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Melanotan II
Research Use
Also known as MT-II, MT2
Function
Primary
Tanning · Libido / erectile function (research)
Mechanism
Non-selective melanocortin (MC1/MC3/MC4) receptor agonist — stimulates melanogenesis (MC1) and central sexual arousal pathways (MC4).
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Early human studies (1990s); no modern Phase 3
Dosing
Range
0.25–1 mg/day during loading; maintenance 1 mg 1–2×/week
Frequency
Daily loading, then weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
Cycling
Loading 1–2 wk, then minimal maintenance; full skin checks before/after.
Benefits
- ·Increased skin pigmentation
- ·Reported libido/erection enhancement
- ·Appetite suppression
Risks
- ·New / changing moles & melanoma concern
- ·Nausea, flushing, priapism
- ·BP fluctuations
- ·Unregulated supply quality
Contraindications
- ·History of melanoma or atypical nevi
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Cardiovascular disease
- ·Children
Regulatory
Unapproved — banned in EU/UK/AUS; harm-reduction context only
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Dorr RT et al. Evaluation of Melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide. Life Sci. 1996;58:1777.source