Melanotan II
The Tanning and Photoprotective Peptide
Molecular Data
- Formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular Weight
- 1024.18 g/mol
01
Overview
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that was originally developed as a potential sunless tanning agent and skin cancer preventive. It stimulates melanogenesis, increases libido (giving rise to PT-141 research), and has appetite-suppressing properties. It acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist.
02
Mechanism of Action
MT-II binds non-selectively to MC1R (stimulating melanogenesis), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite regulation), and MC5R (exocrine glands). Melanogenesis proceeds through cAMP-mediated activation of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis.
03
Research Highlights
University of Arizona Phase I trials confirm significant tanning with minimal UV exposure
Comparison studies with α-MSH show 1000× higher potency of cyclic MT-II
Appetite studies show significant caloric intake reduction in animal models
04
Dosage
Administration & Timing
Subcutaneous (SC) injection into abdominal or gluteal subcutaneous tissue, typically daily during loading phase. Research protocols titrate dose gradually to assess tolerability.
Dosage Guidelines
Cycle Length
2–4 week loading, then maintenance 2–4 weeks; total 4–8 weeks.
05
Reconstitution
Solvent
Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
Volume
2 mL added to a 10 mg vial
Concentration
5 mg/mL (5,000 mcg/mL)
Storage
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C; protect from light. Discard 30 days after reconstitution.
Notes
Melanotan II has a broader receptor profile than MT-I, causing libido effects alongside pigmentation. Start at 100 mcg to assess nausea and flushing.
Research Reference Only
Dosage and reconstitution values reflect commonly cited ranges from published research literature and are presented for educational and research reference only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation. HEXAGEN does not endorse human use of any compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Research Disclaimer
Melanotan II is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
Related Compounds
View All
Melanotan II Knowledge Graph
Explore how Melanotan II connects to mechanisms, research goals, related compounds, research stacks, and scientific references. Drag nodes, zoom, and filter by type.
No nodes match the active filters.
Melanotan II — Common Research Questions
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that was originally developed as a potential sunless tanning agent and skin cancer preventive. It st... Melanotan II belongs to the Other research category and is studied for its the tanning and photoprotective peptide.
How does Melanotan II work?
MT-II binds non-selectively to MC1R (stimulating melanogenesis), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite regulation), and MC5R (exocrine glands). Melanogenesis proceeds through cAMP-mediated activation of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis.
What are the key research benefits of Melanotan II?
Eumelanin production stimulation for tanning. Photoprotection against UV-induced DNA damage. Appetite suppression and weight management. Libido enhancement via central MC3R/MC4R activation. Potential skin cancer preventive research. Broad melanocortin receptor activity profile.
What is the molecular structure of Melanotan II?
Melanotan II has the molecular formula C50H69N15O9 and a molecular weight of 1024.18 g/mol. This structural information is important for researchers studying receptor binding and pharmacokinetics.
What does the research say about Melanotan II?
University of Arizona Phase I trials confirm significant tanning with minimal UV exposure Comparison studies with α-MSH show 1000× higher potency of cyclic MT-II Appetite studies show significant caloric intake reduction in animal models These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. Melanotan II is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.
Is Melanotan II FDA approved?
No. Melanotan II is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a research chemical studied in preclinical and early clinical research. These compounds are not approved for human therapeutic use and should only be studied in appropriate research settings.
What category does Melanotan II belong to?
Melanotan II belongs to the Other category, which focuses on a collection of specialized peptides studied across various physiological domains including reproductive health, pigmentation, and growth factor signaling. You can explore more compounds in this category on the Other pillar page.
Related Articles
PT-141: Central Nervous System Activation of Sexual Desire
Understanding how PT-141 differs from PDE5 inhibitors and its Phase III HSDD clinical trial data.
DSIP: Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide
The discovery, mechanism, and stress-modulation research behind DSIP's sleep-promoting effects.
Kisspeptin: The Gatekeeper of the HPG Axis
How Kisspeptin's pulsatile signaling controls GnRH release and its implications for reproductive research.
Scientific References
Dorr et al. — Univ. of Arizona Phase I tanning trial (J Invest Dermatol, 1999)
α-MSH analogue potency comparison studies
University of Arizona Phase I trials confirm significant tanning with minimal UV exposure
Comparison studies with α-MSH show 1000× higher potency of cyclic MT-II
Appetite studies show significant caloric intake reduction in animal models