Melanotan-2

Overview

What is Melanotan-2?

Melanotan II is a synthetic non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist originally developed as a sunless tanning agent. It is not approved anywhere, is widely sold on the grey market, and has documented case reports of serious toxicity and melanocytic change.

• Melanin Production
• Tanning Research
• Libido Research

What the research reports

Reported benefits of Melanotan-2

Outcomes described across the published Melanotan-2 literature and ongoing study. Read each as research context, not a promised result.

1. 01

   Melanogenesis and tanning

   Acts across melanocortin receptors including MC1R, producing pigmentation changes that drove its original development as a tanning agent. Reported in research settings.

2. 02

   Erectile response research

   A 1998 crossover trial reported clinically apparent erections in 8 of 10 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction against placebo. Reported in research settings.

3. 03

   Sexual desire trial findings

   A later crossover series in 20 men reported increased sexual desire after 13 of 19 doses against 4 of 21 placebo doses. Reported in research settings.

4. 04

   Route to bremelanotide work

   Research on this compound led directly to bremelanotide, its active metabolite, which went on to gain regulatory approval. Reported in research settings.

5. 05

   Documented safety signals

   The published record includes toxicity case reports, which is useful information even though it is not a benefit in the usual sense. Reported in research settings.

Dosage and protocol

Melanotan-2 dosage and protocol

Reported protocols use 250 mcg to 1 mg daily during a loading phase, then twice weekly. No approved dosing schedule exists anywhere. Figures describe study protocols, not a personal regimen.

Route

Subcutaneous injection

Example range

250 mcg-1 mg

Frequency

Daily, then twice weekly

Timing

Evening dosing common. Monitor any new or changing moles carefully.

Clinical evidence

Clinical evidence for Melanotan-2

The published record for Melanotan-2, labeled by strength so you can see what is settled and what is emerging.

Interactions

How it pairs with other peptides

Melanotan-I

Both are melanocortin agonists. Combining duplicates the target with no added benefit reported.

PT-141 peptide

Bremelanotide is the active metabolite of this compound, so combining stacks the same mechanism.

Antihypertensives

Melanocortin agonists can affect blood pressure, which matters alongside cardiovascular medication.

Photosensitisers

Pigmentation changes complicate monitoring when other drugs also alter skin light sensitivity.