PT-141
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PT-141_chemical_structure.png
PT-141 is a new medication for use in treating sexual dysfunction in men (erectile dysfunction or impotence) as well as Sexual dysfunction in women (sexual arousal disorder) . It seems to be the first real aphrodisiac. Unlike Viagra and other related medications, it does not act upon the vascular system, but directly increases sexual desire. PT-141 is a spray introduced nasally.
Originally, the compound Melanotan II that PT-141 was developed from was tested as a sunless tanning agent. Melanotan II did induce tanning, accompanied by sexual arousal and spontaneous erections for male volunteers as unexpected side effects. In clinical studies, PT-141 has been shown to be effective in treating male erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction. It is produced by Palatin Technologies.
PT-141 is a cyclic hepta-peptide lactam analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that activates the melanocortin receptors MC3-R and MC4-R in the central nervous system. It has the amino acid sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH or cyclo-[Nle4, Asp5, D-Phe7, Lys10]alpha-MSH-(4-10). PT-141 is a metabolite of Melanotan II that lacks the C-terminal amide function.
External links
- Palatin Technologies (http://www.palatin.com/products/pt141/overview.asp) The company that has developed PT-141.
- US 6,579,968 (http://www.pharmcast.com/Patents/Yr2003/Jun2003/061703/6579968_Sexual061703.htm) PT-141 patent
- Melanotan.org (http://www.melanotan.org/)
- Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci 101: 10201 (2004) (http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0400491101) A scientific study with female rats.
- Review article (http://gluecksforschung.de/PT-141.htm) (in German).de:PT-141