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Melanotan II

MT-2 · MT-II · Melanotan 2

Sexual HealthPhase II

MW: 1024.2g/mol
Formula: C50H69N15O9

Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide classified as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, derived from the natural hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Researchers primarily study it for its effects on skin pigmentation and its potential role in sexual stimulation. Key findings indicate that Melanotan II can induce spontaneous penile erections and has been associated with adverse effects such as rhabdomyolysis and renal complications, including cases of renal infarction. Additionally, studies suggest that Melanotan II may influence appetite regulation by decreasing food consumption and motivation to eat when administered in specific brain regions. Current research continues to explore its pharmacological effects and safety profile, particularly in relation to its systemic toxicity and neurological impacts.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Structure

Formula	C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight	1024.2 g/mol
CAS Number	121062-08-6
PubChem CID	92432
ChEMBL ID	CHEMBL4297789

Half-Life

SCSubcutaneous

~1-2 hours

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Subcutaneous administration is the most studied route, with limited data on other routes.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors, particularly MC3 and MC4, which activates signaling pathways involved in skin pigmentation (melanogenesis), appetite regulation, and sexual arousal. The activation of these receptors influences the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) pathway, leading to increased α-MSH production, which modulates feeding behavior and stimulates oxytocin neuronal activity in the hypothalamus. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying its systemic toxicity and effects on renal function remain incompletely understood.

Research

75 Research Publications

2,147

Total Citations

Human/RCT

1.9

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

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01Top

#01

Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study.

HumanInfluence3.0

161

Researchers observed that Melanotan II effectively initiated erections in 8 out of 10 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, with a mean duration of rigidity significantly longer than placebo.

0.01 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.005 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.03 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.025 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks60 nmol/kgintraperitoneal(rat)chronic treatment20 µg/kgsubcutaneous(rat)per 48 h3 mg/kgintraperitoneal(rat)not mentioned15 nmol/daycentral infusion(male Sprague-Dawley rats)7 days0.1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned0.3 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned0.1 microgwithin the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus(rat)not mentioned1 microgwithin the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus(rat)not mentioned

PubMed

02Top

#02

Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study.

HumanInfluence2.0

134

The study demonstrated that Melanotan II administration resulted in increased skin pigmentation and mild side effects in a pilot phase I clinical trial with human subjects.

6 mgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned0.01 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.005 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned0.03 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned0.025 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned20 microg kg(-1) per 48 hsubcutaneous(rat)not mentioned0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned0.1 and 1 microgwithin the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus(rat)not mentioned1 microgwithin the corpus cavernosum(rat)not mentioned

PubMed

03Top

#03

Differential Function of Melatonin MT

Gobbi Gabriella & Comai Stefano · Frontiers in endocrinology · 2019

ReviewInfluence2.0

132

Researchers reviewed the role of melatonin receptors in the body, focusing on their involvement in various physiological processes. They found that these receptors play a significant role in regulating sleep, mood, and other bodily functions. The study highlights the complexity of melatonin's effects through its different receptor types.

Key findings

01Researchers observed that melatonin receptors are crucial for regulating sleep patterns.
02The review highlighted the impact of these receptors on mood and emotional well-being.
03Researchers found that different types of melatonin receptors have distinct physiological roles.

PubMed

#04

Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II.

HumanInfluence2.0

111

The study demonstrated that melanotan II effectively induces penile erection and increases sexual desire in men with erectile dysfunction, with significant side effects reported.

PubMed

#05

Metallothionein in Brain Disorders.

Juárez-Rebollar Daniel, et al. · Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity · 2017

ReviewInfluence3.0

103

Researchers reviewed the role of metallothioneins, proteins that help manage essential metals in the brain, and their involvement in various brain disorders. They found that certain types of these proteins are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, highlighting their importance in brain health.

Key findings

01Researchers observed that metallothioneins are crucial for maintaining metal balance in brain cells.
02The study found that metallothionein III is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
03Evidence suggests that metallothioneins may also play a role in other neurological disorders.

PubMed

#06

Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization.

ReviewInfluence2.0

The review highlighted the development of melanocortin peptide therapeutics, including melanotan II, for applications in tanning and erectile dysfunction, with ongoing clinical trials for new analogs.

PubMed

#07

Agouti-related peptide and MC3/4 receptor agonists both inhibit excitatory hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus neurons.

AnimalInfluence2.0

Researchers observed that both melanotan-II and agouti-related peptide inhibited excitatory neurons in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus, suggesting additive inhibitory effects.

6 mgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned0.01 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.005 mg/kg increments to 0.03 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.025 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)not mentioned0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned20 microg kg(-1) per 48 hsubcutaneous(rat)not mentioned60 nmol/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(rat)not mentioned

PubMed

#08

Discovery that a melanocortin regulates sexual functions in male and female humans.

HumanInfluence2.0

Researchers observed that melanotan II enhanced sexual function in both male and female humans by acting at the brain level, resulting in increased erectile activity and sexual desire.

PubMed

#09

Nanostructured porous silicon microparticles enable sustained peptide (Melanotan II) delivery.

Animal

Researchers observed that nanostructured porous silicon microparticles enabled sustained delivery of Melanotan II, prolonging its physiological effects in vivo in mice.

PubMed

#10

Orexin-A hyperphagia: hindbrain participation in consummatory feeding responses.

AnimalInfluence8.0

Researchers observed that melanotan II administration suppressed meal size in rats with hindbrain lesions, indicating its role in modulating consummatory feeding responses through the area postrema.

6 mgsubcutaneously(human)not mentioned0.01 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.005 mg/kg increments to 0.03 mg/kgsubcutaneous(human)2 consecutive weeks0.025 mg/kgnot mentioned(not mentioned)not mentioned20 microg kg(-1) per 48 hsubcutaneous(rat)not mentioned0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned0.1 and 1 microgwithin the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus(rat)not mentioned

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No comprehensive human clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the long-term effects and safety profile of Melanotan II, particularly regarding its potential for systemic toxicity and renal complications. Additionally, the precise mechanisms by which Melanotan II influences oxytocin neuronal activity and its broader implications for social behaviors and neurological disorders remain unclear.

Solubility

Melanotan II is soluble in water and DMSO.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a drug. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not approved by the TGA. Considered a prescription-only medication.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA. Sale and distribution are restricted.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Publications per Year

49 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTPeptiLab USAUS
10mg
$13.79
Price/mg
$1.38/mg
View
Alpha PeptidesUS
10mg
$22.79
$20.51
Price/mg
$2.28$2.05/mg
View−10% · PEPSTACK10
Polaris PeptidesUS
17mg
$45.00
Price/mg
$2.65/mg
View
Ruo BioUS
10mg
$28.00
Price/mg
$2.80/mg
View
Puratek PeptidesUS
10mg
$27.95
$25.16
Price/mg
$2.80$2.52/mg
View−10% · PEPSTACKS10

Vendor	Amount	Price	Price/mg	Link
BESTPeptiLab USAUS	10mg	$13.79	$1.38/mg	View
Alpha PeptidesUS	10mg	$22.79$20.51	$2.28$2.05/mg	View−10% · PEPSTACK10
Polaris PeptidesUS	17mg	$45.00	$2.65/mg	View
Ruo BioUS	10mg	$28.00	$2.80/mg	View
Puratek PeptidesUS	10mg	$27.95$25.16	$2.80$2.52/mg	View−10% · PEPSTACKS10

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Mechanism

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Mechanism

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer