Independent reference & toolkit 100 compounds graded · Last reviewed June 2026

Compare · Melanocortin

PT-141 vs Setmelanotide

Both are melanocortin compounds. Here's how they line up on the evidence — graded the same way.

PT-141Setmelanotide
Evidence 10/10 10/10
ClassMelanocortinMelanocortin
SummaryAn FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for low sexual desire in premenopausal women. Two real Phase 3 trials show a small, genuine benefit for that one use; almost everything else people take it for is unstudied.An FDA-approved peptide for a handful of rare genetic and acquired forms of severe obesity, with no credible evidence for general weight loss.
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PT-141

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is unusual for this corner of the world: it's an actual FDA-approved drug, sold under the name Vyleesi. But that approval covers only one narrow situation, and most of the reasons people reach for PT-141 fall well outside it. The science behind the approved use is solid and…

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Setmelanotide

Setmelanotide, sold as Imcivree, is a prescription peptide used to treat a small number of rare, clearly defined forms of severe obesity. For those specific conditions, the evidence is genuinely strong. But step outside them — to general weight loss, fat loss, or "speeding up your metabolism" in…

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