85%
Erectile Response
17/20 vs 3/20 placebo
⚠️ FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY — This compound is not FDA approved. All data presented is from clinical trials for educational reference.
Tanning Peptide
Melanotan II
MT-IIMT-2Melanotan 2
A cyclic peptide analog of α-MSH that binds melanocortin receptors, studied for melanogenesis and related pathways in research settings. Premium Research Peptide.
Dosage
Quantity
1
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40min
Rigidity Duration
Mean tip rigidity >80%
No UVneeded
Tanning Effect
UV-independent pigmentation
MC1Reffective
Non-Tanner Friendly
Works despite genetic variants
↓appetite
Appetite Suppression
MC4R-mediated effect
Mechanism of Action
MC1R Activation (Pigmentation)
Binds to melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin synthesis through cAMP-PKA signaling. This increases skin pigmentation even in individuals with MC1R variant alleles who typically cannot tan.
MC4R Activation (Sexual Function)
Activates melanocortin-4 receptors in the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus and spinal cord, triggering pro-erectile signaling pathways independent of NO/cGMP mechanisms.
MC3R/MC4R (Appetite & Metabolism)
Central melanocortin receptor activation modulates energy homeostasis, typically producing appetite suppression and increased metabolic rate through hypothalamic signaling.
Dual mechanism: Both peripheral pigmentation and central nervous system effects
Clinical Trial Results
Randomized controlled tanning study
85%
Erectile Response Rate (vs 15% Placebo)
Erectile Response: MT-II vs Placebo
Melanotan II-85%
Placebo-15%
Key finding: Melanotan II induced tanning even in subjects with MC1R variant alleles who typically cannot tan from UV exposure alone
Study Outcomes
Key Clinical Findings
Results from randomized controlled trials
100%participants
Showed melanin increaseActive treatment group
85%participants
Erectile response17/20 vs 3/20 placebo
77participants
Subjects enrolledRandomized controlled
Research Applications
Documented effects from clinical studies
Enhanced
Skin PigmentationMelanin synthesis activation
UV-independent tanning
Source80-85%
Erectile ResponseClinical trial response rate
In study populations
SourceDecreased
AppetiteMC4R-mediated effect
Common observation
SourcePotential
PhotoprotectionIncreased eumelanin
Enhanced UV defense
SourcePigmentation Effects
Melanin Synthesis
Stimulates eumelanin production through MC1R activation on melanocytes
MechanismMC1R agonism
Melanin TypeEumelanin (protective)
UV RequiredNo (UV-independent)
MC1R VariantsStill effective
Sexual Function
Pro-Erectile Effects
Central nervous system mediated through MC4R activation
Response Rate
+85%Mean Duration
+40 minMetabolic Effects
Appetite & Energy
Central MC3R/MC4R modulation of energy homeostasis
AppetiteDecreased
EnergyIncreased
MechanismHypothalamic MC4R
Note: Appetite suppression is a commonly reported effect in clinical studies
Research Protocols
Dosing from clinical studies
Melanotan II has been studied via subcutaneous injection in Phase 1 clinical trials. Dosing protocols vary between pigmentation and sexual function studies.
Research Protocol
Pigmentation Protocol
Based on Barnetson 2006 RCT
1-10DAY
0.010-0.025 mg/kg
Once daily SubQ
11+DAY
As needed
Maintenance dosing
Subcutaneous injection preferred
Effects accumulate over days
Pigmentation persists weeks after cessation
Research Protocol
Erectile Function Protocol
Based on Wessells 1998 study
1xDOSE
0.025 mg/kg
SubQ injection as needed
Onset: 30-60 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours pro-erectile window
Lower doses may reduce side effects
Peak effects at 2-4 hours
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetic Properties
Half-life1.5-2 hours
AdministrationSubcutaneous
Onset of action30-60 minutes
Peak effect2-4 hours
StructureCyclic heptapeptide
Short half-life but cumulative pigmentation effects
Cyclic structure provides stability vs linear α-MSH
Important Notes
- Research compound - not approved for human use
- Start with lower doses to assess tolerance
- Side effects are dose-dependent
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
Safety Profile
Reported effects from clinical studies
Melanotan II produces predictable side effects related to melanocortin receptor activation. Most effects are dose-dependent and transient.
