Melanotan II
Cyclic hepta-peptide and non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. 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.
Mechanism of action
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.
Evidence at a glance
What the studies show
Where studies disagree
Does the increased pigmentation lower skin-cancer risk — or does Melanotan II raise it?
Pharmacokinetics
Theoretical concentration curve at a half-life of 1 h. Pure pharmacokinetic model — not a dosing recommendation.
Open in PK tool →Routes of administration in the literature
Safer use & risks
Known adverse events from studies
Interactions & combinations
Risks & hygiene aspects in the literature
Regulatory warnings
Black-market purity
Regulatory voices
These are not approved for use in any indication.
Anecdotal observations
Legal status by country
Reconstitution calculator
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.
Cofactors
These cofactors relate to the peptide class, not to a specific use. No recommendation, no dosing.
Study register
Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study
Change in moles linked to use of unlicensed 'sun tan jab'
Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction
Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review
Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis
Changes of melanocytic lesions induced by Melanotan injections and sun bed use in a teenage patient with FAMMM syndrome
Melanotan II overdose associated with priapism
Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report
Sources & method
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