MT-2 (Melanotan II)
A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH targeting melanocortin receptors. Melanotan II is studied for tanning, appetite suppression, and sexual function in preclinical research.
Compound Profile
Pharmaceutical Data Sheet
Mechanism of Action
How MT-2 (Melanotan II) Works
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic lactam analog of alpha-MSH developed at the University of Arizona that non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R. MC1R activation drives melanogenesis (tanning), MC3R/MC4R activation in the CNS suppresses appetite and induces sexual arousal, and peripheral MC4R signaling mediates erectile function via descending spinal cord pathways.
- Activates MC1R on melanocytes via cAMP elevation
- Upregulates tyrosinase and eumelanin synthesis
- Produces tanning with only 5 low SC doses in Phase I
- Hypothalamic MC4R activation induces sexual arousal
- Spinal MC4R mediates erectile response
- Erections in 17 of 20 men without sexual stimulation
- Reduces food intake and body mass acutely
- Decreases intraabdominal adiposity chronically
- Tolerance to appetite suppression develops over 8–12 days
MT-2 crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates MC4R in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, triggering descending signals through the spinal cord that facilitate penile erection via increased parasympathetic outflow. Simultaneously, hypothalamic MC4R activation suppresses appetite through POMC/CART neuron stimulation.
Wessells H et al., Urology (1998); Dorr RT et al., Life Sci (1996): Phase I pilot clinical study of Melanotan-II.
Preclinical Findings
Research Models
Clinical Data
Phase I: Erectile Response in 80% of Psychogenic ED Patients
In a double-blind crossover trial (Wessells et al.), 8 of 10 men with psychogenic ED developed clinically apparent erections — mean tip rigidity >80% lasting 38 minutes vs. 3 minutes placebo (p=0.0045). In organic ED, erections occurred in 12 of 19 MT-2 injections vs. 1 of 21 placebo. Phase I tanning study established 0.025 mg/kg as the recommended dose.
Wessells H et al., J Urol (2000); Hadley ME et al., Ann NY Acad Sci (2000); Dorr RT et al., Life Sci (1996).
Phase I double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trials
Research Outcomes
Key Research Success Metrics
Safety Profile
Research Safety Notes
- Transient nausea is the most common side effect — dose-dependent and self-limiting
- Facial flushing, stretching/yawning complex, and decreased appetite reported more than placebo
- Darkening of existing moles and appearance of new pigmented lesions observed in clinical studies
- Not FDA-approved — unregulated acquisition carries contamination and dosing risks
- Long-term melanoma risk from chronic melanocyte stimulation has not been ruled out
MT-2 is not FDA-approved for any indication. Clinical data is limited to Phase I pilot studies. Unregulated use carries significant safety concerns. For research use only.
About MT-2 (Melanotan II)
A synthetic analog of alpha-MSH targeting melanocortin receptors. Melanotan II is studied for tanning, appetite suppression, and sexual function in preclinical research.
All EVO Labs Research compounds are manufactured to research-grade standards and independently tested by Janoshik Analytical (Prague, est. 2013). The Certificate of Analysis for this compound includes full HPLC chromatography data, mass spectrometry confirmation, net purity percentage, and net content verification.
Research Use Only
This product is strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. By purchasing, you confirm use in a controlled research setting.
