01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
Melanotan II Research Summary
Melanotan II is a cyclic analog of alpha-MSH that activates several melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3 and MC4), not just the skin-pigment receptor. This produces skin tanning along with increased sexual arousal and reduced appetite. Common side effects include nausea, facial flushing, and darkening or changes in moles. It was never approved as a medicine; bremelanotide (PT-141) was developed from it.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why Melanotan II draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore Melanotan II for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Tanning
Darkens skin with less UV exposure.
Libido
Increases sexual arousal through MC4R.
Appetite
Explored for appetite suppression.
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 3.33 mg/mL (3,333.3 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 250–1000 mcg 1x daily · daily, 4–12 weeks (then maintenance).
- Easy measuring: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.33 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 7.5–30 units — a 0.3 mL (30-unit) syringe makes them easier to read.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Cycle | Time off | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 250–1000 mcg | 1x daily · Daily | 4–12 weeks (then maintenance) | As needed | ~30–60 min | No | Subq |
| Erectile dysfunction · crossover pilot (2000) | 0.025 mg/kg | Two active administrations per participant | Not reported | Subcutaneous (experimental formulation) |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure Melanotan II · 10 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 3.33 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.075 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 7.5 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 40
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Human research
- Pigmentation, appetite, and sexual-response effects have been investigated.
Research context
The community identifies MT-2 / MT-II as Melanotan II. Small experimental studies do not establish safe cosmetic or sexual use; severe nausea and other adverse effects were observed.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Investigational mechanism
Melanocortin receptors
An experimental melanocortin agonist studied for pigmentation and central sexual-response effects. Activity across receptor subtypes can also produce unwanted effects.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Start low: nausea is dose-related.
- Dose in the evening to sleep through nausea and flushing.
- UV: tanning still requires sun exposure — use sensible exposure and protection.
- Check moles regularly and see a dermatologist for any changes.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Deeper, longer-lasting tan with less UV exposure (Melanotan)
- Increased sexual desire and arousal (PT-141, Melanotan II)
- Appetite suppression (Melanotan II)
Side Effects
- Nausea (most common)
- Facial flushing
- Darkening of freckles and moles
- Temporary rise in blood pressure (PT-141)
- Spontaneous erections (Melanotan II, PT-141)
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for Melanotan II.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.