Structure · schematic
Peptide chain of 7 amino acids · Melanocortin
Sequence
Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid.
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R).
- Activation of MC1R in melanocytes stimulates melanin synthesis, leading to increased skin pigmentation.
- MC4R activation in the hypothalamus is associated with effects on sexual desire and erectile mechanisms.
- Unlike PT-141 (bremelanotide, a metabolite), Melanotan II has broader receptor selectivity and an additional N-terminal acetylation, resulting in a different side-effect profile.
Research status
- Melanotan II was originally investigated at the University of Arizona in the context of melanoma prevention and erectile dysfunction.
- Early clinical Phase I/II studies documented pigmentation effects and pro-erectile actions.
- Clinical development was not continued; instead, PT-141 was developed as a more selective and better tolerated successor.
- Since the early 2000s, MT-2 has circulated as an unapproved substance on grey and black markets.
- Systematic current safety data on commercial preparations are lacking; reports of increased melanoma under MT-2 use are described in the dermatological literature.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Melanoma risk: repeatedly described cases of activation of pre-existing naevi and melanoma development under MT-2 use in the dermatological literature
- 02Hypertension: frequent and sometimes pronounced increases in blood pressure
- 03Nausea, vomiting, flushing (frequent)
- 04Unwanted spontaneous erections (reported from clinical studies)
- 05Irreversible hyperpigmentation possible
- 06Product quality cannot be verified from illegal sources — contaminants and incorrect dosages documented
- 07BfArM and MHRA have issued explicit safety warnings
Frequently asked questions
What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R).
What type of peptide is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II belongs to the Melanocortin class.
Is Melanotan II legal in Germany?
Melanotan II is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.
Where can I buy Melanotan II?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Melanotan II is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Melanotan II banned in sport (WADA)?
Yes. Melanotan II is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.
What are the known risks of Melanotan II?
Documented risks include: Melanoma risk: repeatedly described cases of activation of pre-existing naevi and melanoma development under MT-2 use in the dermatological literature; Hypertension: frequent and sometimes pronounced increases in blood pressure. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Melanotan II?
The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of Melanotan II?
Melanotan II has a molar mass of about 1024.2 Da.
Which peptides are related to Melanotan II?
Closely related entries: PT-141. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
not approvedAustria
not approvedSwitzerland
not approvedEU
not approvedUSA
not approvedCanada
not approvedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 92432
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 1 May 2026
Legal assessment
Melanotan II is on the WADA Prohibited List (S4: hormones and metabolic modulators). It is not approved as a medicine in the EU, Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Several European authorities (MHRA in the UK, BfArM in Germany) have issued explicit warnings about MT-2, highlighting considerable safety risks. Possession and import are problematic in Germany under the AMG; for athletes, the ADBG additionally applies. The EU Commission has added MT-2 to warning lists for dangerous substances.
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
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