Bremelanotide PT-141 – Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction in Women and Men
Sexual dysfunction is a common problem that faces both women and men in different ways. Some men experience difficulty to achieve or maintain erections. On the other hand, women may struggle to experience sexual arousal. Such issues impact people’s sexual function and satisfaction, reducing their sexual activity or eliminating it completely due to embarrassment, anxiety, stress, or fear about their abnormal sex drive. But sexual dysfunction can be treated with various pharmaceuticals including the FDA-approved bremelanotide PT-141 which directly targets the nervous system.
What Is Bremelanotide PT-141?
Bremelanotide PT-141 is a modified synthetic peptide derivative of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). MSH is a natural hormone found in the body. It binds to melanocortin receptors (MC) in the brain which play a role in skin pigmentation and appetite. Recently, MC receptors (1) were found to be involved in pathways related to sex drive and sexual function as well.
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of MSH which acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist; it is used to increase skin pigmentation for tanning purposes. However, after Melanotan II proved effective in stimulating erections (2) in men, scientists decided to expand their work on the drug as a treatment for sexual dysfunction. They developed bremelanotide PT-141 as a modified version of melanotan II. Bremelanotide PT-141 is currently used to treat sexual dysfunction in both women and men.
How Does Bremelanotide PT-141 Work?
A form of peptide therapy, bremelanotide PT-141 works by binding to MC receptors, triggering dopamine pathways in the brain. Patients with low levels of dopamine experience low libido or sex drive. Dopamine hormone is known for its role in stimulating feelings of pleasure. It improves sexual performance through heightened libido and arousal.