Human study[5]
A case report described melanoma after Melanotan II use combined with sunbed exposure.
Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) · 2014
PubMed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Loading peptide…
Skin & Hair
MT-2
Tan and libido
A melanocortin peptide used to deepen tanning response, with a known libido effect.
- Even tan
- Less sun exposure
- Libido boost
1
- 503B compounded
- Provider reviewed
- Ships cold
Ships as a freeze-dried powder. Need water to mix it? Add Reconstitution Solution.
The science
Melanotan II is a superpotent cyclic analog of α-MSH that activates the melanocortin receptors behind skin pigmentation and sexual arousal. In early human studies it increased pigmentation and, in a placebo-controlled crossover, produced erections in 17 of 20 men.
Evidence level
3/5
Controlled human trials
Small placebo-controlled human studies show clear activity; serious adverse-event reports make medical supervision essential. Not FDA-approved.
- men with an erectile response in a placebo-controlled crossover
17 of 202
men with an erectile response in a placebo-controlled crossover
- of doses followed by increased desire, Melanotan II versus placebo
68% vs 19%2
of doses followed by increased desire, Melanotan II versus placebo
- mean time at more than 80% rigidity, measured by Rigiscan
41 min2
mean time at more than 80% rigidity, measured by Rigiscan
Mechanism of action
MT-2
mechanism, step by step.
Targets & pathways
- Melanocortin receptors
- MC1R pigmentation
- MC3R / MC4R
- Melanogenesis
- Central sexual-response pathways
- 01
- 02
Stimulates melanin production
Acting on melanocytes, it drives melanogenesis, producing increased pigmentation in the first human pilot1.
- 03
Acts on central arousal circuits
Through central melanocortin pathways, it triggered erections without sexual stimulation and increased reported desire in men with erectile dysfunction2.
- 04
What the research shows
The evidence, in plain English.
Visible pigmentation1
The first human pilot of Melanotan II documented increased skin pigmentation in healthy volunteers.
Erectile response2
In a placebo-controlled crossover, Melanotan II produced erections in 17 of 20 men with erectile dysfunction, without sexual stimulation.
Increased desire2
Men reported increased sexual desire after 68% of Melanotan II doses versus 19% of placebo doses.
Key sources
All 7 references →Human study[3]
A confirmed-exposure case report described systemic toxicity, rhabdomyolysis and renal dysfunction.
Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) · 2012
PubMed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Human study[4]
A clinical report described melanoma occurring in association with melanotan use.
Melanotan-associated melanoma.
The British journal of dermatology · 2011
PubMed ↗ (opens in a new tab)Questions
MT-2, answered.
MT-2 or PT-141?
PT-141 is bremelanotide, with an FDA-approved branded indication for a specific group of premenopausal women. Melanotan II has no such approval.
Does a darker tan replace sunscreen?
No. The cited studies do not establish protection from ultraviolet injury or skin cancer.
Does it cause melanoma?
Cases report an association, often with ultraviolet exposure. They do not establish causality or the magnitude of risk, but they justify taking skin changes seriously.
Why monitor moles?
Melanocortin stimulation can change pigmentation, and suspicious changes need assessment rather than attribution to the drug alone.
Are nasal products automatically safer?
No. Changing delivery does not establish purity, exposure, efficacy or safety.
