Sexual HealthAlso known as: Vyleesi, PT-141, bremelanotide acetate

Bremelanotide

Bremelanotide (Vyleesi / PT-141) is an FDA-approved, deeply central-acting melanocortin agonist used exclusively for severe Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Evolving directly from the sexual side effects discovered in Melanotan II, it was meticulously stripped of its tanning capabilities and aggressively optimized to trigger raw sexual arousal. It functions entirely differently than physical blood flow modifiers like Viagra, operating solely within the brain’s arousal matrix.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team

·Last updated: April 2026·Evidence: High·1 peer-reviewed citation

Quick Stats

Half-Life~2.7 hours

Dose Range1.75 mg (FDA approved dose)

FrequencyAs needed (≥45 min before activity, max 1×/24 hours, ≤8×/month)

Vial Sizes10 mg

Bioavailability~100% (SC)

Year Developed1996

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula

C50H68N14O10

Molecular Weight

1025.17 g/mol

CAS Number

189691-06-3

PubChem ID

9941444

Developer

University of Arizona (Hruby lab) → Palatin Technologies

Mechanism of Action

Bremelanotide (PT-141) is a melanocortin receptor agonist acting on MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system. This is the same compound listed under the slug "pt-141" — bremelanotide is the INN name while PT-141 was the research designation. It was FDA-approved as Vyleesi® in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it works via central neural pathways governing desire rather than peripheral vascular effects.

Source: PMID: 31298622 (RECONNECT Phase 3)

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose	1.75 mg (FDA approved dose)
Frequency	As needed (≥45 min before activity, max 1×/24 hours, ≤8×/month)
Half-Life	~2.7 hours
Common Vial Sizes	10 mg

Dosing Protocols

Low/Test

Dose

500 - 750 mcg

Frequency

As needed (≤1×/24h)

Note: Start here to gauge nausea tolerance. Inject 45-60 min prior.

FDA Standard

Dose

1.75 mg

Frequency

As needed (≤8×/month)

Note: Approved dose for HSDD (Vyleesi). Used off-label for both sexes.

Body-Weight Dosing Reference

Estimated doses extrapolated from the published research range of 500–1750 mcg/day (referenced to 70 kg / 154 lb). These are approximations — consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Weight	Low Dose	Target Dose	High Dose
120 lb(54 kg)	386 mcg	868 mcg	1350 mcg
140 lb(63 kg)	450 mcg	1013 mcg	1575 mcg
160 lb(73 kg)	521 mcg	1173 mcg	1825 mcg
180 lb(82 kg)	586 mcg	1318 mcg	2050 mcg
200 lb(91 kg)	650 mcg	1463 mcg	2275 mcg
220 lb(100 kg)	714 mcg	1607 mcg	2500 mcg
250 lb(113 kg)	807 mcg	1816 mcg	2825 mcg

💉 For exact syringe units based on your vial concentration, use the Bremelanotide Reconstitution Calculator →

Administration

Route

Subcutaneous injection (abdomen or thigh)

Timing

45-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. No fasting required.

Fasting Required?

No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

45-60 min

Onset of arousal enhancement. Nausea most common in this window.

1-4 hours

Peak effect. Total duration 6-12 hours.

Who Is It For?

HSDD (Female)

High

FDA-approved. First central-acting HSDD treatment for premenopausal women (Vyleesi).

Male Sexual Dysfunction (off-label)

Moderate

Central MC4R mechanism complements or replaces PDE5 inhibitors.

Reconstitution Example

Vial

10 mg

Water

2 mL

Concentration

5 mg/mL

Per Unit (100u syringe)

50 mcg

Dose of 500 mcg = 10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

🧮 Calculate Your Exact Bremelanotide Dose →

Safety & Considerations

FDA-approved (Vyleesi). Common: nausea, flushing, headache, hyperpigmentation (face/gums/breast — usually resolves). Transient BP elevation — not for uncontrolled hypertension. Max 1 dose/24h, 8/month.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)

Research Only

WADA Status (2026)

Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Dosing Quick Reference

Bremelanotide— Dosing Guide

Dose Range

1.75 mg (FDA approved dose)

Half-Life

~2.7 hours

Frequency

As needed (≥45 min before activity, max 1×/24 hours, ≤8×/month)

Route

Subcutaneous

10 mg vial

💧 2 mL BAC water|📐 5 mg/mL concentration|💉 50 mcg/unit (100u syringe)

Sexual Healthcalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bremelanotide the same as PT-141?▼

Yes. PT-141 was the research code; bremelanotide is the International Non-proprietary Name (INN). Vyleesi is the brand name of the FDA-approved 1.75 mg auto-injector.

Does bremelanotide cause hyperpigmentation?▼

Yes — transient darkening of the face, gums, and breasts can occur. This usually resolves after stopping but may persist in some users. Do not exceed recommended dosing frequency.

References

Simon JA et al. “"Bremelanotide for Female Sexual Dysfunctions in Premenopausal Women (RECONNECT)".” Obstetrics & Gynecology (2019). PMID: 31241598

Looking for a trusted source? See our recommended suppliers →

Independently tested · COA-verified · Save 10% with our exclusive code

← Back to Peptide Library