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⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use

Melanotan II

Also: MT-II, MT-2

Melanocortin Agonist

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

AI Reference Summary

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, it functions by 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.

GEO Optimized Extract177 Words (Optimal)

How It Works

MC4R activation. Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors to stimulate melanin production, suppress appetite, and increase sexual arousal.

Primary Benefits

1Tanning
2libido enhancement

Key Studies

Melanotan II tanning and erectile effects Phase I

Dorr et al. (J. Investigative Dermatol.): Phase I trial in normal male volunteers confirming tanning activity and spontaneous penile erections. Side effects: nausea, somnolence.

moderate

Melanotan II as potent initiator of penile erection

Wessells et al. (J. Urology): Double-blind study showing MT-II initiates erection in men with erectile dysfunction even without sexual stimulation.

moderate

Melanotan II as skin cancer chemopreventive peptide

Hadley & Dorr (Peptides): Review of MT-II as potential chemopreventive agent for UV-induced skin cancer through enhanced eumelanin synthesis.

preclinical

Development of selective MC4R agonists from Melanotan II

Hruby et al. describe development of functionally selective melanocortin receptor agonists derived from MT-II to separate desired from unwanted pharmacological effects.

preclinical

Safety Notes

Nausea common; research-only. SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERNS: changes to moles, elevated BP. Actively warned against by FDA/TGA.

Dosing Protocol

⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

RouteSubQ
Dose Range250-250 mcg
Frequency7x/wk
TimingAny time
Cycle Length4-4 weeks
BAC Water2.5 ml / 10mg vial

Loading: 250mcg/day for 7-10 days. Maintenance: as needed for UV exposure. START LOW.

Half-Life Visualization

⏱️ Half-Life: 1h

Plasma concentration over time
100%50%0%0t½ = 1h

Legal Status by Country

🇺🇸USA
Research Only
🇨🇦Canada
Banned / Restricted
🇬🇧UK
Banned / Restricted
🇪🇺EU
Banned / Restricted
🇦🇺Australia
Banned / Restricted

Last updated: 2026-01 · Laws change frequently. Verify current status in your jurisdiction.

Expected Timeline

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 Effects & Incidence

Side EffectIncidenceSeverity

Nausea

Most common side effect; dose-dependent

~45% of usersmoderate

Facial flushing

~30% of usersmild

Fatigue

~15% of usersmild

Spontaneous erections (men)

~20% of menmild

Mole changes (darkening)

Monitor moles carefully; can mask melanoma

Variableuncommon

Incidence rates sourced from published clinical trial data where available; otherwise based on community research observations.

Where to Source Melanotan II for Research

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.

View COA-Verified Melanotan II

✓ Third-party tested·✓ US shipping·✓ COA on every batch

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cite This Page

PeptiDex. (2026). Melanotan II. PeptiDex Research Platform. https://peptidex.app/library/melanotan-ii

For academic and research purposes.
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