Melanotan II
CosmeticUnapproved melanocortin agonistExperimental
Cyclic ฮฑ-MSH analog used illicitly for tanning and libido. Not FDA-approved. FDA and EMA have warned against its use. WADA S0 as a non-approved substance.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- 121062-08-6
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 1024.2 g/mol
- Half-life
- ~36 hours
- Unit
- mcg
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
- Frequency
- Daily during loading, then 2โ3ร weekly
- Last updated
- 8/23/2026
- Targets
- MC1RMC4RMC3R
Overview
Cyclic ฮฑ-MSH analog used illicitly for tanning and libido. Not FDA-approved. FDA and EMA have warned against its use. WADA S0 as a non-approved substance.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- 250โ500 mcg per injection
- Frequency
- Daily during loading, then 2โ3ร weekly
- Cycle
- 2โ4 weeks loading / maintenance as needed
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous
- Reconstitution Guide
- Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Nonselective melanocortin agonist (MC1/MC3/MC4) causing melanogenesis plus sexual-arousal and appetite effects. Parent of bremelanotide (PT-141).
Targets
MC1RMC4RMC3R
Studies
- Melanotan II human tanning studyโ Journal/year not available
Benefits
Historical melanocortin research
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Spontaneous erections
- New moles
- Hypertension
References
- PMID 8636408External link ยท Year โ
- WADA Prohibited List 2026External link ยท Year โ