Melanotan II
ResearchMelanotan II
- Category
- Aesthetic & Beauty
- Aliases
- MT-2, MT-II
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection (unregulated, self-administered)
Overview
Melanotan II is a more potent, non-selective alpha-MSH analog than Melanotan I, activating multiple melanocortin receptors, which is why it produces tanning and libido effects simultaneously. It was actually the parent compound from which PT-141/bremelanotide was later derived and refined for sexual dysfunction specifically. Despite widespread illicit sale for cosmetic tanning, it has never been FDA approved for that or any use.
Treatments studied
Treatment categories
Cosmetic tanning
Broadly activates melanocortin receptors to produce noticeable tanning, though never through an approved pathway.