A melanocortin-receptor agonist (tanning research)
Skin & cosmeticEvidence: preclinical / anecdotalRUO · not approved
Research Use Only. Not an approved medicine and not for human use. Educational only — no dosing or medical advice.
What it is
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that activates melanocortin receptors, marketed for skin pigmentation/tanning and libido effects.
Proposed mechanism
It agonizes melanocortin receptors (MC1R → pigmentation; MC4R → appetite/sexual pathways, the basis of the related drug PT-141).1 Broad receptor activity means broad side effects (nausea, moles, blood-pressure changes).
State of the evidence
Not approved; safety concerns (unregulated tanning use); no approval.
Regulatory & status
Not approved; RUO. Public-health warnings exist about unregulated use.
Reconstitution (reference only)
Lab-handling reference only — not a preparation or dosing instruction: 2.5 mL (250 units) reconstitution solution per 10 mg vial. See the reconstitution calculator for the arithmetic. This page does not provide dosing guidance.
For educational and research purposes only. This content is not medical advice. Compounds referenced are research use only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Free Peptide University does not sell compounds.