Well StudiedSkin & HairSexual Health

Melanotan II

MT-II

Synthetic Melanocortin Peptide | Tanning & Sexual Function

Half-life

~2 hours

Chain length

7 amino acids (cyclic)

Reference frequency

Loading phase: Daily for first week, then tanning maintenance 2-3x weekly or as needed for sexual enhancement

Research overview

DoseGear research brief

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that activates melanocortin receptors throughout the body. MC1R activation triggers melanin production for tanning, while MC4R affects sexual arousal and appetite control.

Mechanism of action

Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R for tanning, MC4R for sexual function and appetite) to stimulate melanin production, enhance libido, and suppress appetite through hypothalamic pathways.

Compound background

Development & research timeline

Study windows describe what researchers measured, not when an individual should expect a result.

Origin & development

Cyclic synthetic alpha-MSH analog.

What it is researched for

Pigmentation and sexual-response research through activation of multiple melanocortin receptors.

Research observation window

Small subcutaneous pigmentation studies used ten days or two weeks; one assessed eumelanin one week after treatment.

Reference data

Lyophilized vial injectable protocols

Not personalized dosing instructions

Only injectable vial references are shown. Nasal, topical, and unsupported non-vial schedules are excluded.

Research context	Amount	Frequency	Route
Initial loading phase	0.25mg	1x daily	SubQ
Tanning maintenance	0.5-1mg	2-3x weekly	SubQ
Sexual enhancement	0.5-1mg	As needed	SubQ
Minimal side effects	0.1-0.25mg	Every other day	SubQ
Photoprotection	0.5mg	2x weekly	SubQ

Reference cycle

4-8 weeks loading phase for tanning, then ongoing maintenance as needed

Reference storage

Refrigerate at 2-8°C wrapped in aluminum foil (light-sensitive); use reconstituted solution within 4 weeks

Safety context

Reported side effects

Nausea (pre-treatment with antiemetics recommended)
Facial flushing
Temporary blood pressure elevation
Fatigue
Spontaneous erections

Contraindications & cautions

History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Cardiovascular conditions
Uncontrolled hypertension

Scientific references

01
Melanocortin Receptor Agonists, Penile Erection, and Sexual Motivation: Human Studies with Melanotan II
Scientific citationMelanocortin Receptor Agonists, Penile Erection, and Sexual Motivation: Human Studies with Melanotan II. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000).
02
Increased Eumelanin Expression and Tanning Is Induced by a Superpotent Melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7 ]-alpha-MSH in Humans
Scientific citationIncreased Eumelanin Expression and Tanning Is Induced by a Superpotent Melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7 ]-alpha-MSH in Humans. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2000).
03
Discovery that a Melanocortin Regulates Sexual Functions in Male and Female Humans
Scientific citationDiscovery that a Melanocortin Regulates Sexual Functions in Male and Female Humans. Peptides (2006).
04
Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a Superpotent Cyclic Melanotropic Peptide in a Pilot Phase-I Clinical Study
Scientific citationEvaluation of Melanotan-II, a Superpotent Cyclic Melanotropic Peptide in a Pilot Phase-I Clinical Study. Life Sciences (1996).

This DoseGear profile combines published scientific literature with lyophilized-vial protocol references. Citations are provided for independent review.

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