDA-approved, reviewed product; anything sold online simply as 'PT-141' is a different, unapproved product that has not gone through that review. Bremelanotide is not on FDA's May 14, 2026 list of nominated bulk substances [3]. Because an approved product exists, the relevant section 503A test is whether the substance is a component of an FDA-approved drug, and whether a given compounded version meets it is a question for the pharmacy and its counsel.

Related terms

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Sources

  1. FDA — VYLEESI (bremelanotide injection) Prescribing Information, 2019
  2. Kingsberg SA et al. Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (RECONNECT trials). Obstet Gynecol, 2019.
  3. FDA — Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A (updated May 14, 2026)
  4. Drugs@FDA — VYLEESI (bremelanotide), NDA 210557

This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.

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