Melanotan II
Melanotan II (MT-II)
Research Parameters
- Typical Dose Range
- Research protocols: 0.25 to 1 mg per administration. Research literature emphasizes starting at the low end due to significant side effect profile.
- Half-Life
- ~33 hours
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
Dosing information is for research purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA.
Melanotan II is the peptide researchers study for three completely different reasons: tanning, appetite, and sexual arousal. It hits the same receptor family responsible for all three. That's also why the research on it is complicated. The non-selective binding that produces the dramatic tanning effect also produces a side effect profile you need to understand before going deeper: nausea, blood pressure changes, and unpredictable pigmentation responses including new or darkening moles.
The sexual arousal finding from MT-II research is what eventually led to PT-141 (bremelanotide), a more selective derivative that targets arousal without the pigmentation effect. Most clinical research has moved to PT-141 for that reason. MT-II itself stays in the research space, but the literature is consistent about conservative dosing and awareness of the dermatological concerns.
For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
MT-II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that binds non-selectively to melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, MC5). MC1 binding drives melanogenesis (pigmentation); MC3 and MC4 binding drive the appetite and arousal effects. Dermatology research has raised concerns about melanocyte changes at standard research doses.
Citations
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Melanotan II used for in research?
Research covers pigmentation via melanogenesis, appetite suppression, and sexual arousal: all downstream of non-selective melanocortin receptor binding. It was discontinued in clinical development; its derivative bremelanotide (PT-141) continued forward. For research purposes only.
- How does Melanotan II compare to PT-141?
PT-141 is a more selective derivative developed to target arousal without the pigmentation effect. MT-II affects multiple melanocortin receptors; PT-141 primarily affects MC3 and MC4. For research purposes only.
- What does the research literature say about Melanotan II side effects?
Reported effects include nausea, blood pressure changes, facial flushing, and unpredictable pigmentation responses including new or darkening moles. Dermatology research has raised concerns about melanocyte changes, which is why dosing in research protocols is conservative. For research purposes only.