Melanotan II (MT-II)

Synthetic Melanocortin Peptide | Tanning & Sexual Function

Half-life: ~2 hours
4 studies
2006 latest
2 recent
Well Studied
Dose Loading: Start 0.25mg daily, increase to 0.5-1mg; Maintenance: 0.5-1mg 2-3x weekly
Frequency Loading phase: Daily for first week, then tanning maintenance 2-3x weekly or as needed for sexual enhancement
Cycle 4-8 weeks loading phase for tanning, then ongoing maintenance as needed
Storage Refrigerate at 2-8°C wrapped in aluminum foil (light-sensitive); use reconstituted solution within 4 weeks
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Community Research

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Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that activates melanocortin receptors throughout the body. MC1R activation triggers melanin production for tanning, while MC4R affects sexual arousal and appetite control.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to melanocortin receptors (MC1R for tanning, MC4R for sexual function and appetite) to stimulate melanin production, enhance libido, and suppress appetite through hypothalamic pathways.

01 Rapid tanning without UV exposure
02 Enhanced sexual function and libido
03 Appetite suppression
04 Improved mood via melanocortin activation
05 Photoprotection through increased melanin

Molecular Data

Type
Synthetic alpha-MSH analog
Peak 0.0 mcg
Trough 0.0 mcg
SS Peak 0.0 mcg
SS Trough 0.0 mcg

Research Indications

Skin Health
UV-Free Tanning most effective

Stimulates natural melanin production for tanning without requiring UV exposure.

Photoprotection effective

Increased melanin provides natural SPF protection against sun damage.

Even Pigmentation effective

May help address certain pigmentation disorders.

Sexual Health
Enhanced Libido effective

Improves sexual desire in both men and women through MC4R activation.

Erectile Function effective

80% response rate in psychogenic erectile dysfunction studies.

Female Sexual Arousal effective

73% of women reported arousal within 24 hours in clinical trials.

Metabolic
Appetite Suppression moderate

MC4R activation in hypothalamus reduces appetite (15% caloric intake reduction in studies).

Fat Loss Support moderate

Enhanced fat oxidation through metabolic pathway activation.

Dosing Protocols

Subcutaneous injection is the standard and most effective route. Start with low doses to assess tolerance due to nausea risk.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Initial loading phase0.25mg1x dailySubQ
Tanning maintenance0.5-1mg2-3x weeklySubQ
Sexual enhancement0.5-1mgAs neededSubQ
Minimal side effects0.1-0.25mgEvery other daySubQ
Photoprotection0.5mg2x weeklySubQ

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • Melanotan II lyophilized powder (typically 10mg vial)
  • Bacteriostatic water (2mL for 5mg/mL concentration)
  • Insulin syringes
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Aluminum foil (light protection)
  1. 1 Clean vial tops with alcohol swab, let dry
  2. 2 Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water for 10mg vial (creates 5mg/mL)
  3. 3 Inject water slowly down vial side to avoid foaming
  4. 4 Gently roll vial - do not shake vigorously
  5. 5 Solution should be clear to slightly yellow
  6. 6 Wrap vial in foil (MT-II is light sensitive)
  7. 7 Store in refrigerator
  8. 8 Draw dose with insulin syringe (typical: 0.05-0.2mL)

Protocol Variations

Multiple approaches exist - compare before choosing

Different sources recommend different protocols for this peptide. Review each approach and consider your goals, tolerance, and experience level before choosing.

Traditional Loading Protocol

Traditional

Source: Legacy Bodybuilding Forums

"Aggressive daily loading to build melanin quickly"

A decade-old protocol involving daily injections at higher doses for 1-2 weeks before maintenance. This approach is associated with more side effects including nausea and increased freckling/mole development. Dosing on non-tanning days can lead to uneven pigmentation.

Key Points

  • Higher starting doses (250-500mcg)
  • Daily dosing regardless of tanning
  • 1-2 week loading period before UV exposure
  • Higher risk of nausea, freckling, and new moles
  • Can cause uneven tanning when UV begins

Dosing Schedule

Loading
250-500mcg · Daily
Maintenance
500mcg-1mg · 2-3x weekly

Pre-Tan Only Protocol

Alternative

Source: More Plates More Dates

"ONLY dose on tanning days - loading phase is unnecessary"

NEVER administer on non-tanning days. Always tan within 1 hour of injection. Start extremely low (50-75mcg) and increase by 25mcg every 3 sessions. This dramatically reduces freckling, uneven pigmentation, and side effects. The traditional loading phase is considered counterproductive - it builds melanin in areas with high melanocyte activity (freckles, moles, genitals) rather than where UV protection is needed.

