Educational Reference · Research-Use-Only
Melanotan II: Mechanism, Research, and Use Cases
A research-grade overview of Melanotan II — what it is, how it works at the molecular level, what published studies have shown, and answers to the questions researchers ask most.
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), acting as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R. MC1R activation drives melanogenesis; MC4R activation modulates appetite and sexual function.
Research highlights
What published peer-reviewed research and preclinical studies have established about Melanotan II:
- 01Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)
- 02Acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R
- 03Clinical research has explored melanogenesis (tanning response) and sexual dysfunction applications
- 04Bremelanotide (PT-141), an active metabolite, received FDA approval for hypoactive sexual desire disorder
- 05Preclinical models suggest modulation of appetite, energy homeostasis, and inflammatory responses via MC4R
Published clinical and preclinical research
Phase 1 pilot study — melanogenesis and sexual function
Phase 1 · 1996Dose-dependent skin darkening observed; spontaneous penile erections reported in male subjects; nausea prominent at higher doses
Frequently asked questions about Melanotan II
Is Melanotan II legal?+
Melanotan II is not approved as a pharmaceutical in any jurisdiction and is classified as WADA S2 prohibited. Multiple regulatory agencies including the FDA, EMA, and TGA have issued warnings about unlicensed use. For research purposes only.
How does Melanotan II relate to bremelanotide (Vyleesi)?+
Bremelanotide (PT-141) is derived from Melanotan II research and is a selective MC4R agonist that received FDA approval for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in 2019. Unlike Melanotan II, bremelanotide was redesigned for selective MC3R/MC4R activity with reduced MC1R activity to minimize tanning effects.
References
- [1]Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, et al.. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sciences. 1996. PMID: 8569415 DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(96)00191-8
- [2]King SH, Mayorov AV, Balse-Srinivasan P, et al.. Melanocortin receptors, melanotropic peptides and penile erection. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry. 2007. PMID: 17979781 DOI: 10.2174/156802607782341532
- [3]Hadley ME, Dorr RT.. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides. 2006. PMID: 16289474 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.01.029
Regulatory status
Melanotan II is an investigational compound not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency for therapeutic use. WADA has classified Melanotan II as a prohibited substance (S2). Regulatory agencies in multiple countries have issued warnings about unregulated use. For research purposes only.
Researching Melanotan II?
We carry Melanotan II for laboratory research.
99%+ HPLC purity, third-party tested, same-day US shipping. Every batch ships with a published certificate of analysis.