PT-141, or its generic name Bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It has been extensively modified from its natural peptide and has been through clinical trials to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in men and women, among other conditions, including the treatment of acute blood loss (hemorrhage). PT-141 works by activating two receptors in the body—melanocortin-1 and melanocortin-4. Experiments have proven that such activation not only facilitates sexual arousal but can also serve to enhance immune function.
What is PT 141 (Bremelanotide)Peptide?
PT-141 is a melanocortin receptor-stimulating peptide that is an alternative solution for sexual dysfunction compared to more popular options like Viagra. Instead of directly affecting blood vessels, PT-141 acts through the central nervous system by activating melanocortin pathways. This has the potential to enhance arousal and sex performance by enhancing blood flow and sexual response.
Considering this mechanism of action, PT-141 may have fewer risks than some traditional treatments. Now, we will take a closer look at how PT-141 may offer a new level of intimacy for individuals searching for effective solutions to their sexual health concerns.
How does PT 141 Work?
PT-141 is effective because it will directly stimulate the central nervous system and only that part of the brain that is involved with sexual behavior. Its stimulation will have the outcome of realizing major hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, both of which are important in the role they play in arousing sexual desire and libido.
In addition, PT-141 increases genital blood flow, heightening sensitivity and arousal. This can lead to more intense, more pleasurable orgasms. Evidence indicates that PT-141 can enhance erectile function and enhance lubrication.
What Is pt-141 Used For?
So, what is pt 141 used for? This peptide, or Bremelanotide, is a synthetic compound which has become popular for its potential to revolutionize sexual life. Although originally developed to treat sexual dysfunction, researchers have discovered that it helps both sexes by enhancing sex drive and pleasure.
Unlike other more direct types of traditional treatments, PT-141 acts on the brain to stimulate melanocortin receptors—areas involved in the control of arousal and sexual behavior. In targeting the central nervous system, it acts differently to enhance sexual function.
Research Applications of PT-141
PT-141 and Sexual Arousal
PT-141 is a peptide that affects the MC-4R receptor of the brain, which is involved in initiating sexual arousal via the central nervous system. Unlike drugs such as Viagra, which work by increasing genital blood flow, PT-141 works by acting on the sexual arousal circuits in the brain. In animal studies, when this receptor is activated, male and female mice show increased sexual behavior and copulation frequency.
Due to this new mechanism, PT-141 is also promising treatment for sexual arousal disorders that are not due to compromised blood flow. These are men and women whose arousal is controlled by neurological or psychological processes instead of physical.
In studies, men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were not responsive to sildenafil (Viagra) were administered PT-141 via nasal spray.
Approximately one-third of volunteers experienced erections that were adequate for intercourse. Researchers also noticed a definite dose-related response—greater doses were linked with superior responses. The results indicate that PT-141 could be beneficial for males with ED not caused by blood flow problems, and it could also lead to additional insight into desire-related and brain-related arousal disorders.
PT-141 was surprisingly withdrawn from clinical trials prior to its approval for the treatment of women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). The move was surprising as initial data indicated that the drug served to heighten the frequency of satisfactory sexual experiences and decreased distress that resulted from low sexual desire. The impacts were statistically considerable and took place in the absence of major side effects.
Researchers specializing in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) were disappointed that PT-141 did not reach completion, considering its favorable results. They've listed the lack of clear clinical guidelines for FSD studies and the persistence of social stigma for women's sexual health as key reasons for the lag time. These limitations, they claim, have stalled the approval of what would be treatments.
There is optimism within the medical community that the FDA begins to make this issue more of a priority, issuing more direct guidelines for testing drugs like PT-141. Others also pointed out previous research didn't look at pairing PT-141 with current treatment protocols—a step that might bring more positive outcomes. They feel peptides like PT-141 would be able to assist in psychological treatments, coaching patients through early obstacles to treatment.
In 2017, after a public outcry about the stalled research, Phase II Reconnect trials commenced. They consisted of subcutaneous injections of PT-141 to treat FSD. The latest formulation, now branded as Rekynda, should be on the market soon in the U.S. Although it would not yet be eligible for full FDA approval, physicians could prescribe it off-label for men and women with sexual dysfunction.
PT-141's Future in the Treatment of Hemorrhage
In 2009, scientists started testing a PT-141 derivative as a treatment for hemorrhagic (low blood volume) shock. This peptide derivative, named PL-6983, was designed to bind with MC-1R and MC-4R receptors. By doing this, it seemed to decrease tissue injury from insufficient blood supply, a frequent side effect of hemorrhagic shock.
Given by IV, this formulation had minimal side effects in initial testing. It progressed to Phase IIb testing but went no further.
PT-141 for Fighting Infections
Animal experiments, especially on rats, have also proven that stimulation of the MC-1R receptor is utilized to fight certain fungal infections. The experiments proved the anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities of the receptor. The news is a welcome development since most of the current antifungal medications have severe side effects and are mostly limited in their actions. PT-141 activity on MC-1R would render it a useful alternative, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and would be expected to limit disease and death from these infections.
PT-141 and Its Link to Cancer Research
Scientists also study PT-141 for its role in cancer studies, especially with the MC-1R receptor's role in DNA repair pathways. When this receptor is intact, it has a significant role to play in mending genetic damage. Individuals who have mutations in this receptor are at increased risk of developing skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Altered versions of PT-141 may be able to reverse these genetic problems, creating new possibilities for cancer treatment and prevention.
How Long Does PT-141 Last?
PT-141 half life is approximately 2.7 hours. PT-141 how long does it take to work? Scientists managed to notice the effects within a few hours to 30 minutes after they administered the drug. However, In some cases, effects can be reported for as long as 24 hours after having taken the drug. While the strongest effects occur in the first few hours, most test subjects experience enhanced arousal and libido for longer.
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