Melanotan 2
Also known as: MT-2 · Melanotan II · MT2
Melanotan 2 is a potent non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation in melanocytes stimulates melanogenesis - production of eumelanin (brown/black pigment) causing skin darkening without UV exposure. MC3R and MC4R activation in the...
What It Is
Melanotan 2 is a potent non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation in melanocytes stimulates melanogenesis - production of eumelanin (brown/black pigment) causing skin darkening without UV exposure. MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus stimulates sexual arousal pathways (same mechanism as PT-141, which is derived from MT-2 by removing the amide). MC4R activation also reduces appetite and may improve metabolic parameters. The cyclic structure confers resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Supplies Needed
Reconstitution solvent
Subcutaneous injection
Sterilization
Managing nausea during loading phase
Storage
Store at -20C for up to 2 years. Protect from light (UV degrades melanocortin peptides).
Refrigerate at 2-8C in dark vial or covered; use within 30 days.
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.
Dosing Protocols
Timing: Evening to minimize nausea side effects. Start extremely low (250 mcg) to assess nausea; use UV exposure during loading to maximize melanogenesis
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Evening with food to reduce nausea. Classic loading/maintenance protocol; use low-level UV exposure during loading phase for optimal tan
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Evening. Higher doses for darker skin tone target; nausea management essential at these doses
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorWeekly Timeline
| Week | Expected Effects |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Loading phase: early skin darkening with UV exposure; spontaneous erections in men; nausea peaks then subsides |
| Week 2 | Significant tanning progress; reduced nausea as tolerance develops; sustained libido enhancement |
| Week 4 | Deep tan achieved with loading + UV exposure; appetite reduction; maintenance phase begins |
| Week 8 | Sustained tan with weekly maintenance; continued libido enhancement; body composition improvements from appetite reduction |
Reconstitution Calculator
1 unit on U-100 syringe = 0.01 mL · Always label your vial after reconstitution
Injection Technique & Reconstitution
- Remove flip-top cap from the vial
- Swab rubber stopper with alcohol swab
- Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water into syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall
- Gently swirl until dissolved - solution should be clear to slightly yellow
- Label with reconstitution date; refrigerate at 2-8C
- Store away from light as peptide can degrade with UV exposure
Use our free reconstitution calculator to get the exact syringe units for your vial size and dose.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan 2 is a potent non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MC1R activation in melanocytes stimulates melanogenesis - production of eumelanin (brown/black pigment) causing skin darkening without UV exposure. MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus stimulates sexual arousal pathways (same mechanism as PT-141, which is derived from MT-2 by removing the amide). MC4R activation also reduces appetite and may improve metabolic parameters. The cyclic structure confers resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Key Research Papers
Initial human clinical study demonstrating dose-dependent tanning and sexual arousal effects with subcutaneous Melanotan II in human volunteers.
View on PubMed →Stacks Well With
PT-141 is derived from MT-2 - if tanning is not desired but sexual function is, PT-141 is the more targeted option. MT-2 provides both effects simultaneously.
MT-2 suppresses appetite via MC4R while AOD-9604 directly promotes lipolysis via beta-adrenergic receptors - complementary fat loss mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melanotan 2 is used for sunless tanning (stimulates melanin production via MC1R) and sexual function enhancement (stimulates arousal via MC3R/MC4R). It also suppresses appetite and may have fat loss effects.
With UV exposure during loading, the tan can last several months with maintenance doses (1-2x per week). Without any UV exposure, the tan fades more quickly. Maintenance dosing extends the duration significantly.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is derived from Melanotan 2. PT-141 is Melanotan 2 without the C-terminal amide - this modification reduces tanning effects while maintaining sexual function effects. PT-141 is FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for HSDD.
Legal Status by Region
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.