MT-2 (Melanotan 2 Acetate)
Also known as Melanotan II, MT-II
A cyclic, lactam-bridged analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that activates several melanocortin receptors. It was studied in small human trials for skin pigmentation and erectile function but has never been approved.
Clinical-stage research
Size
1 option- Catalog no.
- ML10
- Specification
- 10mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Melanotan II was developed at the University of Arizona as a superpotent cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH, Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Small pilot studies reported skin darkening and spontaneous erections, findings that led to the related compound bremelanotide. Melanotan II itself has not been approved by any regulator. Unlicensed products have been sold online for tanning, and case reports have described melanoma, rhabdomyolysis, priapism, and renal infarction in people using them, although causality has not been established.
Class: Cyclic α-MSH analogue (nonselective melanocortin agonist)
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Acts as an agonist at multiple melanocortin receptors, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, which accounts for its broad range of effects.
MC1R activation on melanocytes stimulates melanogenesis; a pilot study reported increased pigmentation of the face, upper body, and buttocks (Dorr 1996).
Central melanocortin receptor activation is linked to the erectile responses, yawning and stretching, and reduced appetite reported in early human studies.
Because it lacks receptor selectivity, specific effects are hard to attribute; rodent studies have examined food intake, insulin sensitivity, and thermoregulation.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
1996
Phase 1 pilot study
PMID 8637402Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study.
Dorr RT, et al. · Life Sci
In three healthy men in a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, Melanotan II increased skin pigmentation and was associated with spontaneous erections; mild nausea and, at the highest level tested, somnolence and fatigue were reported.
1998
Double-blind crossover study
PMID 9679884Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study.
Wessells H, et al. · J Urol
In 10 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, 8 developed clinically apparent erections with Melanotan II; mean duration of tip rigidity above 80% was 38 minutes versus 3 minutes with placebo.
2014
Case report
PMID 24355990Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II.
Hjuler KF, Lorentzen HF. · Dermatology
Describes cutaneous melanoma in a 20-year-old woman who had used unlicensed Melanotan II alongside sunbed tanning. The authors note that the adverse-effect profile of unlicensed Melanotan II is unknown.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
Melanotan II is not approved anywhere, and human data are limited to small pilot studies. Case reports link unregulated use to eruptive and atypical nevi, changes in existing moles, melanoma, rhabdomyolysis, priapism, and renal infarction; causality is unproven, but several national health agencies have issued warnings. An analysis of products sold online found lower-than-labeled content and unidentified impurities.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ML10 | MT-2 (Melanotan 2 Acetate) | 10mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.