Research-Grade Melanocortin Receptor Agonist for Scientific Study
PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from Melanotan 2 and ultimately from alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). As a melanocortin receptor agonist, PT-141 uniquely stimulates the Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R) and MC-3R in the central nervous system, making it one of the most extensively studied peptides in the investigation of sexual desire, sexual arousal, and related neural pathways. Its mechanism of action operates through the brain rather than through peripheral blood flow pathways, distinguishing it fundamentally from compounds like Viagra and other PDE-5 inhibitors.
This PT 141 peptide is supplied by FillerSupplies.com as a lyophilized powder exclusively for laboratory research and scientific evaluation. It is intended for use by licensed researchers and medical professionals conducting in vitro, animal, or approved investigational studies. All product information presented here reflects published preclinical and clinical data and does not constitute medical advice, treatment recommendations, or human dosing guidance.
General Information About PT-141
PT-141 is a cyclic heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH. It features an acetylated norleucine at the N-terminus and a cyclic lactam bridge between Asp² and Lys⁷, structural modifications that improve metabolic stability and receptor selectivity compared to its parent compound, melanotan ii. Its molecular formula is C₅₀H₆₈N₁₄O₁₀, with a molecular weight of approximately 1,025.18 Da.
PT-141 functions as a non-selective melanocortin agonist with greatest potency at MC-3R and MC-4R, and some interaction at MC-1R (involved in pigmentation and cosmetic tanning responses). In contrast to PDE-5 inhibitors that enhance nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation peripherally, PT-141 crosses the blood–brain barrier and engages hypothalamic circuits-specifically the medial preoptic area and paraventricular nucleus. Upon binding to MC-4R, the peptide activates Gₛ-protein signaling, stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and triggers downstream activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphorylation of CREB transcription factor. These pharmacodynamic effects alter neuronal excitability and synaptic transmitter release in circuits involved in sexual motivation and behavior.
Pharmacokinetics data from human studies show that subcutaneously administered PT-141 reaches peak plasma concentration (Tmax) at approximately 1 hour, with an elimination half-life of roughly 2.7 hours (range 1.9–4.0 hours). Volume of distribution is approximately 25 ± 5.8 L, clearance is approximately 6.5 ± 1.0 L/hr, and excretion occurs primarily via urine (~65%).
PT-141 Use in the Research Setting
PT-141 is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution in sterile buffered saline, strictly for research and laboratory use. The peptide’s well-characterized receptor pharmacology and extensive published literature make it a valuable tool across multiple research domains. Below are key areas where PT-141 has been studied, along with relevant preclinical and clinical data.
#1. Sexual Behavior and Motivation Research
PT-141 enhances libido and sexual motivation through neural activation in hypothalamic melanocortin circuits rather than through peripheral vascular mechanisms. In preclinical models, male rats administered PT-141 subcutaneously demonstrated increased mount frequency, reduced ejaculatory latency, and shortened post-ejaculatory intervals. In female rats (ovariectomized with hormonal priming), the drug increased proceptive behaviors and lordosis quotient at doses ranging from 1–10 mg/kg SC, with an ED₅₀ of approximately 3.2 mg/kg for receptive behaviors.
PT-141 may enhance neural processing related to sexual arousal, and animal studies have demonstrated that erectile responses can occur even when peripheral nitric oxide signaling is pharmacologically blocked-confirming the central mechanism is specifically involved. PT-141 induces significant erectile responses in men, and research data indicate that erections can occur within 30 minutes after PT-141 administration.
In clinical trials, PT-141 improved sexual desire in women. The RECONNECT Phase 3 program enrolled approximately 1,267 premenopausal women with acquired generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). A 1.75 mg dose of PT-141 significantly improved sexual desire in women, with the FSFI desire domain increasing by +0.35 compared to placebo over 24 weeks. Additionally, a 1.75 mg dose of PT-141 significantly reduced distress in women, with the FSDS-DAO score falling by –0.33 versus placebo. PT-141 treats hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women and received FDA approval on June 21, 2019 under the trade name Vyleesi for this indication.
