Also known as: MT-II, MT-2
Melanotan II is a synthetic melanocortin analog studied for stimulating skin tanning, suppressing appetite, and increasing sexual arousal, though it carries significant safety concerns.
MC4R activation. Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, suppress appetite, and increase sexual arousal.
⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use
Melanotan II (also known as MT-II, MT-2) is a prominently researched experimental compound classified strictly within the Melanocortin Agonist framework. Operating primarily through advanced pharmacological pathways, its core mechanism of action is as follows: it mC4R activation. Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, suppress appetite, and increase sexual arousal. with a documented biological half-life of roughly 1 hours, In preclinical investigative trials and independent academic studies, researchers utilizing Melanotan II have documented significant, quantifiable biological outcomes, primarily focusing on tanning, libido enhancement. Typical research protocols investigate administering 250 to 250mcg via subq pathways 7x/wk. However, it is critically important to understand that while Melanotan II demonstrates profound physiological potential in highly controlled laboratory settings, it remains classified strictly as a research chemical and has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or dietary consumption. Independent chemical analysis via rigorous third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) testing utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) remains the industry gold standard for verifying its base elemental stability when reconstituted appropriately in sterile bacteriostatic water.
MC4R activation. Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, suppress appetite, and increase sexual arousal.
Dorr et al. (J. Investigative Dermatol.): Phase I trial in normal male volunteers confirming tanning activity and spontaneous penile erections. Side effects: nausea, somnolence.
ModerateWessells et al. (J. Urology): Double-blind study showing MT-II initiates erection in men with erectile dysfunction even without sexual stimulation.
ModerateHadley & Dorr (Peptides): Review of MT-II as potential chemopreventive agent for UV-induced skin cancer through enhanced eumelanin synthesis.
PreclinicalHruby et al. describe development of functionally selective melanocortin receptor agonists derived from MT-II to separate desired from unwanted pharmacological effects.
PreclinicalA study published in BMJ case reports investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalA study published in BMJ (Clinical research ed.) investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalA study published in Journal of medicinal chemistry investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalA study published in Analytica chimica acta investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalA study published in Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalA study published in Pharmaceutical biotechnology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
PreclinicalNausea common; research-only. SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERNS: changes to moles, elevated BP. Actively warned against by FDA/TGA.
See our evidence grading methodology for how we evaluate and grade peptide safety data.
⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Loading: 250mcg/day for 7-10 days. Maintenance: as needed for UV exposure. START LOW.
Last updated: 2026-01 · Laws change frequently. Verify current status in your jurisdiction.
Week 1
Nausea common during initial dose; spontaneous erections in men; early tanning begins
Weeks 2–4
Significant skin pigmentation; libido effects
Long-term
Persistent tan maintained with UV exposure; long-term safety concerns with mole changes
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
Nausea Most common side effect; dose-dependent | ~45% of users | moderate |
Facial flushing | ~30% of users | mild |
Fatigue | ~15% of users | mild |
Spontaneous erections (men) | ~20% of men | mild |
Mole changes (darkening) Monitor moles carefully; can mask melanoma | Variable | uncommon |
Finding verified, high-purity Melanotan II requires rigorous COA verification. We independently evaluate vendors based on third-party HPLC testing, purity thresholds (≥98%), and batch-specific documentation.
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Dr. E. Vance
Editorial Director, PeptiDex
Dr. E. Vance is the Editorial Director at PeptiDex and leads the platform's editorial division, ensuring that every published research summary meets rigorous preclinical citation standards. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology from Columbia Univers...
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