Melanotan-2
MT-II, Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
Melanotan-2 (MT-II) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist. Originally developed for skin pigmentation research, it has also been investigated for erectile dysfunction. NOT FDA approved and carries significant safety warnings from health agencies worldwide due to serious adverse effects including potential melanoma risk.
Melanotan-2 Dosing Guide
Primary Benefits
- Increases melanin production and skin pigmentation
- Demonstrated efficacy in erectile dysfunction (8/10 responders in clinical studies)
- May reduce appetite through MC4 receptor activation
- Rapid onset of action (1-5 hours for sexual effects)
- Long-lasting pigmentation effects
How It Works
Melanotan-2 functions as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5). Primary mechanism involves binding to MC1 receptors on melanocytes, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This leads to activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), ultimately stimulating transcription of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, key enzymes in melanin synthesis. MC4 receptor activation in the central nervous system affects sexual behavior and appetite regulation through hypothalamic pathways, while MC3 receptor involvement may contribute to energy homeostasis effects.
Quick Reference
Typical Dosage Range
Research protocols utilized subcutaneous doses of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg body weight. Optimal efficacy/tolerability observed at 0.025 mg/kg (approximately 1.5-2mg for 70kg individual). Phase I study escalated from 0.01 mg/kg with good tolerance. Higher doses (0.03 mg/kg) associated with Grade II somnolence and fatigue. CRITICAL WARNING: Case reports of severe toxicity at 6mg doses demonstrate narrow therapeutic window. Due to lack of approval and safety concerns, no standardized clinical dosing protocols exist. Research use only under medical supervision.
Administration Methods
Clinical studies utilized subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdomen or thigh. Injection timing was generally in the morning to align with natural circadian melanocortin rhythms. Lyophilized powder requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. Injection sites should be rotated to prevent tissue damage. Research protocols included monitoring for injection site reactions and systematic adverse effects. No oral formulations have been clinically tested. Due to unregulated status, preparation and administration carry additional contamination and dosing accuracy risks.
What It's Used For
Melanotan-2 (MT-II) is a synthetic peptide that people use for skin-tanning purposes. It stimulates the production of melanin—the pigment that gives skin its color—and can also influence factors like appetite and libido in some individuals. CRITICAL WARNING: This is NOT FDA approved and carries significant safety warnings from health agencies worldwide.
Skin Tanning
Increases melanin production for darker skin pigmentation without UV exposure
Sexual Function
May enhance sexual desire and erectile function (research studies only)
Appetite Effects
May reduce appetite through melanocortin receptor activation
How Much to Take
CRITICAL WARNING - NOT APPROVED FOR USE
Melanotan-2 is NOT FDA approved and health agencies worldwide have issued warnings against its use. The information below is from research studies only and should NOT be used as dosing guidance. Using this compound carries serious health risks including potential melanoma, priapism, and systemic toxicity.
Research Studies Only
Loading Phase: 0.25-0.5mg daily
Maintenance: 1mg 1-2x weekly
Route: Subcutaneous injection
WARNING: Research protocols only
Serious Risks
Nausea: 68% of users in studies
Dangerous erections: Requiring surgery
Muscle breakdown: Kidney damage risk
Skin cancer risk: Mole changes
Start Low, Go Slow
Research showed lower doses help reduce severe nausea and side effects
Timing Matters
Studies suggested evening injection after meals to reduce nausea
Medical Emergency
Seek immediate help for prolonged erections or severe side effects
How Long to Use It
NO SAFE USAGE GUIDELINES EXIST
Since Melanotan-2 is not approved for human use, there are no established safe duration guidelines. Research studies were extremely short-term (days to weeks) and showed concerning side effects even at these durations. Long-term effects are completely unknown and potentially dangerous.
Research Study Durations
The largest study lasted only a few weeks and involved just 20 people. Even in these short studies, serious side effects occurred including dangerous prolonged erections requiring surgery and severe muscle breakdown. No long-term safety data exists, and health agencies warn against any use due to unknown risks including potential skin cancer development.
Need-to-Know Information
How It Works
Melanotan-2 works like a master key that unlocks several different doors in your body. The main door it opens is in your skin cells, where it turns on the 'tanning factory' that produces melanin (the pigment that makes your skin darker). It also unlocks doors in your brain that control appetite and sexual function. The process is similar to how your body naturally responds to sunlight, but Melanotan-2 can activate these pathways without UV exposure.
Research Findings
In small studies, 8 out of 10 men with erectile dysfunction had successful erections lasting about 40 minutes. The medication also successfully darkened skin in most people who tried it. However, about 7 out of 10 people experienced nausea, and there have been serious cases where people ended up in the hospital after using higher doses than studied.
Who Should Never Use
- Anyone (not approved for human use)
- Personal/family history of melanoma
- Multiple moles or unusual skin lesions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heart rhythm problems
- Severe liver or kidney disease
Serious Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting (very common)
- Dangerous prolonged erections
- Darkening of moles and freckles
- Severe muscle breakdown
- Kidney damage
- Potential melanoma risk
Storage & Injection
No Quality Control Standards
Since Melanotan-2 is not approved, there are no official preparation or storage guidelines. Illegal products may be contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or contain harmful substances. This adds significant additional risks beyond the known dangers of the compound itself.
Research Storage
Studies used lyophilized powder stored at -20°C, with reconstituted solution kept refrigerated for up to 30 days
Injection Method
Research used subcutaneous injection in abdomen or thigh with sterile technique and site rotation
Example Schedule
NO SAFE SCHEDULE EXISTS
There are no safe usage schedules for Melanotan-2 because it is not approved for human use. Even the research protocols used in small studies resulted in serious side effects. The information below is from research studies only and demonstrates the risks involved.
Research Protocol Example (NOT SAFE FOR USE):
Studies used 0.25mg daily for loading phase, then 1mg 1-2x weekly maintenance. Even these small research doses caused nausea in 68% of people and led to hospitalizations in some cases.
Extra Tips for Best Results
Seek Safer Alternatives
Consider FDA-approved medications for erectile dysfunction or safe tanning methods like self-tanners
Monitor Skin Changes
Research showed concerning mole and freckle changes that could indicate increased cancer risk
Medical Emergency Plan
Know the signs of serious side effects and have emergency medical contact information ready
Hydration Support
Research suggested adequate water intake may help with side effects like headaches and flushing
Global Health Warnings
FDA Warning
Not approved for human use, serious safety concerns
TGA Australia
"Beware the Barbie drug" - official warning issued
Health Canada
Warnings about illegal distribution and health risks
FINAL WARNING
This information is for educational purposes only. Melanotan-2 is NOT approved by the FDA or any major regulatory agency for human use. Health authorities worldwide have issued warnings against its use due to serious safety risks including potential melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, and systemic toxicity. Any use carries significant legal and health risks. Consult healthcare providers for approved alternatives.
Medical Disclaimer
CRITICAL WARNING: Melanotan-2 is NOT approved by the FDA or any major regulatory agency for human use. Health authorities worldwide have issued warnings against its use due to serious safety risks including potential melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, and systemic toxicity. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Any use requires medical supervision and carries significant legal and health risks. Consult healthcare providers for approved alternatives.