Sexual function research
This hub covers compounds researched for sexual desire and erectile function, most acting on melanocortin or kisspeptin signalling. One is FDA-approved for a single indication in women; the others have small human studies.
Approved or human trial evidence
Limited human data
Kisspeptin-54Limited human data · Not approved — research use onlyGiven intravenously in randomized placebo-controlled crossover trials in men and women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, as cited in the kisspeptin-10 entry.
Melanotan IILimited human data · Not approved — research use onlyTested in two double-blind placebo-controlled crossover studies of 10 men each with erectile dysfunction; nausea, stretching and yawning were reported.
Animal and laboratory research
Comparisons in this area
Guides
Questions people ask
Is PT-141 approved for men?
No. Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) is FDA-approved only for acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women, and the label states it is not indicated in men. Earlier early-phase studies in men with erectile dysfunction measured erectile responses.
How does PT-141 differ from Melanotan II?
PT-141 has been described as an analog of melanotan II. Bremelanotide went through two phase 3 trials and FDA approval, whereas melanotan II was tested only in a few small 1990s studies and was not developed to approval.
Has kisspeptin been studied for sexual desire?
Yes, in randomized placebo-controlled crossover trials in men and women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which used intravenous kisspeptin-54 rather than kisspeptin-10. No controlled trial of kisspeptin-10 with a sexual-function endpoint was identified.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. Listing a compound under a research goal describes published research in the stated model. It is not a claim that the compound works, and it is not medical advice.