Melanotan II

Also known as: MT-II, MT2, melanocortin receptor agonist

Wellness

In plain English

Melanotan II is a lab-made peptide that mimics a hormone controlling skin pigment; it darkens the skin (a "tan") and can also trigger erections and reduce appetite. It is not approved by the FDA and is largely sold on the gray market. Because it stimulates pigment cells broadly, there are safety concerns about moles and skin cancers, plus common side effects like nausea, flushing, and spontaneous erections.

The science

Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R for pigmentation; MC3R/MC4R for sexual and appetite effects). Small human studies from the University of Arizona program showed it initiated erections in men with erectile dysfunction (Wessells et al., J Urol 1998; Int J Impot Res 2000), with frequent nausea and yawning/stretching. Its erectogenic property led to development of bremelanotide (an approved, related compound). Melanotan II itself is unlicensed and unregulated; broad melanocortin/MC1R stimulation raises theoretical concerns for melanocytic lesions and melanoma, and product quality on the gray market is unverified. It is not FDA-approved.

References

• Wessells H et al., J Urol 1998
• Wessells H et al., Int J Impot Res 2000