Melanotan 2

Overview

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed at the University of Arizona. It non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R, producing the pigmentation, libido and appetite-suppressing effects observed in research.

Mechanism of action

MC1R activation stimulates eumelanin production in melanocytes (darker pigmentation). MC4R activation in the hypothalamus modulates sexual function and appetite — the basis for downstream MC4R-selective drugs like bremelanotide.

Reference range (research literature)

Research protocols typically use a loading phase of 250–500mcg per day until desired pigmentation, then 2–3 maintenance doses per week.

Half-life

Approximately 33 hours.

Reconstitution

Reconstitute the 10mg vial with 1ml bacteriostatic water for 10mg/ml. Each 0.025ml (2.5 IU on a U100 syringe) = 250mcg. Refrigerate after reconstitution.

Comparisons

• vs MT-1 (afamelanotide)

  MT-1 is MC1R-selective — pigmentation only, no libido or appetite effects.

• vs PT-141 (bremelanotide)

  PT-141 is MC4R-selective — libido without pigmentation effects.

Commonly researched stacks

• No common research stacks — typically run alone.

Frequently asked