Melanotan II
Also known as: Bremelanotide precursor analog, Melanotan 2, MT-2, MT-II, MT2, PT-14
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Summary
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH; primarily researched for tanning and sexual dysfunction, but never approved for medical use; widely distributed as unregulated research chemical and cosmetic tanning agent
Mechanism of Action
Non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R); stimulates melanogenesis and has aphrodisiac effects via CNS melanocortin pathways
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Appetite suppressionMetabolicLow
- photoprotectionDermatologicalLow
- sunless tanningCosmeticModerate
- sexual arousal/erectile functionSexual HealthModerate
Contraindications
- malignant melanoma historyOncologicalHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- cardiovascular diseaseCardiovascularHigh
- Uncontrolled hypertensionCardiovascularModerate
Adverse Effects
- Facial flushingCardiovascular/DermatologicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- darkening of existing moles/frecklesDermatologicalCommon
- yawning/stretchingNeurologicalUncommon
- spontaneous erections/sexual arousalGenitourinaryCommon
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
Drug Interactions
- PDE5 inhibitorsModerate
- AntihypertensivesModerateMay potentiate hypotensive effects in some contexts
- ImmunosuppressantsLowPotential interaction with immune pathways or infection risk
Population Constraints
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- pregnancy/lactationReproductiveAbsolute
- Pediatric useAgeAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot authorized by EMA; national regulators have issued warnings; prohibited in cosmetic products in some member states
- United StatesUnapprovedFDA has issued warning letters and seized products; not approved for any indication; considered unapproved new drug when marketed for human use
- United KingdomUnapprovedMHRA warnings issued; not licensed as medicine; sale for human consumption prohibited under medicines regulations
Not approved by FDA, EMA, or other major regulatory bodies; seized by FDA in enforcement actions; banned for human use in several jurisdictions; unregulated distribution poses significant safety concerns
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melanotan II?
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH; primarily researched for tanning and sexual dysfunction, but never approved for medical use; widely distributed as unregulated research chemical and cosmetic tanning agent
What is Melanotan II used for?
Melanotan II is educationally associated with: Appetite suppression, photoprotection, sunless tanning, sexual arousal/erectile function. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Melanotan II administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Melanotan II?
Reported adverse effects include: Facial flushing, Injection site reactions, darkening of existing moles/freckles, yawning/stretching, spontaneous erections/sexual arousal, Nausea. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Melanotan II?
Recorded contraindications: malignant melanoma history, Pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, Uncontrolled hypertension. Consult a qualified clinician before use.