How Melanotan II works
An unapproved tanning peptide with small human trials and reports of serious harm.
Also called: Melanotan-2, MT-II, MT2, MT-2.
Melanocortin agonists · Nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist.
It imitates a natural pigment signal and makes skin cells produce more dark pigment. It also activates brain receptors involved in erections and appetite. This broad action helps explain effects outside the skin.
- MC1 receptor: Stimulates skin pigment production.
- MC3 and MC4 receptors: Influence brain signaling for appetite and sexual response.
- MC5 receptor: Additional receptor activity; its clinical importance is uncertain.
Half-life: No reliable human half-life estimate was confirmed from the primary trials reviewed.
Related to Melanotan II
- Bremelanotide: An as-needed injection for low libido before menopause; nausea is common.
- Melanotan I / Afamelanotide: The molecule in an approved EPP implant; online tanning powder is a different formulation.
- Setmelanotide: A daily injection approved for specific genetic obesity and acquired hypothalamic obesity.
- Retatrutide: An experimental weekly injection with phase 3 weight-loss results.
- GHK-Cu: A copper-binding skin peptide with small topical studies and untested systemic injections.
Sources
- 503B Bulk Drug Substances List, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, US Food and Drug Administration · 2026
- Bulk Drug Substances Used in Compounding Under Section 503A of the FD&C Act, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers, FDA · FDA · 2026
- Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, FDA · 2026
- Melanotan II tanning peptide products found to be inconsistently dosed, 2026
- Scenesse, 2026
- Scenesse, INN-afamelanotide, 2026
- The 2026 Prohibited List, World Anti-Doping Agency · WADA · 2026
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—October 2026) Instrument 2026, Australian Government · Australian Government · 2026
- Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan, 2025
- Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament, 2025
- Priapism (painful erections) - NHS, NHS · 2023
- Notice of Opportunity for Hearing (NOOH) Manookian, Edward 8/5/16, 2016
Sources checked: 2026-10-18.
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