Nowadays, many men currently take Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, there are no drugs approved for the treatment of female sexual
dysfunction.
There is one possible drug called PT-141 (which sounds like a World War II Navy boat). PT-141 is based on a hormone that binds to
melanocortin receptors. At least in female rats, PT-141 "selectively stimulates solicitational behaviors." In other words, female
rats after taking PT-141 begin hopping and darting, and male rats consider this as an invitation to sexual intercourse.
But will PT-141 work in humans? It was told by some scientists that there are several PT-141 trials under way. This drug, PT-141,
with and without Viagra, was tested as a treatment for male erectile dysfunction. But Palatin has now announced female clinical
trials of PT-141. (Women who take PT-141 may start "hopping and darting.")
The thing is that melanocortin receptors belong to a class of cellular transmembrane proteins. At present time only 5 different
melanocortin receptors have been identified, each having a unique tissue expression pattern and a diverse physiological role in the
body -- such as regulating human pigmentation and genetic obesity. Of course, there are a lot of functions of melacortin, which are
still unknown, especially as potential drug targets. The prediction is that clinical trials of PT-141 will be followed by a great
interest of scientists and public.
Sex Drug May Help Both Goose and Gander
It was promised that hormonal drugs will Improve sex life of male and female people. And this has come out of the laboratory to the
human interest.
It was pointed out by some scientists that PT-141 drug acts in a diffrenet way than its chemical “cousins”, this drug being
suggested for male impotence. But it was found out that it also acts differently in men and women.
The biggest difference is that PT-141 is a centrally acting agent. It is believed to act on receptors for a hormone called
melanocortin, which are found in the brain and elsewhere in the body, while Viagra and the like just increase blood flow to the
penis and are not suitable for the using by women.
It was already stated that PT-141 definitely affects the sexual behavior of female rats. Female rats start acting in such a way,
when male rats interpret it as a sign to the sexual contact.
Scientists say that this drug evokes such an increase in sexual activity as no other drug.
After some other researches it was found out that the drug increases the erection when given to men in the form of nasal spray.
For the scientists it was not a surprise that this drug cab help both males and females, because such hormones, like melanocortin
play a significant role in controlling central responses to a number of basic functions. But the difference is significant in males
and females.
As far as men are concerned, it increases the erection, but does not influence sexual desire, while in women it caused different
response pattern, which may be used for female sexual dysfunction. This influence for male and female is now being tested.
It is well known that trials are more effective for men. Some other studies are being held at present time and scientists hope that
they will have positive results.
Two smaller trials are under way in women, with 24 participants in each. Marked as a sign of sexual appetite, blood flow to vagina
is tested. If the trials go well, scientists may start researches in which women take the drugs home to decide if it has influence
on their sexual life.
If PT-141 works as hoped, there would both male and female customers are expected. PT-141 would fill an unmet need for women,
while marketing statistics says that half of men, who got the prescription for erectile dysfunction for the first time, never get a
second prescription.
Possible reasons for this may be: first of all, they may not receive an expected effect or they may not handle side effects.
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A Sex Drug for Women Too?