“The benefit was statistically significant but clinically modest”-a finding from reanalysis of the RECONNECT trials that has fueled ongoing debate about effect size and clinical meaningfulness across patient populations.
<em>Important to Know:</em>
#2. Melanocortin Receptor Selectivity and Structural Pharmacology
PT-141’s classification as a melanocortin receptor agonist with preferential MC-4R and MC-3R activity sets it apart from related peptides. Recent cryo-EM structural studies of MC4R in complex with bremelanotide have revealed detailed binding modes, showing how the cyclic lactam bridge and D-Phe residue contribute to receptor activation through a mechanism distinct from small-molecule agonists. These structural insights are actively guiding the design of next-generation selective MC4R agonists with potentially fewer off-target effects.
The table below provides a comparison of PT-141 against two related melanocortin peptides studied in similar research contexts:
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Property
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PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
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Melanotan-II (MT-II)
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Setmelanotide
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Structure
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Cyclic heptapeptide; Nle, lactam bridge
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Cyclic peptide from α-MSH; less selective modifications
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Peptide agonist; higher MC4R selectivity
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Receptor Profile
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Strong MC3R/MC4R agonist; some MC1R activity
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Non-selective (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R)
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Highly selective MC4R
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Regulatory Status
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FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women
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Not approved; preclinical only
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Approved/advanced trials for genetic obesity
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Key Side Effects
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Nausea, flushing, transient BP elevation
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Higher CV and tanning risk; less favorable PK
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More favorable safety in metabolic use
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Primary Research Focus
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Sexual behavior, motivation, neurobiology
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Pigmentation, sexual function (preclinical)
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Appetite regulation, obesity, MC4R pathway
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In contrast to melanotan ii, PT-141 has specific amino acid modifications-including deamination and the cyclic lactam bridge between Asp² and Lys⁷-that improve its stability, receptor selectivity, and pharmacokinetics profile.
#3. Appetite Regulation and Metabolic Research
Beyond its role in sexual behavior sciences, PT-141 has been studied in the context of appetite regulation and energy homeostasis via MC-4R and MC-3R signaling in hypothalamic circuits. Obese women lost up to 1.7 kg with PT-141 treatment in exploratory research, suggesting potential metabolic effects mediated through central melanocortin pathways. These findings, while preliminary, point to the broader research potential of melanocortin agonist compounds in metabolic investigation.
#4. Safety Profile and Tolerability in Research Models
Data from preclinical and clinical studies indicate that PT-141 was generally well tolerated at studied doses. Common side effects of PT-141 include nausea, flushing, and headaches. PT-141 can cause transient increases in blood pressure-a finding that led to the discontinuation of the nasal route of administration during clinical development. PT-141 is available as a nasal spray in some formulations, but the intranasal route was abandoned for clinical use due to these safety signals; subcutaneous administration provides more controllable pharmacokinetics.
In healthy male subjects and in clinical populations of premenopausal women, PT-141 demonstrated a manageable safety profile at the 1.75 mg SC dose, with nausea being the most frequently reported adverse event across the RECONNECT program.
<em>Important to Know:</em>
#5. Emerging Research and Circuit Specificity
Recent animal studies (2025) using Syrian hamsters refined the understanding of PT-141’s circuit specificity. In conditioned place preference assays, PT-141 did not enhance sexual reward, and MC3R/MC4R mRNA expression in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons was unaltered. This challenges earlier assumptions about dopaminergic reward pathway involvement and suggests that PT-141’s effects on sexual motivation may operate through distinct neural pathways independent of classical reward circuitry-an important consideration for researchers designing mechanistic studies.
