Melanotan 2
MT-2 — cyclic α-MSH analog
Unapproved melanocortin agonist — broad effects, real risks.
Half-life
~ hours
Mol. weight
~1,026 Da
Sequence
Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (cyclic heptapeptide, α-MSH analog)
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Overview
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a cyclic 7-amino-acid analog of alpha-MSH that stimulates melanin production but, unlike the more selective MT-1, broadly activates multiple melanocortin receptors — producing tanning, aphrodisiac effects, and appetite suppression. It is NOT approved by the FDA or any major regulator and is associated with significant safety concerns including nausea, mole darkening, and concerns about melanoma risk. It is banned for cosmetic use in many jurisdictions.
Mechanism of action
MT-2 is a broad melanocortin receptor agonist, hitting MC1R (melanin/tanning), MC3R and MC4R (appetite, sexual function), and MC5R. This broad receptor activity explains its wide effect profile: rapid tanning, spontaneous erections (it has been studied for erectile dysfunction), reduced appetite, and frequent nausea. The MC4R action underlies the sexual effects and is the same receptor pathway targeted by bremelanotide (an actual approved drug for hypoactive sexual desire). The broad activity also explains the rougher side-effect profile compared to the MC1R-selective MT-1.
Researched benefits
- Studied for melanin production / tanning
- Studied for sexual dysfunction (MC4R activity)
- Reduced appetite reported (MC4R activity)
Considerations
- NOT approved by FDA or major regulators
- Banned for cosmetic use in many jurisdictions
- Significant safety concerns: nausea, mole darkening, melanoma risk, priapism risk
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating Melanotan 2 in scientific literature.
Query PubMed for recent peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical publications on Melanotan 2:
View Melanotan 2 index on PubMed (NCBI)