Bremelanotide
Bremelanotide is studied as a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist in biochemical and physiological models.
Bremelanotide Biological Classification
Investigated within physiological and chemical models.
What is Bremelanotide?
Bremelanotide is classified as a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist. An approved cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist. It is the free-acid counterpart of melanotan II, which is unapproved — the two are frequently conflated.
Why are people interested in it?
Researchers and clinicians study Bremelanotide primarily to understand its biological interactions, receptor binding affinity, and potential role within its biochemical class.
Primary Research Categories
- Melanocortin analogues
- Approved drug substances
How does it work in the body?
Bremelanotide interacts with specific cellular receptors and metabolic pathways corresponding to its structural classification as a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist.
Biological Pathway Overview
Bremelanotide Receptor & Target Interactions
This compound is evaluated in scientific research for its interactions with target cellular receptors and signaling cascades. Consult the evidence section below for specific peer-reviewed papers.
Target Pathway
Engages specific cellular signaling cascades characteristic of its structural family.
Endocrine/Paracrine Activity
Investigated for its regulatory effects on local tissue synthesis and cellular signaling.
What has actually been demonstrated in humans?
Evidence for Bremelanotide is currently derived primarily from laboratory or preclinical models. Consult the published evidence file for specific indexed studies.
Pharmaceutical Reality vs. Unregulated Research Chemicals
Bremelanotide is not an FDA-approved medication. Always verify chemical identity and testing documentation before interpreting research literature.
What is still uncertain or unknown?
Controlled human clinical trials evaluating Bremelanotide for therapeutic efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics are limited or absent in peer-reviewed Western registries.
Companion Resources & Guides
Research at a Glance
Open the full evidence file (2 records)2 records in this file
- CLINICAL TRIAL1
- REGULATORY1
Publication span: 2019
What Has Actually Been Studied
- Bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder: two randomized Phase 3 trials (RECONNECT) (Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2019) — Two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials.
- Drugs@FDA — VYLEESI (NDA 210557) (Drugs@FDA, 2019) — Approved-drug labelling.
What is Still Unknown
What we know
- FDA-approved as Vyleesi (NDA 210557, 21 June 2019). RECONNECT Phase 3 trials are published.
- Chemically the free-acid counterpart of melanotan II; the two are distinct substances with different regulatory status.
Editorial reading of the records below, labelled as Therapept analysis. How records are built
What remains uncertain
- Nothing in this file extends the labelled indication. Approved-product evidence stays inside the labelled population and presentation.
Preparation and Handling
Lyophilized peptides ship as freeze-dried powders; whatever happens next involves diluents, concentrations and storage conditions that are compound- and product-specific.
United States Regulatory Status
FDA-approved drug substance
Application: NDA 210557 (VYLEESI)
Approved Indication: Marketed in the United States as VYLEESI, an approved prescription product administered by subcutaneous autoinjector.
- VYLEESI, NDA 210557, approved 21 June 2019. Active prescription product.
- Not listed on FDA's Category 2 or withdrawn-nomination compounding tables.
- Not named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List.
Technical Chemical SpecificationsClick to view CAS, sequence, and molecular formulas
- Molecular weight
- 1025.2 g/mol
- Sequence length
- 42 chars
- CAS number
- 189691-06-3
- PubChem CID
- 9941379
- Compound class
- Cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist
- Sequence
- Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH
- Molecular formula
- C50H68N14O10
- Molecular weight
- 1025.2 g/mol
- CAS number
- 189691-06-3
- PubChem CID
- 9941379
Sources
Last reviewed 3 September 2026 · Compiled by Therapept Editorial · How these records are built