Peptide Encyclopedia / Melanotan II
EncyclopediaMelanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-MSH and a nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist. The FDA has not approved it for any use, and it trades online as an illegal tanning and libido agent with only case-report safety data and documented harms. Educational only, not medical advice.
| Also known as | Melanotan II, MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2 |
| Regulatory status | Melanotan II is NOT approved by the FDA (or, generally, by other major regulators) for any indication. |
Melanotan II is NOT approved by the FDA (or, generally, by other major regulators) for any indication. It is sold illegally over the internet as an unlicensed tanning/libido agent. Regulatory agencies (including the US FDA and UK MHRA) have warned against its use. It is distinct from the FDA-approved afamelanotide (Scenesse), a different melanocortin agonist.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and a nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist. Activation of MC1R on melanocytes stimulates melanogenesis (skin darkening); activation of central MC4R is associated with effects on sexual arousal and appetite suppression. (PT-141/bremelanotide is a more selective derivative developed from this class.) Pharmacokinetics (half-life No validated human pharmacokinetic half-life established; product is unregulated and PK has not been formally characterized in approved studies.): Administered by subcutaneous injection. Because Melanotan II is an unapproved, unregulated product, no rigorous human pharmacokinetic data (half-life, clearance, bioavailability) exist from regulatory or controlled sources. No verified human PK half-life found.
There are no controlled efficacy trials supporting safe consumer use. The literature consists largely of case reports and safety signals: systemic sympathomimetic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis after injection, priapism, and dermatologic effects including new or changing melanocytic nevi and mucosal pigmentation, with concern (not proven causation) about melanoma. Honest level: anecdotal/case-report safety evidence; no credible efficacy trials. Reported use: Community-reported use involves subcutaneous injection for skin tanning, libido, and appetite effects, typically with a 'loading' phase followed by maintenance dosing. These regimens are unvalidated, unsafe, and associated with serious documented harms; they are described here only as reported practice and are explicitly not recommended.
Documented adverse effects include rhabdomyolysis and systemic sympathomimetic toxicity (a case with CPK ~17,773 IU/L and ICU admission after a 6 mg dose), nausea and vomiting, facial flushing, spontaneous penile erections/priapism, darkening and proliferation of moles, and mucosal/skin hyperpigmentation. There is concern about possible increased melanoma risk and risks from unsterile, unregulated product. Contaminated/illicit sourcing adds infection risk..
Personal or family history of melanoma or atypical/dysplastic nevi (theoretical/precautionary), Cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension (precautionary, given sympathomimetic effects), Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
No formally characterized drug interactions; theoretical additive cardiovascular/sympathomimetic effects with stimulants
PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. Melanotan II may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.