Buy PT-141 Online at FillerSupplies.com
When you buy PT-141 online, sourcing from a verified supplier is critical to ensuring product authenticity and experimental reproducibility. Purchasing PT-141 online carries significant risks if not done through licensed sources-unregulated sources may sell PT-141 without proper labeling or sterility, and purchasing peptides labeled as “research chemicals” is not recommended for human consumption. Compounding pharmacies must comply with FDA regulations to ensure safety and quality. Legitimate suppliers of PT-141 require appropriate documentation confirming research-use intent. PT-141 is sold as a lyophilized powder for research use and can be purchased in 15ml and 30ml bottles in reconstituted formulations. Orders of PT-141 ship the same day if placed by 12 PST.
FillerSupplies.com, offering the Novera brand, provides researchers with a trusted source to pt-141 buy online with confidence:
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Authentic, certified products – original, quality-controlled compounds, warehouses worldwide.
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11 years of reliability & trust – established supplier on the market since 2006.
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Temperature-controlled shipping – thermal packaging with ice gel / cold packs preserves stability.
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Supplied for research use only, to licensed professionals.
All PT-141 product supplied through FillerSupplies.com is intended exclusively for research and laboratory use by licensed professionals. It is not intended for unapproved human administration, cosmetic application, or food supplementation.
Related research peptides available at FillerSupplies.com: Melanotan I.
FAQ
Is PT-141 Safe for Use in Research Settings?
PT-141 was generally well tolerated in both preclinical animal models and human clinical trials at studied doses. Common side effects observed in clinical research include nausea, flushing, headaches, and transient increases in blood pressure. Researchers should follow established handling protocols and store reconstituted solutions at 2–8 °C to protect peptide integrity.
How Does PT-141's Mechanism Differ From PDE-5 Inhibitors Like Viagra?
PT-141 acts centrally through melanocortin receptors (MC-3R and MC-4R) in the brain, influencing motivational and arousal-related neural pathways. In contrast, Viagra and similar medications work peripherally by enhancing nitric oxide–mediated blood flow in genital vasculature. PT-141 can induce erections within 30 minutes in men even when peripheral NO signaling is blocked, confirming its distinct central mechanism of action.
How Should PT-141 Lyophilized Powder Be Stored and Reconstituted?
Store lyophilized powder at ≤ –20 °C to protect stability. Reconstitute with sterile buffered saline and use reconstituted solutions promptly; store them at 2–8 °C. Minimize freeze-thaw cycles, as repeated cycling can degrade the peptide and compromise experimental data quality.
What Research Dosing Ranges Have Been Studied?
In animal models, subcutaneous doses of 1–10 mg/kg have been used in rodent studies, with an ED₅₀ of approximately 3.2 mg/kg for receptive behavioral responses in female rats. In human clinical trials for HSDD in premenopausal women, the FDA-approved therapeutic dose is 1.75 mg SC as needed. These figures are provided for research reference only and do not constitute dosing guidance.
How Does PT-141 Compare to Melanotan II?
Both peptides are derived from alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone, but PT-141 has greater selectivity for MC-3R and MC-4R with reduced off-target activity. Melanotan ii is non-selective across MC1R through MC5R, leading to more pronounced pigmentation and cardiovascular side effects. PT-141's specific amino acid modifications-including the lactam bridge and N-terminal acetylation-result in improved pharmacokinetics and a more favorable safety profile for research applications.
Is PT-141 a Prohibited Substance Under WADA?
Melanocortin agonists including PT-141 are likely classified as prohibited substances under WADA guidelines. Researchers involved in sports sciences or anti-doping evaluation should verify the current WADA prohibited list before incorporating PT-141 into any study protocol involving athletes or competitive contexts.
Where Can I Buy PT-141 From a Reliable Source?
For researchers asking where can i buy pt-141, FillerSupplies.com offers authentic, quality-controlled PT 141 peptide with temperature-controlled shipping and express worldwide delivery. Always verify that any supplier provides proper documentation confirming research-use intent, and that the product is supplied with identity verification by HPLC and mass spectrometry.