Bremelanotide for female sexual dysfunctions in premenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled dose-finding trial

Womens Health (Lond). 2016 Jun;12(3):325-37. doi: 10.2217/whe-2016-0018. Epub 2016 May 16.

Abstract

Aim: Evaluate efficacy/safety of bremelanotide (BMT), a melanocortin-receptor-4 agonist, to treat female sexual dysfunctions in premenopausal women.

Methods: Patients randomized to receive placebo or BMT 0.75, 1.25 or 1.75 mg self-administered subcutaneously, as desired, over 12 weeks. Primary end point was change in satisfying sexual events/month. Secondary end points included total score changes on female sexual function index and female sexual distress scale-desire/arousal/orgasm.

Results: Efficacy data, n = 327. For 1.25/1.75-mg pooled versus placebo, mean changes from baseline to study end were +0.7 versus +0.2 satisfying sexual events/month (p = 0.0180), +3.6 versus +1.9 female sexual function index total score (p = 0.0017), -11.1 versus -6.8 female sexual distress scale-desire/arousal/orgasm total score (p = 0.0014). Adverse events: nausea, flushing, headache.

Conclusion: In premenopausal women with female sexual dysfunctions, self-administered, as desired, subcutaneous BMT was safe, effective, and well tolerated (NCT01382719).

Keywords: FSD; HSDD; bremelanotide; female sexual arousal disorder; female sexual dysfunction; hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Libido / drug effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptides, Cyclic / administration & dosage*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / drug therapy*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Women's Health
  • alpha-MSH / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • alpha-MSH
  • bremelanotide

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01382719