Melanotan II

Binds to melanocortin receptors in the brain to regulate appetite and burning more calories.

Active ingredient:

7 amino acids

Molecular formula:

C50H69N15O9

Molecular weight:

1024.2 g/mol

Intake:

Injection

Melanotan II

Active ingredient:

7 amino acids

Molecular formula:

C50H69N15O9

Molecular weight:

1024.2 g/mol

Intake:

Injection

What is

Melanotan II

Melanotan 2 (MT2) is a synthetic peptide that acts as a potent agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R) in the body. The main function of MT2 is to stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, leading to a tanning effect. This makes it a popular sunless tanning agent and has led to its investigation as a potential treatment for skin conditions such as vitiligo.

However, MT2 has other potential therapeutic applications. It has been studied for its potential to suppress appetite and induce weight loss, potentially through its effects on the MC4R receptor in the hypothalamus. MT2 has also been investigated as a treatment for sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Research has also suggested that MT2 may have neuroprotective effects in certain animal models, potentially through its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. MT2 has been shown to reduce brain damage and improve functional recovery in animal models of stroke. Despite its potential therapeutic uses, MT2 is not approved for medical use by the FDA and is classified as an unapproved drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Its use is associated with certain risks and potential side effects, including nausea, flushing, increased blood pressure, and moles or freckles appearing or becoming darker. As with any peptide or drug, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using MT2.

Overall, MT2 is an important synthetic peptide with a variety of potential therapeutic applications. Its ability to stimulate skin pigmentation has made it a popular sunless tanning agent, while its potential to suppress appetite, treat sexual dysfunction, and protect against brain damage make it a promising area of research for future drug development.

Benefits

  • Possible increase libido
  • No sunburn, no tan lines
  • Possible reduction in body fat
  • Darker tan with less exposure to UV radiation
  • No sunless tanning streaks or fake tan removal
  • Possible reduction in the risk of Melanoma (skin cancer)
  • Possible reduction in the incidence of sun-damaged skin
  • Tanning without sunburn, even for fair-skinned individuals

Protocols

Provided as a 10mg lyophilized vial

  • Initiation: Melanotan II therapy is initiated to promote skin tanning and enhance melanin production while monitoring for any adverse reactions.
  • Initial Dose: Begin with 150 mcg (0.03 ml or 3 units) subcutaneously once daily for 7-14 days.
  • Titration: If well tolerated, increase the dose to 500 mcg (0.1 ml or 10 units) subcutaneously twice weekly (2 times per week) after the initial 7-14 day period.
  • Maintenance: Continue with the increased dose of 500 mcg (0.1 ml or 10 units) subcutaneously twice weekly for ongoing support in skin tanning and melanin production.
  • Duration: Melanotan II is administered as follows:
  • Days 1-7/14: 150 mcg (0.03 ml or 3 units) of Melanotan II once daily
  • Day 15 and onwards: 500 mcg (0.1 ml or 10 units) of Melanotan II twice weekly

*The dosage of Melanotan II may be adjusted based on the individual’s response, medical history, and specific treatment goals.

  • Known hypersensitivity to Melanotan II or any component of the formulation.
  • Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.
  • Caution in patients with a history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

  • Regular monitoring of skin response and pigmentation to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Periodic skin examinations to check for any adverse effects or unusual skin changes.

Procedure

Reconstitution

  • Draw 2 ml of sterile water into a syringe.
  • Inject the sterile water into a vial containing 10 mg of Melanotan II peptide.
  • Gently swirl the vial until the peptide is fully dissolved.

  • Remove the cap from a tuberculin syringe.
  • Draw the reconstituted Melanotan II solution into the syringe to the required dosage (0.03 ml or 3 units initially, 0.1 ml or 10 units after titration).
  • Clean the selected injection site with an alcohol swab.
  • Pinch the sanitized skin and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
  • Administer the injection subcutaneously.

  • Store the remaining Melanotan II solution in the refrigerator at 2-8°C.
  • Before the next use, clean the vial top with an alcohol swab.
  • Use a new syringe for each administration.
  • Ensure to rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to minimize skin irritation.

Clinical Research

Study:

Melanotan II for Weight Loss and Skin Tanning

Source:

PLOS ONE, Peptide Pros, DermNet, Peptides Institute

Results:

Melanotan II, a synthetic analog of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), has been extensively studied for its ability to promote skin tanning and its potential effects on weight loss and sexual function.

Melanotan II has shown efficacy in increasing melanin production, which leads to skin darkening (tanning) without the need for UV exposure. In clinical trials, participants receiving Melanotan II reported significant increases in skin pigmentation with doses administered every other day. These effects were achieved at lower cumulative doses compared to other tanning agents, but were associated with side effects such as nausea and facial flushing​.

Research indicates that Melanotan II can potentially aid in weight loss by reducing appetite. Studies involving animal models and human subjects have demonstrated that Melanotan II can decrease food intake and promote fat loss. The peptide’s action on the melanocortin receptors, particularly MC3 and MC4, is believed to influence appetite regulation and energy homeostasis.

PLOS ONE, 2023, Peptide Pros, 2023, DermNet, 2023, Peptides Institute, 2023

Read More: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179538, https://www.peptidepros.net, https://www.dermnetnz.org, https://www.peptides.org

Articles

Understanding the Science of Appetite Suppression with Melanotan II

Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was developed in the 1980s at the University of Arizona, with the initial goal of creating a tanning agent that could protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.

Use of melanotan I and II in the general population

In 2002 the media reported that the demand for synthetic melanocortin analogues melanotan I and melanotan II (melanotans) was likely to increase in the general population.This was mainly because of their ability to tan the skin, and—in the case of melanotan II—induce penile erections and increase sexual desire. In 2008, several workers at needle and […]

Doctor's Reviews

Tanning injection Melanotan II: Dr Patrick Bowler, dermatologist

The perfect tan in a bottle, but at what cost? The increasingly popular self-injecting “Barbie doll drug”

Melanotan II Tanning Peptide – Injectable Sunless Tan Agent | EVOLVE BHRT

Melanotan II is used as a sunless tanning agent, offering the ability to get a tan without worrying about exposing yourself unnecessarily to those harmful, cancer-causing UV rays.