Melanotan II
About
Melanotan II is a cyclic synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), first developed in the 1980s by University of Arizona researchers studying melanocortin receptors. Originally intended as a sunless tanning agent, it was subsequently found to affect sexual function and appetite. Research has explored its activity at melanocortin receptors 1, 3, and 4. It should not be confused with melanotan I, a linear 13-amino-acid analog.
Research Applications
- Skin tanning
- Sexual arousal
- Appetite control
- Melanocortin-receptor activity
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan II is an agonist of melanocortin receptors 1 and 4 (MC-1R and MC-4R), which regulate melanin production and male erectile function respectively, and is also believed to stimulate MC-3R, affecting appetite and energy.
Molecular Info
- Class
- Peptide
- Structure
- Cyclic synthetic analog of alpha-MSH
- Targets
- Melanocortin receptors MC-1R, MC-3R, and MC-4R
- Primary research areas
- Skin tanning, sexual arousal, and appetite
Dosing Guidance
- Range
- Research discussions cite roughly 250-500 mcg per day, injected subcutaneously, starting at the lowest amount.
- Frequency
- Some research discussions describe use in conjunction with supplementary tanning sessions.
- Timing
- Timing is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Cycle length
- Cycle length is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Notes
- These details are educational context only. Protocol values are examples and should not be treated as medical instructions.
Known Risks
- Uneven skin pigmentation reported
- Development of new moles or darkening of existing moles
- Nausea and related reactions reported
Regulatory & Evidence Status
- Evidence level
- No long-term safety studies; safety is not well established.
- FDA status
- Not approved for any use.
Protocols
Example reconstitution math only. These are educational values, not medical instructions.
Conservative Melanotan II Protocol
Lower-amount example values using a 10 mg vial, 2 mL bacteriostatic water, and a 250 mcg target amount.
- Vial
- 10 mg
- Water
- 2 mL
- Target
- 250 mcg
- Syringe
- U-100 · 100 units
These example values cover reconstitution math only; scheduling, route, and administration decisions are not included.
Standard Melanotan II Protocol
Higher-amount example values using a 10 mg vial, 2 mL bacteriostatic water, and a 500 mcg target amount.
- Vial
- 10 mg
- Water
- 2 mL
- Target
- 500 mcg
- Syringe
- U-100 · 100 units
These example values cover reconstitution math only; scheduling, route, and administration decisions are not included.
References
Melanotan
Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas · 2012
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2011.08.002
Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: Historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization
Peptides · 2006
DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.01.029
Effects of a Superpotent Melanotropic Peptide in Combination With Solar UV Radiation on Tanning of the Skin in Human Volunteers
Archives of Dermatology · 2004
DOI: 10.1001/archderm.140.7.827
An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes
Performance Enhancement & Health · 2014
DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2015.06.001
Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study
Life Sciences · 1996
DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(96)00160-9
Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II
International Journal of Impotence Research · 2000
DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3900582
Melanotan-II: Investigation of the inducer and facilitator effects on penile erection in anaesthetized rat
Neuroscience · 2006
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.11.008
Melanotan-II reverses autistic features in a maternal immune activation mouse model of autism
PLOS ONE · 2019
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210389
Eruptive melanocytic naevi following melanotan injection
British Journal of Dermatology · 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09362.x
Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'?
British Journal of Dermatology · 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09891.x
Use of melanotan I and II in the general population
BMJ · 2009
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.b566
Change in moles linked to use of unlicensed "sun tan jab"
BMJ · 2009
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.b277
Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan
BMJ Case Reports · 2019
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227644
For research and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. All calculations should be independently verified.
