Peptide Comparison

PT-141 vs Melanotan 2

A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research.

PT

PT-141

Metabolic & Other
VS
Me

Melanotan 2

Metabolic & Other

PT-141 and Melanotan 2 are both melanocortin peptides that affect libido, but they have different primary purposes and regulatory status. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is FDA-approved specifically for low sexual desire in women, while Melanotan 2 was developed for tanning but is not approved for any use. Understanding their differences is crucial for safety.

Quick Comparison

Aspect
PT-141
Melanotan 2
FDA Status
FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for HSDD in women
Not FDA-approved for any indication
Primary Purpose
Sexual desire enhancement
Skin tanning (with side effects on libido)
Receptor Selectivity
More selective melanocortin activation
Non-selective, affects many MC receptors
Tanning Effect
Minimal to none
Significant skin darkening
Libido Effect
Primary intended effect
Side effect (not intended use)
Appetite Effect
None
Appetite suppression
Dosing
1.75 mg as needed, max 8/month
250-500 mcg loading, then maintenance
Safety Data
Extensive clinical trial data
Limited safety data
Nausea Risk
Common side effect
Very common, especially initially
Mole Concerns
Not associated with mole changes
Can darken existing moles - safety concern

Key Similarities

  • Both are melanocortin peptides
  • Both can affect sexual function
  • Both require injection (subcutaneous)
  • Both can cause nausea
  • Both can cause flushing
  • Both act on central nervous system pathways

Key Differences

  • PT-141 is FDA-approved; MT2 is not approved anywhere
  • MT2 causes tanning; PT-141 does not
  • MT2 suppresses appetite; PT-141 does not
  • PT-141 has extensive safety data; MT2 does not
  • MT2 may affect moles (cancer concern); PT-141 does not
  • PT-141 is used as-needed; MT2 requires loading protocol

When to Choose Each

Choose PT-141

Choose PT-141 when sexual desire enhancement is the specific goal and you want an FDA-approved option with established safety. It provides the libido effect without the tanning or other systemic effects of MT2.

Choose Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 should be approached with caution given lack of regulatory approval and safety concerns about mole darkening. Those interested in tanning should understand the libido effects are a side effect, not the intended use.

Can You Stack Them?

These peptides are not typically stacked together as both affect melanocortin receptors. Choosing one or the other based on goals is the standard approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

MT2 is not FDA-approved and has safety concerns including mole changes that could mask melanoma. PT-141 is the safer option specifically developed and approved for sexual function.
No, PT-141 does not produce significant tanning effects. It was developed specifically for sexual function without the tanning side effects.
PT-141 is specifically FDA-approved for women with HSDD. MT2 is not approved for anyone and carries risks. For women seeking libido enhancement, PT-141 is the safer choice.
Both can cause nausea, but MT2 is typically associated with more intense initial nausea. PT-141 nausea tends to be milder but is still a common side effect.

References

  1. Kingsberg SA, et al. "Bremelanotide FDA approval." Obstet Gynecol, 2019. PMID: 31135737
  2. Hadley ME. "Melanocortin peptides." Peptides, 2006. PMID: 16289472

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