Peptibase
Sexual Health

Melanotan II

Also known as: MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2

Research
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Key Facts: Melanotan II

Category
Sexual Health
FDA Status
Not FDA Approved
Clinical Status
Not approved - Research discontinued due to side effects
Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Typical Dose
250-500 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1,000 mcg weekly (maintenance)
Frequency
Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then weekly maintenance
Evidence Level
Limited Research
Duration
Loading phase 2-3 weeks, then maintenance
Also Known As
MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2

What to Expect

A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Known for inducing skin tanning and having effects on libido and sexual function.

Mechanism of Action

MT-II binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R for tanning, MC4R for sexual effects). MC1R activation stimulates melanin production in skin cells. MC4R activation in the brain influences sexual arousal and erectile function.

Research Summary

Research demonstrates effective skin darkening without UV exposure, though UV enhances effects. Studies show improvement in erectile dysfunction. Originally developed for skin cancer prevention. PT-141 (bremelanotide) was derived from this research.

Clinical Status:Not approved - Research discontinued due to side effects
Trial Progress:FDA Approved
Pre
I
II
III
IV
FDA

Dosing Information

Limited Research·Limited formal studies available

Typical Dosingⓘ

Community experience

Common Dose

250-500 mcg daily (loading), then 500-1,000 mcg weekly (maintenance)

Range

100-1,000 mcg per dose

Frequency

Daily during loading (1-2 weeks), then weekly maintenance

Start very low to assess tolerance. Causes tanning, may increase libido. Nausea common initially. UV exposure needed for tanning effect.

Research Dosingⓘ

Scientific studies

Doses observed in research and user reports

Doses from Studies

Maintenance: 500mcg weekly after loading

Research Literature - Observed in studies ↗

Duration

Loading phase 2-3 weeks, then maintenance

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Timing & Administration

Best Time to Take

Evening or before sun exposure

Once daily during loading, then maintenance

Food Recommendation

With or without food

Why This Timing?

Melanotan II is used for tanning and libido. Evening use minimizes visible flushing; pre-sun exposure maximizes tanning.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.

  • ●Nausea (common)
  • ●Facial flushing
  • ●Fatigue
  • ●Spontaneous penile erections
  • ●Darkening of skin and moles
  • ●Priapism (requires emergency care)
  • ●Association with melanoma risk
  • ●May trigger histamine release - use caution with MCAS or histamine sensitivity
  • ●ILLEGAL in US, UK, Australia - not FDA approved

References

Related Peptides

Peptides commonly compared with Melanotan II or used in similar applications.

PT-141

FDA

An FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Derived from Melanotan II research.

Sexual Health

BPC-157

Preclinical

A synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. Known for its remarkable tissue healing properties across multiple body systems.

Healing

TB-500

Clinical Trials

A synthetic 17-amino acid fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-4). NOT the same as TB-4 - TB-500 has a longer half-life (~2-4 days vs ~2 hours) and is the active region responsible for tissue repair and cell migration. Note: Many vendors mislabel TB-4 as 'TB-500' in premixed products.

Healing

Semaglutide

FDA

A GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. One of the most effective pharmaceutical weight loss interventions available.

Weight Loss

MK-677

Clinical Trials

An orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin. Not a peptide technically, but frequently discussed alongside GH peptides due to similar effects.

Growth Hormone

Wolverine Stack

Preclinical

The most popular healing peptide combination, combining BPC-157 (10mg) and TB-500 (10mg). Named after the Marvel character's regenerative abilities. Used for accelerated injury recovery, joint support, and tissue repair.

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Educational Information Only

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.

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