Important: Melanotan II is not approved for human use; regulators have warned of safety risks including nausea, cardiovascular effects, and changes in moles/melanoma concern.
Overview
Important: Melanotan II (MT2) has not received regulatory approval from the FDA, EMA, or any other major regulatory body for any indication. It is not approved for tanning, sexual function, weight loss, or any other use. It is a research compound only. Melanotan II (MT2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s. Unlike MT1 (afamelanotide/Scenesse®, which is EU-approved for the rare condition erythropoietic protoporphyria), MT2 has no regulatory approval. Its broader receptor profile (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) produces multiple simultaneous effects that cannot be easily separated, and its safety profile in humans is not established through controlled clinical trials. Researchers should approach MT2 with awareness of its unapproved status and the significant difference between it and th
Mechanism of Action
MT2 exerts its primary effects through agonism at multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes. At MC1R on melanocytes, it stimulates the cAMP/PKA/MITF pathway to increase eumelanin production, similar to MT1. At MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system — particularly in the hypothalamus — MT2 modulates appetite, energy homeostasis, and sexual function through pathways involving the melanocortin system's interaction with neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) signaling. The MC4R-mediated effects are of particular research interest: MC4R activation in the hypothalamus reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure, and has been extensively studied in the context of obesit
Research Evidence
- Activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R — broader receptor profile than MT1
- MC4R agonism in hypothalamus modulates appetite and energy homeostasis
- Stimulates melanogenesis via MC1R/cAMP/MITF pathway without UV requirement
- Pro-erectile signaling through MC4R/nitric oxide pathways studied in rodent models
- Cyclic structure confers enhanced metabolic stability vs. linear α-MSH analogs
Bottom line: MT2 has a more complex and less clinically validated profile than MT1. Unlike MT1, it has not received regulatory approval for any indication. Its broader receptor activity means researchers need to account for a wider range of potential effects. It is supplied strictly for qualified laboratory research use only.
Research Protocols & Dosage
Evidence-based research protocols, administration routes, and dosage considerations for MT2 are detailed in the full compound profile. See also: Dosage guide for MT2.
Sourcing & Quality
MT2 is available from Purgo Labs with third-party COA verification and research-grade purity standards. View MT2 at Purgo Labs.