Also known as mt-ii, melanotan ii · Wikipedia
Melanotan-2 (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone originally developed at the University of Arizona as a candidate sunless-tanning and erectile-dysfunction drug. Development was abandoned by the original sponsor, and a more selective analog (bremelanotide / PT-141, MC4R-preferring) was carried forward for sexual dysfunction. MT-II itself is sold only as an unlicensed 'tanning injection' or research chemical and has been the subject of explicit consumer warnings from the UK MHRA, the Australian TGA, the US FDA, and several EU regulators. Documented harms include melanoma case reports, priapism, severe nausea, and uncontrolled hyperpigmentation. Also known as MT-II, Melanotan II.
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Browse all vendorsMechanism of action
Melanotan-2 (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is a NON-SELECTIVE agonist at all five melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R).
Pharmacokinetic properties
Half-life
~30-60 minutes (estimated; rigorous human PK limited)
Routes
subcutaneous · intranasal
Bioavailability
SC is the standard route in unregulated use. Intranasal also used but less reliable. Oral bioavailability essentially zero (peptide).
Amino-acid sequence
Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2 (cyclic lactam between Asp-Lys)
Use & research dosing
No approved dose. Unregulated and self-experimentation protocols commonly report 250-1,000 mcg subcutaneously daily during a 1-3 week 'loading phase' (often with concurrent UV exposure for tanning), then 250-500 mcg one to two times weekly maintenance. Doses above 1 mg are strongly associated with intolerable nausea, vomiting, and priapism. Research framing only; the original developer abandoned the program and no validated safe-dose range exists for human use.
Research-use framing only. SavePeptides sells nothing for human consumption. Doses above reflect reported research / self-experimentation ranges, not clinical recommendations.
Major safety landmine: non-selective MC1R-MC5R agonism is the reason this compound has a worse risk profile than PT-141 (bremelanotide, MC4R-preferring). The MC1R component drives both the desired tanning effect AND the melanoma/hyperpigmentation risk - they cannot be decoupled. Multiple peer-reviewed case reports describe melanoma developing during or shortly after MT-II use, often in young patients. The UK MHRA, Australian TGA, and FDA have all issued explicit consumer warnings against unlicensed tanning-injection products containing melanotan.
— SavePeptides editorial desk · last updated 2026-05-25
Cautions & contraindications
Research foundation
Facts verified
2026-05-25
Confidence
medium
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