Scientific context only. Not medical advice, not a recommendation to use.
At a glance
Cyclic hepta-peptide and non-selective melanocortin-receptoragonist. Originally researched at the University of Arizona as a sun-protection concept — never approved as a medicine. Widespread on the black market; regulatory warnings for cardiovascular and oncological risks.
Researched for
Pigmentation as 'subcutaneous tanning'Erectile function in early studies
Official status
US: Unapproved
No FDA approval. The FDA has repeatedly warned against unlicensed 'tanning peptides'.
Melanotan II binds non-selectively to all five melanocortin-receptor subtypes (MC1R-MC5R). Via MC1R in melanocytes, eumelanin synthesis is stimulated (pigmenting effect). Via MC4R and MC3R in the CNS, appetite, sexual function and blood pressure are modulated. The cyclic structure and D-amino acids increase stability compared to natural α-MSH.
02
Evidence at a glance
Reading note. The distribution shows on which evidence tier each observation sits. Strong colours mark stronger evidence — weaker tiers are deliberately visible, not hidden.
4 observations · single evidence tier
Human trial
4
03
What the studies show
Human trial
Mensch
Dorr RT. et al. 1996
Increase in pigmentation (eumelanin production) was documented in original phase-1 studies in healthy volunteers
What does NOT follow: Studies small and predominantly conducted at the University of Arizona; no phase-3 data. A marketed form was never approved.
Human trial
Mensch
Erectile effects observed in a small study of men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction
What does NOT follow: From this early research the more selective PT-141 (Bremelanotide) was later developed.
Human trial
Mensch (Fallserien)
Langan EA. et al. 2009
Cases of melanoma changes, atypical naevi and mole growth after self-use documented in the dermatology literature
What does NOT follow: Causality not proven by RCT; regulatory warnings (UK MHRA, German BfArM) are based on these case reports.
Human trial
Mensch (Fallberichte)
Acute blood-pressure rise and cardiac symptoms documented in case reports after self-administration
What does NOT follow: Class effect known from comparison with PT-141; potentiated for MT-II in a black-market purity context.
05
Pharmacokinetics
Theoretical concentration curve at a half-life of 1 h. Pure pharmacokinetic model — not a dosing recommendation.
Reading note. This section gathers popular claims from communities and forums. They are explicitly marked as weakest-tier evidence. Unblinded self-reports are particularly prone to placebo, recall and confirmation biases.
Why no amounts or protocols are listed here. We deliberately show only WHAT communities report — not in what amount or how it is used. Anecdotal "doses" or "biohacker protocols" are neither verified nor standardised nor safe; publishing them would be a usage guide, which we do not provide on principle. Specific amounts belong in a conversation with a doctor, not in a forum.
In forums Melanotan II is described as 'subcutaneous tanning' — usually combined with UV exposure.
widespread on black-market platforms and in bodybuilding forums
Not supported by studies: Statements from user forums are without pharmacovigilance and ignore the regulatory warnings — mole changes and cardiovascular events are documented.
11
Legal status by country
Country
Status
Note
Checked
United States
Unapproved
No FDA approval. The FDA has repeatedly warned against unlicensed 'tanning peptides'.
2026-05-22
Germany
Unapproved
No EMA or BfArM approval. Germany's BfArM explicitly warned about the 'tanning peptide' Melanotan in 2008.
2026-05-22
United Kingdom
Banned
The UK's MHRA has explicitly classified Melanotan as unauthorised and a health risk.
2026-05-22
Australia
Banned
TGA status: not approved, import and sale prohibited.
2026-05-22
12
Reconstitution calculator
Pure mg/mL maths — works like a calculator. Not a usage recommendation.
Peptides ship as a dry powder. Once dissolved in a liquid (reconstitution), this calculator answers a single question: how much substance is in one millilitre of solution afterwards?
1Enter the vial's substance amount (printed on the label).
2Enter how much solvent you add.
3Result = concentration in mg per mL.
Printed on the label
/
Liquid you add
=
2.50
mg / mL
5 mg in 2 mL gives 2.50 mg/mL — each millilitre contains 2.50 mg of substance.