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Melanotan II

MT-2 · MT-II · Melanotan 2

Sexual HealthPhase II

MW: 1024.2g/mol
Formula: C50H69N15O9

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors. Researchers primarily study MT-II for its effects on skin pigmentation, sexual stimulation, and appetite regulation. Key findings indicate that MT-II can induce increased skin pigmentation and spontaneous penile erections, while also decreasing food consumption and appetite when administered in specific brain regions. Additionally, studies have raised concerns regarding potential adverse effects, including renal complications and alterations in oxytocin neuronal activity. Current research continues to explore the pharmacological properties and safety profile of MT-II, particularly in the context of its therapeutic applications and side effects.

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 (MT-II) acts primarily as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors, particularly melanocortin receptor 3 (MC3R) and melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), influencing various biological processes such as skin pigmentation and appetite regulation. The activation of these receptors triggers downstream signaling pathways, including the cAMP/PKA pathway, which mediates effects on melanogenesis and appetite suppression. While the precise mechanisms underlying all of its effects, particularly in relation to renal injury and oxytocin modulation, are not fully understood, MT-II is known to impact neuroendocrine functions and may induce adverse renal effects through thrombotic influences and direct toxicity.

Research

64 Research Publications

1,792

Total Citations

Human/RCT

1.7

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 significantly increased the duration of erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction compared to 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/kg of body weight (BW)intraperitoneal(rat)chronic treatment1 mg/kgintravenous(rat)not mentioned20 microg kg(-1) per 48 hsubcutaneous(rat)not mentioned3 mg/kg body weightintraperitoneal(rat)not mentioned15 nmol/dayintracerebroventricular(male Sprague-Dawley rats)7-day central infusion

PubMed

02Top

#02

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

HumanInfluence2.0

134

Researchers observed that Melanotan II administration in a pilot phase I study resulted in increased skin pigmentation and spontaneous penile erections in human subjects.

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

110

Researchers observed that Melanotan II significantly induced penile erections and increased sexual desire in men with erectile dysfunction, with side effects including nausea.

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

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

HumanInfluence2.0

The study demonstrated that Melanotan II enhances sexual function in human males and females by acting at the brain level, producing natural sexual responses.

PubMed

#07

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

In Vitro

The study demonstrated that nanostructured porous silicon microparticles enabled sustained delivery of Melanotan II, resulting in prolonged physiological effects compared to the peptide solution.

PubMed

#08

Unabated anorexic and enhanced thermogenic responses to melanotan II in diet-induced obese rats despite reduced melanocortin 3 and 4 receptor expression.

Animal

Researchers observed that chronic activation of the central melanocortin system by Melanotan II reduced body weight and caloric intake in diet-induced obese rats, despite reduced receptor expression.

PubMed

#09

The melanocortin agonist Melanotan-II reduces the orexigenic and adipogenic effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) but does not affect the NPY-driven suppressive effects on the gonadotropic and somatotropic axes in the male rat.

AnimalInfluence1.0

The study demonstrated that Melanotan II reduced the orexigenic effects of neuropeptide Y in male rats, affecting feeding behavior and adiposity without altering neuroendocrine axes.

PubMed

#10

Melatonin Receptor Signaling: Impact of Receptor Oligomerization on Receptor Function.

Oishi Atsuro, et al. · International review of cell and molecular biology · 2018

ReviewInfluence4.0

Researchers reviewed the role of melatonin receptors, which are important for regulating sleep and other bodily functions. They observed that the way these receptors interact and form complexes, known as oligomerization, can significantly influence their function. This understanding may help in exploring new therapeutic approaches related to sleep and circadian rhythms.

Key findings

01Researchers found that the oligomerization of melatonin receptors affects their signaling capabilities.
02The study observed that different receptor combinations can lead to varied physiological responses.
03Researchers highlighted the potential implications of receptor interactions for developing new treatments related to sleep disorders.

PubMed

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No comprehensive long-term studies have been conducted to assess the chronic effects of Melanotan II on human health, particularly concerning potential renal complications and metabolic alterations. Additionally, the precise mechanisms by which Melanotan II influences oxytocin neuronal activity and its implications for social behaviors remain poorly understood.

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

48 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTPeptiLab USAUS
10mg
$13.79
Price/mg
$1.38/mg
View
XL PeptidesUK
10mg
$24.12
Price/mg
$2.41/mg
View
Progen PeptidesUS
10mg
$27.49
Price/mg
$2.75/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
XL PeptidesUK	10mg	$24.12	$2.41/mg	View
Progen PeptidesUS	10mg	$27.49	$2.75/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