PT-141

PT-141 is a synthetic peptide analog of alpha-MSH that acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, particularly MC3R and MC4R, which are primarily located in the central nervous system. In preclinical studies, PT-141 administration induced penile erections in both rats and nonhuman primates.

In rats, systemic delivery of PT-141 led to activation of hypothalamic neurons, as indicated by increased c-Fos immunoreactivity. These hypothalamic neurons are part of the neural circuits connected to the penis, as demonstrated by uptake of pseudorabies virus injected into the corpus cavernosum. In clinical studies involving healthy men and individuals with erectile dysfunction, PT-141 produced a rapid, dose-dependent increase in erectile response. These findings indicate that PT-141 may be a promising therapeutic option for treating sexual dysfunction.