Melanotan II

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a non-selective agonist across the melanocortin receptor family. It is one of the most widely studied synthetic melanocortin peptides, with research interest spanning pigmentation and libido-related pathways.

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Mechanism

• MC1R agonism. Activates melanocortin-1 receptors on melanocytes, stimulating melanogenesis (melanin production) — the pathway underlying its pigmentation research use.
• MC4R agonism. Also activates melanocortin-4 receptors in the hypothalamus, a pathway studied in connection with sexual arousal and appetite regulation — the basis for related libido research and for the derivative peptide PT-141.

Common research protocols

Dosing information below reflects published research literature. It is not medical advice and is not a treatment plan.

• Route. Subcutaneous injection.
• Research context. Subcutaneous dosing is the standard route in pigmentation and libido-pathway research.

Evidence at a glance

• Regulatory status. Not FDA-approved. Investigational; its receptor-selective derivative PT-141 (Bremelanotide) has since received FDA approval for a specific indication, but Melanotan II itself has not.
• What we do not know. Long-term pigmentation-pathway safety data; cardiovascular and appetite effects at research dosing levels.

Reconstitution & handling

Lyophilized peptides ship as freeze-dried powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; refrigerate the reconstituted vial. Use the reconstitution calculator to get syringe-unit readings for your target dose. General reconstitution and syringe guidance in the How We Work page.

Primary-literature list for this guide available on request via contact.