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Melanocortin

Melanotan II

10 vial

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist studied primarily for stimulating melanin production (melanogenesis) in skin research models, with additional research interest in appetite regulation, energy homeostasis and sexual-function pathways.

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Researched for

  • Stimulated eumelanin production and skin pigmentation in research models
  • Studied for photoprotective effects against UV-induced skin damage
  • MC4R-mediated appetite suppression observed in metabolic research
  • Research interest in sexual-function and arousal pathways
  • Potential applications in erythropoietic protoporphyria and vitiligo research (analogue class)
  • Long-lasting pigmentation effects relative to dosing frequency

Mechanism of action

Agonises melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. MC1R activation on melanocytes upregulates tyrosinase activity and eumelanin synthesis, increasing skin pigmentation. MC4R signalling in the hypothalamus mediates observed effects on appetite and energy expenditure, while MC3R/MC4R activity is linked to effects on sexual arousal pathways in research models.

Research protocol

Common research protocols use 250–500mcg subcutaneously once daily, often starting at 100–250mcg to assess tolerability before titrating upward. Loading phases typically run 2–4 weeks, followed by maintenance dosing of 500mcg–1mg one to two times weekly. Administering in the evening is common in research to minimise transient nausea.

Half-life

Plasma half-life approx. 33 minutes; downstream melanogenic effects persist for days to weeks via sustained melanocyte stimulation.

Reconstitution

Reconstitute a 10mg vial with 2mL bacteriostatic water for a 5mg/mL working concentration (500mcg per 0.1mL / 10 units on a U-100 syringe). Inject water slowly down the side of the vial and swirl gently - do not shake.

Storage

Lyophilised: refrigerate at 2–8°C (stable up to approx. 24 months); protect from light. Reconstituted: store at 2–8°C, protect from light, and use within 30 days.

Research considerations
  • Transient nausea, facial flushing and appetite suppression are the most commonly reported acute effects, typically dose-dependent.
  • Darkening of existing moles and new nevi appearance have been reported - dermatological monitoring is advised in research settings.
  • Non-selective receptor activity means off-target melanocortin effects are possible; not approved for human use.
  • Spontaneous erections reported in male research subjects at higher doses (MC4R-mediated).

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