Key Points

  • Start at only 50-75mcg (much lower)
  • ONLY inject on days you tan - never otherwise
  • Must tan within 1 hour of injection
  • Increase dose by 25mcg every 3 sessions
  • Also increase tan time by 1 min per 3 sessions
  • Takes weeks/months to reach higher doses
  • Minimal freckling and side effects
  • More economical and sustainable long-term

Dosing Schedule

Start
50-75mcg · Tanning days only (EOD or less)
Titration
+25mcg every 3 sessions · Tanning days only
Peak
Up to 500mcg · Pre-tan only
Maintenance
250mcg · Once weekly + some UV

Interactions

~
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Both act on melanocortin receptors; combining may cause excessive side effects.
monitor
!
Alpha-MSH
Redundant mechanism increases side effect risk.
avoid
~
Cialis/Viagra
May enhance sexual effects; monitor cardiovascular impact.
monitor
~
Blood Pressure Medications
MT-II can affect blood pressure.
monitor
+
BPC-157
No known interactions.
compatible
+
Growth Hormone Peptides
Different pathways; no interactions.
compatible
~
Appetite Suppressants
MT-II has appetite-suppressing effects; additive effects possible.
monitor

What to Expect

Day 1-3
Possible nausea, flushing, fatigue
Day 3-7
Increased spontaneous erections (men), enhanced arousal
Week 1-2
Noticeable skin darkening, reduced appetite
Week 2-4
Significant tanning, stabilized sexual effects
Week 4+
Maintained tan with less frequent dosing

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (pre-treatment with antiemetics recommended)
  • Facial flushing
  • Temporary blood pressure elevation
  • Fatigue
  • Spontaneous erections

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Severe persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Chest pain or significant blood pressure elevation
  • Mole changes (size, shape, color) - monitor closely
  • Prolonged painful erections (priapism)
  • Severe headaches or vision changes
  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)

Contraindications

  • History of melanoma or dysplastic nevi
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Uncontrolled hypertension

Quality Checklist

Good Signs

  • White to off-white lyophilized powder
  • Clear to pale yellow solution when reconstituted
  • Vacuum sealed vial with audible 'pop' when opening

Warning Signs

  • Protect from light exposure - MT-II is photosensitive
  • Wrap vials in foil for storage

Bad Signs

  • Brown or dark powder indicates oxidation/impurities
  • Cloudy solution after mixing indicates degradation/contamination

References

  • Melanocortin Receptor Agonists, Penile Erection, and Sexual Motivation: Human Studies with Melanotan II
    Wessells H, Levine N, Hadley ME, Dorr RT, Hruby VJ
    International Journal of Impotence Research (2000)

    20 men with psychogenic/organic ED; 0.025mg/kg dose. Melanotan II induced penile erection in 17/20 men without sexual stimulation. Increased sexual desire in 68% vs 19% placebo (P<0.01).

  • Increased Eumelanin Expression and Tanning Is Induced by a Superpotent Melanotropin [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH in Humans
    Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, et al.
    Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2000)

    Seven volunteers received 0.16mg/kg/day subcutaneous injections for 10 days. Mean 49% increase in forehead eumelanin and 98% increase in forearm eumelanin one week post-treatment.

  • Discovery that a Melanocortin Regulates Sexual Functions in Male and Female Humans
    Hadley ME, Dorr RT
    Peptides (2006)

    Melanotan II enhances sexual function in both males and females by working at the brain level, triggering a natural sexual response via melanocortin receptor activation.

  • Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a Superpotent Cyclic Melanotropic Peptide in a Pilot Phase-I Clinical Study
    Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, Brooks C, et al.
    Life Sciences (1996)

    Phase I study in 3 normal male volunteers. Daily subcutaneous injections for 2 weeks produced visible skin darkening in the face, upper body, and buttock after only 5 low doses.

Related Peptides

BPC-157 compatible

No known interactions.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.