Do peptides help with erectile dysfunction?
3 peptides are graded for erectile dysfunction on this page. The strongest grade is human RCT evidence, for PT-141 (bremelanotide) and melanotan II. Each one is weighed against the standard of care below, and the evidence table gives the grade and a note for every peptide.
What is the standard of care for erectile dysfunction?
Assess cardiovascular risk, diabetes, medications, testosterone, and mental health, since erectile dysfunction can signal heart disease; lifestyle change; PDE5 inhibitors first line; vacuum devices, intracavernosal alprostadil, or a penile prosthesis for nonresponders; counseling as appropriate.
Any peptide below should be judged against this baseline, not against doing nothing. Talk to a licensed provider before replacing or adding to an established treatment.
Which peptides have been studied for erectile dysfunction?
Ordered by strength of evidence for this use. Grades follow the methodology; each peptide page lists the individual studies.
| Peptide | Evidence for this use | Note |
|---|---|---|
| PT-141 (bremelanotide) | Evidence: Human RCT evidence | Intranasal bremelanotide improved erectile function over placebo in men who had not responded to sildenafil; the FDA approval (Vyleesi) covers only premenopausal women with low sexual desire. [2] [6] |
| Melanotan II | Evidence: Human RCT evidence | Produced erections in 8 of 10 men in a small placebo controlled crossover study, with frequent nausea; case reports of priapism; not approved. [3] [4] |
| Kisspeptin-10 | Evidence: Human observational evidence | Kisspeptin increased penile tumescence and sexual brain processing in a small study of men with low sexual desire; experimental. [5] |
Head-to-head comparisons
Cost and access
Price ranges, lawful channels, and insurance notes for peptides graded here. State rules are in the legal guides by state.
Frequently asked questions
Is sildenafil the same as Viagra?
Yes. Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate tablets approved for erectile dysfunction, and FDA requires an approved generic to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route and to be bioequivalent. The label contraindicates sildenafil with nitrates in any form. Our blog post Sildenafil vs Viagra covers the 20 mg pulmonary hypertension version and the label side effects. [8] [9]
Which peptide has the strongest evidence for erectile dysfunction?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) and Melanotan II have the strongest evidence among the peptides graded here, at human RCT evidence. PT-141 (bremelanotide): Intranasal bremelanotide improved erectile function over placebo in men who had not responded to sildenafil; the FDA approval (Vyleesi) covers only premenopausal women with low sexual desire. Melanotan II: Produced erections in 8 of 10 men in a small placebo controlled crossover study, with frequent nausea; case reports of priapism; not approved. [2] [3] [4] [6]
Is any peptide FDA approved for erectile dysfunction?
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is an FDA approved drug, but an approval covers only the indications on that label, so check the label before assuming it applies to erectile dysfunction. The other peptides graded here are not FDA approved. [2] [6] [7]
Has any peptide been tested in a randomized trial for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, for PT-141 (bremelanotide) and Melanotan II. Check each note for the population and endpoints: a randomized trial in a related group or on a surrogate marker is weaker than one on the outcome you care about. [2] [3] [4] [6]
From the blog
- Sildenafil vs Viagra: same drug, generic vs brand
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. How generic sildenafil compares, why 20 mg tablets are labeled for pulmonary hypertension, the label side effects, and the nitrate contraindication.
- Peptides for men, ranked by human evidence
hCG, GLP-1 drugs, teriparatide, and tesamorelin have human trials and a lawful route. PT-141 is off-label for men, and kisspeptin and melanotan II have no lawful path. Ranking, legality, and WADA.
- Melanotan 2 before and after: what trials and case reports show
Melanotan 2 before and after photos show a tan. Early trials measured it in a few men; case reports since document new moles, melanoma, priapism and FDA safety concerns.
Sources
- [1]Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol 2018PubMed 29746858, 2018
- [2]Salvage of sildenafil failures with bremelanotide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled studyPubMed 18206919, 2008
- [3]Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover studyPubMed 9679884, 1998
- [4]Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tanPubMed 30796078, 2019
- [5]Effects of kisspeptin on sexual brain processing and penile tumescence in men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized clinical trialPubMed 36735255, 2023
- [6]FDA prescribing information for Vyleesi (bremelanotide injection), via DailyMedFDA, 2025
- [7]Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs databaseFDA
- [8]FDA prescribing information for Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets, via DailyMedFDA
- [9]FDA: Generic drug factsFDA