PT-141

What is PT-141?

PT-141 is a synthetically created cyclic heptapeptide, which means it is a peptide made of seven amino acids linked via peptide bonds to form a cyclic structure.

It mimics the action of a natural hormone called α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This hormone, primarily produced by the pituitary gland, plays various roles in the body by interacting with different melanocortin receptors (MCRs).

There are five types of these receptors in the body, and PT-141, like α-MSH, activates most of them except MC2R. Thus, the main effects of α-MSH and PT-141 on health can be summarized as follows:

• Skin Tanning: They interact with MC1R in the skin, stimulating the production of melanin, leading to skin tanning.
• Sexual Activity: By activating MC3R and MC4R, α-MSH and PT-141 significantly influence sexual function. This is a notable aspect of PT-141’s action, as it enhances sexual arousal and activity.
• Energy Balance and Appetite Control: The MC3R and MC4R receptors also play a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis. This means that α-MSH and PT-141 can impact your energy levels and how your body manages energy.

Yet, PT-141 induces greater activation of the MC3R and MC4R, which play a role in sexual function and energy homeostasis, while boasting lower affinity to the MC1R in the skin that stimulates melanin synthesis and skin tanning.

Most notably, PT-141 targets MC4R, triggering brain pathways associated with sexual arousal, desire, and motivation.

MC4R, located in the brain, is vital for regulating several physiological functions such as sexual activity, energy balance, and appetite control. Thus, this activation may enhance sexual desire and possibly improve sexual function.

In the United States, PT-141 is officially approved for subcutaneous administration by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

It is a prescription drug designated for treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women and is marketed under the brand name Vyleesi. It can also be prescribed off-label for sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

Clinical data suggests that PT-141 is generally well-tolerated when taken subcutaneously, with recommendations for administration up to eight times per month.

How Does PT-141 Work?

By activating the MC4Rs in the brain, PT-141 may enhance dopamine levels in the brain, which plays a key role in sexual arousal and pleasure in both genders.

This activation could lead to increased sexual desire and enjoyment. In males, it may also result in longer-lasting and firmer erections. However, PT-141 doesn’t tackle the root causes of sexual issues, including physical or emotional factors.

The effectiveness of PT-141 has also been demonstrated in cases where males with erectile dysfunction (ED) showed no improvement with sildenafil (Viagra),

In one trial, 33.5% of these participants who were treated with PT-141 reported improved ED, compared to just 8.5% in the placebo group. The authors also suggested PT-141 as a potential alternative for men unresponsive to PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).

Further research indicates that PT-141 begins to work approximately 45 minutes after administration.

It’s advised to use it on demand, around 45 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. The effect on sexual arousal typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, rarely extending beyond that period.

Proper administration of PT-141 under medical supervision is crucial for maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

At our clinic, our seasoned medical professionals administer PT-141, strictly adhering to safety protocols. We tailor each patient’s PT-141 dosage based on a comprehensive assessment and continuously monitor and manage any side effects during treatment.

Benefits of PT-141

PT-141 is a peptide best used for improving sex drive in both men and women and also improving erections in males. In addition, the peptide also exerts appetite-suppressing effects, primarily mediated via the MC4R.

Once injected, the peptides exert their effects within 30-60 minutes, which may include increased desire and arousal in women, prolonged rigidity in males and reduced appetite in both genders:

• Improved erections in men: PT-141 induced penile rigidity within 34-63 minutes after administration. Most notably, the erections caused by the peptide lasted for 140 minutes, which was over 6 times longer than the mean 22-minute duration in the placebo group.
• Increased libido in women: trials in women report a significant increase in libido and vaginal blood flow within roughly 45 minutes after administration of PT-141.
• Appetite suppression and weight loss: PT-141 demonstrated a notable effect on weight reduction. Daily energy consumption decreased by around 400 calories when they were allowed to eat without restrictions, with an average weight loss of 1.7 pounds more than the placebo.

Side Effects of PT-141

PT-141 appears to be well tolerated when used for increasing libido in women and erections in men. The only major contraindication against taking the peptide is uncontrolled hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases.

That is because the peptide can lead to a transient increase in blood pressure, especially when administered via routes other than injections, such as intranasally.

According to a 16-week trial in 172 men, the most commonly reported side effects following the administration of at least 16 doses (no more than once a day, eight per month) within this period included:

• Nausea – 12.8%
• Flushing – 10.5%
• Diaphoresis – 9.3%
• Low back pain – 7%
• Taste disturbances – 4.7%
• Headache – 11.3%

In addition, repeated or too frequent administration of PT-141 can lead to skin darkening and hyperpigmentation.

How to Use PT-141

Owing to its swift action, PT-141 is recommended for as-needed use. The peptide is administered via subcutaneous injections in doses of up to 1.75 mg per day.

To reduce the likelihood of adverse effects, it’s advised not to use it more than once daily or exceed eight times a month.

Before administration, the peptide may be in the form of a lyophilized powder. This is a stable form that can be stored in a cool, dark palace for extended periods. Yet, it requires reconstitution with a suitable solvent before use.

After it’s reconstituted, the stability of PT-141 in storage is influenced by the solvent used. This is why it is recommended to use bacteriostatic water, which contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol and prolongs the shelf life of the peptide by 28 days when refrigerated at 36 to 46°F.

There are several injection sites suitable for administering PT-141 subcutaneously:

• The abdomen, roughly 2 inches from the belly button
• The upper arms’ outer sections
• The front of the outer thighs

It’s important to alternate these injection areas to avoid lipodystrophy

Furthermore, ensure you have sterile needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, and a container for sharp objects before starting the injection process. The following steps guide the PT-141 injection process:

1. Clean your hands with soap and water, then use hand sanitizer. Wear sterile gloves.
2. Wipe the vial’s top with an alcohol swab in a single direction to disinfect.
3. Use a sterile syringe to draw the required peptide amount, being careful to avoid shaking or tapping.
4. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
5. Pinch a skin fold at the site with your non-dominant hand.
6. Inject at a 45-degree angle using your dominant hand, with the needle’s bevel facing up to prevent skin tearing and pain.
7. Press the syringe’s plunger gently to inject the solution.
8. After injecting, wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle at the same angle.
9. Immediately dispose of the needle and syringe in a sharps container.
10. Press a sterile alcohol swab against the injection site to manage any bleeding.