Melanotan 2
MT-2 · MT-II
Popular for:Tanning, sexual function, appetite suppression
3
Total Studies
0
Human Studies
Phase II
Evidence Level
Not Approved
FDA Status
Overview
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its sequence is Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂, with a molecular weight of 1024.18 Da. Developed at the University of Arizona in the 1990s as a potential sunless tanning agent, MT-II acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5.
Mechanism of Action
MC1 receptor activation stimulates melanogenesis (skin darkening). MC4 receptor activation mediates sexual arousal and erectile function. MC4 also mediates appetite suppression. MC3 may contribute to sexual effects. The peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier, explaining its central nervous system effects including nausea, yawning, and spontaneous erections.
Key Research Benefits
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
3
Total Studies
0
Human Studies
- Dorr et al. (1996) — Phase I clinical study evaluating MT-II as a tanning agent. Demonstrated dose-dependent melanogenesis with manageable side effects (Life Sciences, PMID: 8637402).
- Wessells et al. (1998) — Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. MT-II at 0.025 mg/kg initiated erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (Journal of Urology, PMID: 9679884).
- Javed & Kamraan (2013) — Review of melanoma risk. Found no conclusive evidence that MT-II directly causes melanoma.
- Wensink et al. (2021) — Systematic review concluded increased melanoma risk in MT-II users is more likely explained by concurrent UV exposure behavior.
- Bremelanotide (PT-141), a derivative of MT-II, received FDA approval in 2019 as Vyleesi for HSDD, validating the melanocortin-based mechanism for sexual function.
Key Studies / PubMed References
CAPS2 deficiency induces proopiomelanocortin accumulation in pituitary and affects food intake behavior in mice.
Animal StudyFujima S, Amemiya N, Arima T, et al. · Neuroscience letters · 2020
PMID: 32891671Disruption of Gpr45 causes reduced hypothalamic POMC expression and obesity.
Animal StudyCui J, Ding Y, Chen S, et al. · The Journal of clinical investigation · 2016
PMID: 27500489Sim1 haploinsufficiency impairs melanocortin-mediated anorexia and activation of paraventricular nucleus neurons.
Animal StudyKublaoui BM, Holder JL, Gemelli T, et al. · Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2006
PMID: 16728530Side Effects & Safety
> MT-II causes darkening of existing moles and nevi. Monitor all moles closely. Any asymmetry, border changes, or rapid growth warrants immediate dermatological evaluation. The relationship between MT-II and melanoma is unclear — a 2021 review concluded increased melanoma risk in users is likely from concurrent UV exposure rather than the peptide itself.
Known Interactions
No curated interaction entry is live for Melanotan 2 yet.
Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Disclaimer
This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Melanotan 2 is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.