What is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It stimulates melanogenesis — the production of melanin pigment responsible for skin tanning. Unlike sun exposure, it activates melanin production directly.
Beyond tanning, Melanotan II also affects sexual function (through MC3R/MC4R) and appetite suppression. It’s the parent compound from which PT-141 was derived.
The 10mg vial provides a complete loading phase plus maintenance doses.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Amount | 10mg |
| Recommended BAC Water | 2mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 5mg/mL |
| Loading Dose | 0.25-0.5mg daily |
| Maintenance Dose | 0.25-0.5mg 1-2x weekly |
| Loading Duration | 2-4 weeks |
Reconstitution Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean vial stoppers — Wipe with alcohol swabs
- Draw 2mL BAC water — Using sterile syringe
- Add to peptide vial — Inject slowly down the wall
- Dissolve — Gently swirl, 2-5 minutes
- Label and refrigerate — Store immediately
Concentration Calculations
With 10mg in 2mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 5mg/mL = 5000mcg/mL
- Per unit (U-100): 50mcg per unit
Dosage Protocol
Common Dose Calculations
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1mg (100mcg) | 0.02mL | 2 units |
| 0.25mg (250mcg) | 0.05mL | 5 units |
| 0.5mg (500mcg) | 0.10mL | 10 units |
Doses Per Vial
| Dose | Doses Per Vial |
|---|---|
| 0.25mg | 40 doses |
| 0.5mg | 20 doses |
Phased Protocol
Phase 1: Loading (2-4 weeks)
- Dose: Start 0.1mg, increase to 0.25-0.5mg
- Frequency: Once daily
- UV exposure: Moderate sun/UV during loading
- Goal: Build melanin base
Phase 2: Maintenance
- Dose: 0.25-0.5mg
- Frequency: 1-2x per week
- UV exposure: As desired for maintenance
- Goal: Maintain pigmentation
Starting Protocol
Week-by-week loading example:
| Week | Daily Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.1-0.25mg | Assess tolerance |
| 2 | 0.25-0.5mg | Increase if tolerated |
| 3-4 | 0.5mg | Continue loading |
| 5+ | 0.25-0.5mg 1-2x/week | Maintenance |
UV Exposure
- MT-II enhances tanning but UV exposure is still needed
- Start with short sun/tanning sessions
- Gradually increase exposure
- More efficient tanning than without MT-II
Storage Requirements
| Form | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | -20°C | 2+ years |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C | 4-6 weeks |
Research Considerations
Mechanism of Action
- MC1R activation — Melanin production (tanning)
- MC3R/MC4R — Sexual function, appetite
- Melanogenesis — Darkens existing moles/freckles too
- UV synergy — Enhances natural tanning response
Effects Beyond Tanning
| Effect | Level |
|---|---|
| Skin darkening | Primary |
| Mole darkening | Common |
| Sexual arousal | Common |
| Appetite suppression | Moderate |
| Nausea (initial) | Common |
Melanotan II vs Melanotan I
| Factor | Melanotan II | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| Tanning | Strong | Strong |
| Sexual effects | Yes | Minimal |
| Appetite effects | Yes | Minimal |
| Side effects | More | Fewer |
| Selectivity | Less | More (MC1R focused) |
Side Effects
- Nausea (especially initially — often resolves)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Darkening of moles/freckles
- Sexual arousal (may be unwanted)
Sourcing for Research
Source from verified suppliers that provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch. Compare purity documentation, shipping conditions, and batch traceability before purchasing research materials.