Bremelanotide (PT-141) is a synthetic peptide that is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is the first and only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of HSDD in women.
Bremelanotide is also being investigated for the treatment of other conditions, including:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Female orgasmic disorder
- Male hypogonadism
- Delayed puberty
- Obesity
- Cachexia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
How does bremelanotide work?
Bremelanotide works by stimulating melanocortin receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including sexual function, appetite regulation, and energy metabolism.
When bremelanotide binds to melanocortin receptors in the brain, it triggers a cascade of events that leads to increased release of dopamine and nitric oxide. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to the genitals.
Bremelanotide also stimulates the release of other hormones that play a role in sexual function, such as testosterone and oxytocin.
Bremelanotide for HSDD
Bremelanotide has been shown to be effective in increasing sexual desire and arousal in women with HSDD. In clinical trials, bremelanotide significantly improved sexual satisfaction and decreased sexual distress in women with HSDD.
Bremelanotide for other conditions
Bremelanotide is still under investigation for the treatment of other conditions, but it has shown some promise in early clinical trials. For example, bremelanotide has been shown to improve erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation in men with premature ejaculation, and orgasm intensity in women with female orgasmic disorder.
Bremelanotide is also being investigated for the treatment of other conditions, such as male hypogonadism, delayed puberty, obesity, cachexia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.
How is bremelanotide used?
Bremelanotide is administered as a subcutaneous injection. It is typically injected into the abdomen or thigh.
Bremelanotide is taken on an as-needed basis, 45 minutes before sexual activity.
Side effects of bremelanotide
Bremelanotide is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as:
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hypotension
- Injection site reactions
In rare cases, bremelanotide can cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
- Liver toxicity
Bremelanotide is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Seizure disorders
- Mental health disorders
Bremelanotide is a promising new drug for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. It is the first and only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of HSDD in women, and it is being investigated for the treatment of other sexual dysfunctions.
Bremelanotide is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking bremelanotide to discuss the risks and benefits.
