Melanotan II
Prompts the skin cells to produce more pigment (melanin) — the skin darkens, even with little sun.
What it does in the body
Findings, each with its evidence level — animal data kept visibly apart from what's unproven in humans.
Prompts the skin cells to produce more pigment (melanin) — the skin darkens, even with little sun.
PROVEN IN HUMANSActs on sexual desire in the brain; early studies showed such effects (later developed further as PT-141).
PROVEN IN HUMANSNot approved as a drug anywhere; dermatologists report melanoma cases and sometimes strong blood-pressure spikes.
UNPROVEN IN HUMANSMechanism of action
What Melanotan II does in the body — step by step.
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.
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
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.
What is Melanotan II used for?+
In research, Melanotan II has primarily been investigated in the context of: Libido, Skin & hair. These are research findings (evidence: preclinical), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
Is Melanotan II legal in Germany?+
Melanotan II is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.
Is Melanotan II FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
No. Melanotan II is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.
Is Melanotan II legal in Canada?+
No. Melanotan II is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.
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.
What is the dosage of Melanotan II?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for Melanotan II; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.
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.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
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.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.