SKIN · Injectable
Melanotan 2.
UV-protective melanotropic peptide
How it works
Class & mechanism.
In short
Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of α-MSH studied for its ability to stimulate melanin production, producing skin pigmentation with reduced UV exposure, and it was the developmental precursor to FDA-approved bremelanotide (PT-141). MT2 itself is not FDA-approved for any use, is currently under FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) review (Feb 2027), and is banned by WADA for competitive athletes. It carries a documented and serious risk profile, including melanocytic naevi changes and rare melanoma association, and is not appropriate for cosmetic or recreational use outside a research or clinical context.
Class
Synthetic Melanocortin Receptor Agonist (Alpha-MSH Analogue)
Mechanism
Melanotan II (MT2) is a cyclic synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a naturally occurring peptide derived from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). It acts as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation on melanocytes stimulates the tyrosinase enzyme pathway, shifting melanin synthesis from the reddish/yellow phaeomelanin to the darker, UV-protective eumelanin — producing skin darkening without immediate UV exposure. MC4R activation in the hypothalamus drives the sexual arousal and appetite-suppression effects, and is also the mechanism by which the structurally related peptide bremelanotide (PT-141) was later developed as an FDA-approved therapeutic. MT2's systemic, non-selective receptor binding profile underlies both its desired effects and its broad side effect and risk profile.
Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven peptide recommendations — we are not a compounding pharmacy, peptide synthesis company, or clinical provider.
Did you know
Melanotan II was accidentally discovered to cause spontaneous erections in a researcher who self-administered it — a side effect so unexpected and powerful that it directly inspired the creation of PT-141/bremelanotide, which went on to become the first FDA-approved CNS-targeting drug for female sexual desire disorder.
Half-life
1.8 h
Bioavailability
70%
Tmax
0.75 h
Cmax
2 ng/mL
Route
SC
Molecular weight
1024 Da
Pharmacokinetic data shown for educational context. Individual response varies. Not a substitute for clinical dosing guidance.
Benefits
What it does.
May stimulate eumelanin production (the UV-protective form of melanin), associated with skin darkening at lower UV exposure levels
MC4R activation is associated with appetite suppression and potential metabolic effects via hypothalamic signaling
MC4R activation is associated with pro-sexual effects — the mechanism later refined and isolated into FDA-approved bremelanotide/PT-141
Studied as a research tool for photoprotection mechanisms and melanocyte biology, separate from any cosmetic use case
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
What this does not mean
Melanotan II is not FDA-approved for any indication, is currently under FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) review (Feb 2027), and has no established safe dosing guideline for cosmetic use. Regulatory authorities including HPRA, MHRA, and FDA have issued explicit warnings against consumer use. Documented risks include eruptive melanocytic naevi, changes in existing moles, and rare melanoma association — individuals with a personal or family history of melanoma or dysplastic naevi should not use this compound under any circumstances. Melanotan II is banned by WADA for competitive athletes. This page describes research context only — it does not recommend, endorse, or prescribe any compound for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions. Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven educational context and test interpretation — not clinical protocols or pharmaceutical recommendations.
MT2 acts via MC1R to activate tyrosinase and shift melanogenesis from phaeomelanin to eumelanin — the same pathway stimulated by natural UV exposure but achieved without UV radiation, theoretically providing photoprotective pigmentation with less UV damage.
SOURCE · Hadley & Dorr, Peptides (2006); original University of Arizona development research
MT2 was the precursor compound from which bremelanotide (PT-141) was derived after researchers observed strong pro-sexual effects mediated via hypothalamic MC4R activation — leading to the successful FDA approval of bremelanotide for HSDD in 2019.
SOURCE · Pfaus et al.; Kingsberg et al. PMC6819021
Case series and pharmacovigilance reports have documented MT2-associated eruptive melanocytic naevi, change in existing moles, and rare cases of MT2-associated melanoma — prompting HPRA and multiple national regulatory bodies to issue serious health warnings.
SOURCE · Langan et al., BMJ 2009; HPRA Safety Notice; multiple case reports in British Journal of Dermatology 2009–2014
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
Typically researched at 0.5–1 mg subcutaneous injection, starting with low loading doses (0.25 mg) to assess tolerance. Frequency varies: loading phase daily for 1–2 weeks, then maintenance 2–3x per week. NOTE: MT2 is not FDA-approved and has no established safe dosing guideline for cosmetic use.
Cycle
Loading phase: 1–2 weeks daily (or until desired pigmentation). Maintenance: minimal dosing to sustain effect (often 1–2x per week). Extended use significantly increases adverse event risk.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Not FDA-approved; no established safety profile for cosmetic use. Significant documented risks include: eruptive and changing melanocytic naevi (mole changes), rare melanoma association, nausea (very common at initiation), facial flushing, spontaneous erections (men), potential vision changes, muscle tremors, anaphylaxis. Should NOT be used by anyone with personal or family history of melanoma or dysplastic naevi. Regulatory authorities (HPRA, MHRA, FDA) have issued explicit warnings against consumer use. Pregnancy contraindicated.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Regulatory Context
FDA compounding status.
| FDA Status | Risk Level | Compounding | Key Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCAC Review Feb 2027 | 🟡 Under Review | Awaiting PCAC — 503A eligibility review (Feb 2027) | PCAC Feb 2027 |
Removed from Category 2 (Apr 23, 2026). Under second PCAC review Feb 2027. UV-protective melanotropic peptide. Banned by WADA for competitive athletes.
Source: FDA Federal Register, PCAC agendas, industry analyses. Educational context only — not legal advice. Review after July 23-24, 2026 PCAC meeting.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for Melanotan 2, sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See Melanotan 2 pricing — and your supplier match.
Pricing is unlocked once we know who you are. Take the 3-minute quiz and we'll match you to a US or EU dispensary based on your location and protocol fit.
- Live USD price range
- US & EU supplier shortlist
- Concierge sign-off on dosing
Indicative price range: $99–$149 USD