Community protocol
Third-partyMelanotan 2 Injectable 10mg
- 01Reconstitution solution
- 2 mL
- 02Dose
- 0.25 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 5 units
- 04Frequency
- 7x/week
- 05Cycle length
- 90 days
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- 2 mL
- 07Bottle size
- 10 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- 3
Melanotan II
A non-selective melanocortin agonist studied in small early-phase trials for tanning and erectile function. Never approved. Multiple published case reports of adverse events from unregulated use.
Overview
Melanotan II activates the family of melanocortin receptors, most visibly the one that controls pigment production in skin cells. Activating it causes melanin production and darkening of the skin without ultraviolet exposure. Because it is non-selective, it also hits receptors involved in appetite and sexual arousal, producing several effects at once. Its non-selectivity is both the reason it works and the reason a more selective compound, PT-141, was developed from it.
Melanotan II is a cyclic lactam heptapeptide analogue of alpha-MSH: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. The lactam bridge constrains the pharmacophore into a bioactive beta-turn conformation, conferring both metabolic stability and roughly 1000-fold greater potency than native alpha-MSH. It is a non-selective agonist at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. MC1R agonism on epidermal melanocytes raises cAMP, activating MITF-driven transcription of tyrosinase and TRP-1 and shifting synthesis toward eumelanin. MC4R agonism in the hypothalamus produces both the anorectic effect and the pro-erectile effect, the latter forming the basis for the development of its metabolite bremelanotide. MC3R and MC5R activity contributes to the observed effects on sebaceous secretion and energy homeostasis.
Research areas
DermatologySexual functionAppetite regulation
Community-specified data
Community dosage information
Community protocol
Third-partyMelanotan 2 Nasal Spray
- 01Reconstitution solution
- Not specified
- 02Dose
- 0.4 mg
- 03Syringe units
- 3 units
- 04Frequency
- 3x/week
- 05Cycle length
- Not specified
- 06Bacteriostatic water
- Not specified
- 07Bottle size
- 20 mg
- 08Bottles needed
- Not specified
Source note: 3 sprays per dose. No reconstitution needed.
Not medical guidance. These third-party figures have not been independently verified, clinically reviewed, or endorsed by DB Peptide. They may be inaccurate or unsafe and should not replace product labelling or advice from a qualified clinician.
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 0.025 mg/kg subcutaneously in early tanning-response studiesSmall phase 1 study. Nausea was dose-limiting at higher exposures. | Dorr et al., Life Sciences 1996 |
| 0.025 mg/kg subcutaneous single dose in erectile function crossover studiesSmall crossover design, not an efficacy trial. | Wessells et al., Journal of Urology 2000 |
Trial status
Small phase 1 and phase 2 studies conducted in the 1990s and 2000s. Development discontinued in favour of the more selective metabolite bremelanotide.
Phase 1
CompletedSmall studies in healthy male volunteers established dose-dependent tanning response and identified nausea and flushing as dose-limiting.
Phase 2 — erectile dysfunction
CompletedSmall crossover studies reported erectile responses independent of visual sexual stimulation, which motivated development of bremelanotide.
Phase 3
NoneNo phase 3 programme was conducted. Development shifted to the selective metabolite.
Reported safety signals
- Published case reports document new and changing melanocytic naevi, eruptive dysplastic naevi, and at least one case series linking use to melanoma diagnosis. Causality is not established but the reports are consistent.
- Rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome have each been reported in individual case reports following unregulated use.
- Nausea, facial flushing and spontaneous erections are the most commonly reported acute effects.
- Material sold online is unregulated, with documented variation in purity and content.
Common questions
Why is Melanotan II graded D?
Grade D means the human evidence is limited to small early-phase or uncontrolled studies, and the published safety record includes credible signals of harm. Melanotan II never progressed past small phase 2 work, and its case-report literature includes melanoma, rhabdomyolysis and renal infarction.
Primary sources
- 01
Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study
- 02
Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with melanotan II
- 03
Melanotan-associated melanoma: a case series and review
- 04
Systemic side effects of melanotan injections: a review of the published cases
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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