Bremelanotide for Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a persistent deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire resulting in significant distress or interpersonal difficulty. Women with this disorder may display a lack of motivation for sexual activity, reduced responsiveness to erotic cues, a loss of interest during sexual activity, and avoidance of situations that could lead to sexual activity. The pathophysiology of HSDD is thought to be centered around inhibitory and excitatory hormones, neurotransmitters, and specific brain anatomy. Due to the multifactorial nature of HSDD, treatment can be complex and must attempt to target the biological and psychosocial aspects of the disorder. Bremelanotide is a melanocortin receptor agonist and has been recently approved by the FDA to treat HSDD. Bremelanotide is administered intranasally or as a subcutaneous injection. The recommended dosage of bremelanotide is 1.75 mg injected subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh at least 45 min before sexual activity. Studies showed improvements in desire, arousal, and orgasm scores when 1.75 mg of bremelanotide was administered before sexual activity compared to a placebo. Bremelanotide is a promising way to treat HSDD.

Download Full-text

Testosterone Patch Increases Sexual Activity and Desire in Surgically Menopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2004-1747 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 90 (9) ◽

pp. 5226-5233 ◽

Cited By ~ 318

Author(s):

James Simon ◽

Glenn Braunstein ◽

Lila Nachtigall ◽

Wulf Utian ◽

Molly Katz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Sexual Activity ◽

Sexual Desire ◽

Estrogen Therapy ◽

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder ◽

Double Blind ◽

End Points ◽

Parallel Group ◽

Menopausal Women ◽

Desire Disorder

Abstract Context: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one of the most common sexual problems reported by women, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate treatments for this condition. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a testosterone patch in surgically menopausal women with HSDD. Design: The design was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 24-wk study (the Intimate SM 1 study). Setting: The study was performed at private or institutional practices. Patients: The subjects studied were women, aged 26–70 yr, with HSDD after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy who were receiving concomitant estrogen therapy. Placebo (n = 279) or testosterone 300 μg/d (n = 283) was administered. There were 19 patients who withdrew due to adverse events in the placebo group and 24 in the 300 μg/d testosterone group. Intervention: Testosterone (300 μg/d) or placebo patches were applied twice weekly. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary end point was the change in the frequency of total satisfying sexual activity at 24 wk. Secondary end points included other sexual functioning end points and safety assessments. Results: At 24 wk, there was an increase from baseline in the frequency of total satisfying sexual activity of 2.10 episodes/4 wk in the testosterone group, which was significantly greater than the change of 0.98 episodes/4 wk in the placebo group (P = 0.0003). The testosterone group also experienced statistically significant improvements in sexual desire and a decrease in distress. The overall safety profile was similar in both treatment groups. Conclusion: In the Intimate SM 1 study, the testosterone patch improved sexual function and decreased distress in surgically menopausal women with HSDD and was well tolerated in this trial.

Download Full-text