Side-by-side · Research reference
DihexavsPT-141
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED7/28 cited
BFDA-ApprovedHUMAN-REVIEWED13/41 cited
Dihexa
Angiotensin IV Analogue · Pre-Clinical
Not established — animal studies only
PT-141
MC4R Agonist · FDA-Approved (HSDD)
SQ · Abdomen / thigh · ≥45 min before sex
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Dihexa
PT-141
Primary target
c-Met receptor (HGF receptor tyrosine kinase)
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in hypothalamusSimerly 2023VYLEESI (bremelanotide injecti 2019
Pathway
HGF/c-Met receptor activation → downstream signaling cascade → synaptogenesis and dendritic arborization
MC4R agonism in paraventricular nucleus → autonomic + neuroendocrine sexual arousal pathwaysSimerly 2023
Downstream effect
Induction of dendritic arborization, synapse formation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection in rodent models
Increased sexual desire and arousal; central rather than peripheral mechanismClayton 2015
Feedback intact?
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Origin
Small-molecule angiotensin IV analogue designed to activate HGF/c-Met systemWright 2015
Cyclic 7-AA peptide derived from α-MSH (agonist Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-OH cyclic)VYLEESI (bremelanotide injecti 2019
Antibody development
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02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Dihexa
PT-141
Human dosing
Not established — no human trials
—
Animal studies
Mouse/rat models only — dosing not translatable to humans
—
Evidence basis
Pre-clinical / Rodent models
FDA-approved (HSDD pre-menopausal women)VYLEESI (bremelanotide injecti 2019Clayton 2015
Clinical status
No Phase 1, 2, or 3 trials published
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Standard dose
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1.75 mg SQVYLEESI (bremelanotide injecti 2019
Single dose ≥45 min before anticipated sexual activity. Max 1 dose / 24 hr.
Frequency
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PRN, max 8 doses / month
Lower / starter dose
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1 mg (off-label)
Duration
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PRN; reassess if no benefit after 8 doses
Reconstitution
—
Pre-filled commercial pen (Vyleesi). Research vial: bacteriostatic water.
Timing
—
≥45 min before sexual activity
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Dihexa
PT-141
Human safety data
None available — no human clinical trials
—
Theoretical c-Met risks
c-Met receptor activation has been implicated in tumorigenesis; unknown cancer risk profile
—
Pre-clinical tolerability
Not systematically reported in available studies
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Flushing
—
Common, transient
Injection site reaction
—
Erythema, mild pain
Headache
—
Common
Hyperpigmentation (focal)
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Rare focal skin darkening; reversible after discontinuationVYLEESI (bremelanotide injecti 2019
Hypertension (transient)
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Mean ↑6 mmHg systolic peaking ~4 h post-dose; resolves within 12 hVYLEESI (bremelanotide injecti 2019
Pregnancy / OB
—
Contraindicated
Cardiovascular disease
—
Use caution; transient BP rise
Absolute Contraindications
Dihexa
- ·Not approved for human use — research compound only
PT-141
- ·Uncontrolled hypertension
- ·Known cardiovascular disease (caution)
- ·Pregnancy
Relative Contraindications
Dihexa
- ·Theoretical contraindication: active or history of malignancy (c-Met pathway involvement in cancer)
PT-141
- ·Pre-existing hyperpigmentation disorders
- ·MC4R-pathway-dependent psychiatric conditions
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Dihexa
PT-141
1. Human administration
No established protocol. Dihexa has not been tested in human subjects. Animal studies used various routes (typically subcutaneous or intraperitoneal in rodents) not translatable to clinical use.
Vyleesi: pre-filled auto-injector. Research vial: 2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg → 5 mg/mL.
2. Legal status
Pre-clinical research compound. Not approved by FDA or any regulatory authority for human use.
SQ — abdomen or thigh.
3. Timing
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≥45 min before sexual activity for peak effect. Effect persists ~6–8 h.
4. Storage
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Vyleesi: room temp ≤30 °C. Research vial: refrigerate after reconstitution.
5. Needle
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Auto-injector (Vyleesi) or 29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.