Common Digestive Issues
40%
Nausea
mild
35%
Facial flushing
mild
25%
Fatigue/Yawning
mild
20%
Decreased appetite
mild
15%
Spontaneous erections
mild
10%
Injection site reactions
mild
Pigmentation Effects
Mole Darkening
Increased pigmentation of existing nevi (moles) and freckles
- Monitor existing moles for changes
- New mole formation reported
- Dermatological monitoring recommended
Discontinuation Rates
Tolerability
Low dose (0.010 mg/kg)Well tolerated
Standard (0.025 mg/kg)Moderate AEs
High doseIncreased nausea
Side effects typically diminish with continued use
Nausea most common initial side effect
Serious Considerations
Mole/nevus changes requiring monitoring
Priapism (prolonged erection) - seek medical attention
Potential cardiovascular effects at high doses
Unregulated product quality concerns
Researcher Notes
- Side effects are dose-dependent
- Nausea typically resolves with continued use
- Monitor skin for concerning mole changes
- Seek medical attention for erections lasting >4 hours
Compound Information
Chemical and structural properties
Molecular Profile
Melanotan II Structure
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH
Cyclic Peptideα-MSH Analog
CAS Number121062-08-6
Molecular FormulaC50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight1024.18 g/mol
SequenceAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
StructureCyclic lactam
Receptor Binding
Melanocortin Receptor Affinity
Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist
MC1RHigh affinity (pigmentation)
MC3RModerate (metabolism)
MC4RHigh affinity (sexual function)
MC5RModerate (exocrine)
Physical Properties
Formulation Characteristics
Handling and storage requirements
AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder
SolubilitySoluble in water, saline
Storage2-8°C (refrigerated)
Reconstituted stability30 days refrigerated
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Melanotan II
Melanotan II activates MC1R receptors on melanocytes, triggering the same intracellular signaling cascade (cAMP-PKA pathway) that UV light activates. This stimulates eumelanin synthesis directly, bypassing the need for UV-induced DNA damage that normally initiates the tanning response. The 2006 randomized controlled trial showed this works even in individuals with MC1R genetic variants who typically cannot tan from UV exposure.
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a linear 13-amino acid peptide that primarily targets MC1R for pigmentation with minimal sexual side effects. Melanotan II is a cyclic 7-amino acid peptide with high affinity for both MC1R (pigmentation) and MC4R (sexual function), producing both tanning and pro-erectile effects. Melanotan I has been developed as a prescription drug (Scenesse) for erythropoietic protoporphyria, while MT-II remains a research compound.
Acute effects (nausea, flushing, appetite suppression) appear within 1-2 hours of injection. Erectile effects begin within 30-60 minutes and may last 4-6 hours. Pigmentation effects are cumulative and typically become noticeable after 5-7 days of regular dosing, with full effects developing over 2-3 weeks. Pigmentation persists for weeks to months after discontinuation.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) was developed from Melanotan II by modifying the structure to reduce pigmentation effects while preserving sexual function. PT-141 primarily targets MC4R with minimal MC1R activity, so it doesn't cause tanning. PT-141 received FDA approval in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women, making it the only melanocortin peptide approved for sexual dysfunction.
Key monitoring includes: regular dermatological examination for mole changes (darkening, new moles, irregular borders), blood pressure monitoring, assessment of nausea and tolerance, and for males, monitoring for priapism. Any concerning mole changes should prompt immediate dermatological evaluation. Erections lasting more than 4 hours require medical attention.
Nausea is caused by central MC4R activation in areas of the brain that regulate appetite and nausea (area postrema, nucleus tractus solitarius). This is the same mechanism responsible for appetite suppression. The effect is dose-dependent and typically diminishes with continued use as tolerance develops. Taking the injection before bed or starting with lower doses can help minimize this side effect.
Sources & References
Peer-reviewed research
British Journal of Dermatology
A randomized controlled trial of melanotan II in the induction of eumelanin synthesis in fair-skinned subjects
2006•PMID: 16293341
Barnetson RS, et al.
View Source
UrologySynthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study
1998•PMID: 9679884
Wessells H, et al.
View Source
⚠️Important Research Notice
Not for human consumption. This product is sold exclusively for research and educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All clinical trial data and research findings presented on this page are sourced from peer-reviewed journals and official publications. They are provided for educational reference only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or product claims.
By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and will use it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
