Melanotan II
MT-2Cyclic melanocortin agonist studied in pigmentation.
Also known as: Melanotan-2, MT-II
Overview
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied in pigmentation, melanocortin-pathway, and behavioral research.
A cyclic, non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist studied for stimulating melanogenesis (tanning) with minimal sun exposure. Because it also activates MC4R, research notes appetite suppression and pronounced libido/erectile effects — the basis for the later development of PT-141.
Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R and MC4R), influencing melanogenesis and central pathways.
Molecular information
Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2A cyclized, more stable and potent analog than Melanotan I; activates MC1R and MC4R.
Pharmacokinetics
Illustrative relative-concentration model derived from published pharmacokinetic research. Curve is normalized and provided for educational comparison only — not a dosing schedule.
Research applications
- Pigmentation and melanogenesis research
- Melanocortin-pathway studies
- Behavioral investigations
Research protocols
Protocols summarized from published research models. Provided for scientific reference only — not dosing guidance for human use.
Observed effects timeline
Aggregated observations reported across research literature. Timing and magnitude vary by model and are not a guarantee of outcome.
Week 1–2
Onset of melanogenesis/pigmentation; appetite and libido effects reported.
Week 2–6
Tanning builds; maintenance dosing sustains pigmentation in research.
Research compatibility
Describes how compounds are studied alongside one another in the literature. Not a recommendation to co-administer.
Melanotan I
Overlapping melanocortin activity — redundant.
PT-141
Derived from MT-II; overlapping melanocortin/libido effects.
BPC-157
No known interactions - different mechanisms of action and receptor targets
Growth Hormone Peptides
No documented interactions - work through different pathways (GHRH/ghrelin vs melanocortin)
How to reconstitute
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently, and refrigerate. Avoid shaking to preserve the peptide.
- 1Allow the vial to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes).
- 2Swab the stopper with alcohol and let it air dry.
- 3Add bacteriostatic water slowly down the vial wall.
- 4Swirl gently until dissolved into a clear solution.
- 5Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Quality indicators
Uniform white powder
Lyophilized cake should be white to off-white without discoloration.
Clear solution
Reconstitutes to a clear, colorless, particle-free solution.
Cold-chain integrity
Reconstituted solution requires 2–8 °C storage.
Slight clumping
Small clumps that dissolve completely with gentle swirling are acceptable — shipping can cause minor compaction.
Collapsed or melted appearance
Powder that looks collapsed, melted, or stuck to the vial walls may have been exposed to heat in transit.
Cloudy after reconstitution
Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitate after gentle mixing can indicate a degraded or contaminated peptide.
Reported observations & safety
Safety signals reported in the research literature. Compiled for scientific awareness — not medical advice.
- Nausea, facial flushing, spontaneous erections, and darkening of moles/freckles are commonly reported.
- Not approved for tanning use; new or changing moles warrant close monitoring in the literature.
References & further reading
Melanotan II: melanocortin agonism, pigmentation and sexual effects (review)
Review of the non-selective melanocortin agonist's tanning, appetite, and sexual-function effects.
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This entry is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a dosing protocol, or a claim of therapeutic benefit. Research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory and research use — not for human or veterinary consumption.
Substantial peer-reviewed research across multiple models.
Melanotan II is stocked as a research-grade compound, ≥99% by HPLC, third-party verified.
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