Melanotan 2 Research Information
Synthetic ฮฑ-MSH Analog
For Pigmentation & Melanocortin Research
โ ๏ธ Important: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before use.
๐ Contents
๐ฌ What is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic 7-amino acid peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (ฮฑ-MSH) that acts as a potent melanocortin receptor agonist. It is a cyclic peptide (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) with enhanced potency and stability compared to natural ฮฑ-MSH.
Melanotan 2 is available in pen and freeze-dried vial formulations for research purposes.
โก How Melanotan 2 Works
Melanotan 2 works through targeted mechanisms to stimulate melanin production and other melanocortin effects:
MC1R Agonist
Binds to MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating melanogenesis and pigmentation
MC4R Agonist
Binds to MC4R, influencing appetite and energy homeostasis
Eumelanin Production
Stimulates production of photoprotective eumelanin in the skin
Melanotan 2 is a more potent and longer-lasting analog of ฮฑ-MSH compared to Melanotan 1, with additional effects on appetite regulation through MC4R receptor binding.
๐ Research Applications
Pigmentation Research
Studying melanogenesis, skin pigmentation, and photoprotection
Metabolic Research
Investigating appetite regulation and energy balance via MC4R
Erectile Function
Researching melanocortin signaling and erectile function via MC3R/MC4R
Photoprotection
Researching UV protection and skin DNA damage prevention
๐ Clinical Studies
Pigmentation & Photoprotection
- In a Phase 1 trial, Melanotan 2 induced tanning of the skin with just a fraction of the UV exposure normally required
- Subcutaneous doses of 0.025-0.16 mg/kg were administered to healthy volunteers
- Significant tanning was observed in all participants
Erectile Function Research
- In a Phase 2 clinical trial (2012), subcutaneously administered Melanotan 2 was shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men
- Melanotan 2 binds to MC3R and MC4R receptors in the brain, which are involved in sexual arousal pathways
Key Research Findings
- Melanotan 2 has been studied for photoprotection in patients with skin cancer risk
- Potential applications in treating sun-induced skin damage and photodermatoses
- Appetite suppression properties via MC4R activation have been investigated in metabolic research
๐ Interactive Dosing Guide
Select your vial size and dose to see the corresponding volume, clicks, dosing frequency, and how many doses per vial:
๐๏ธ Step 1: Select Your Vial Size
๐ Step 2: Select Your Dose
Common protocol: Starting dose 0.05-0.1 mg/day, maintenance 0.05 mg 2-3x/week
Vial Size
10mg Vial
Selected Dose
0.2 mg
Doses per Vial
50 doses
Pen Clicks
6 clicks
Volume
0.06 mL
Protocol Level
Level 2 (Standard)
Recommended Schedule
Daily - Loading Phase (1-2 weeks)
โ ๏ธ Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.
๐ Protocol Level Summary
Based on research protocols: Starting dose 0.1-0.2 mg/day for 1-2 weeks, maintenance 0.05-0.1 mg 2-3x/week.
| Protocol Level | Target Dose | Frequency | Pen Clicks | Volume (mL) | Who It\'s For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Starting) | 0.05-0.1 mg | Daily | 1.5-3 clicks | 0.015-0.03 mL | New users, first week |
| Level 2 (Standard) | 0.2 mg | Daily | 6 clicks | 0.06 mL | Loading phase (1-2 weeks) |
| Level 3 (Maintenance) | 0.05-0.1 mg | 2-3x weekly | 1.5-3 clicks | 0.015-0.03 mL | After tan achieved |
| Level 4 (Maximum) | 0.3-0.5 mg | Daily | 9-15 clicks | 0.09-0.15 mL | Experienced users only |
โ ๏ธ Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.
๐ Vial Users (Insulin Syringe)
Add 3mL of bacteriostatic water to your freeze-dried vial and mix gently. After reconstitution, use the table below to draw your dose:
Vial Size
10mg vial with 3mL bac water
| Dose | Frequency | Units on Syringe | Volume (mL) | Protocol Level |
|---|
โ ๏ธ Always use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
โ ๏ธ Safety & Precautions
Melanotan 2 has been studied in clinical trials with a manageable safety profile. Common side effects include nausea, facial flushing, and increased libido.
- Nausea: Common, especially during initial dosing, usually subsides after 30-60 minutes
- Facial flushing: Occasional and temporary
- Injection site reactions: Redness, tenderness, or pain at injection site
- Increased libido: Potential side effect (reported anecdotally)
Important Safety Considerations:
- Melanotan 2 is not FDA-approved for any indication
- Melanotan 2 is classified as a prohibited substance by WADA
- Do not use if allergic to Melanotan 2 or any ingredients
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
โ ๏ธ Warning: Melanotan 2 is not FDA-approved for any indication. If you experience severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or signs of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical help.
๐ References
- Melanotan 2 Research Overview. Peptide Sciences.
- Phase 2 Clinical Trial for Erectile Dysfunction. 2012.
- Melanotan 2: A Review of Research and Clinical Applications. Journal of Peptide Research.
- Melanotan I vs Melanotan II. ChemicalBook. 2024.
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Last updated: July 2026