Melanotan II
$Nonselective melanocortin analog; High cosmetic-risk profile
Melanotan II is a melanocortin agonist best known for tanning and sexual arousal effects. Because it is nonselective, it can affect pigmentation, appetite, nausea pathways, sexual function, and cardiovascular/autonomic symptoms.
The clinical and regulatory problem is that tanning use is not an approved therapeutic use, and gray-market products create identity, dose, sterility, and contamination risks. Mole and skin-pigment changes are not trivial cosmetic side effects. Avoid treating “sunless tanning” as low risk.
Focus on MC receptor nonselectivity, dermatology monitoring, melanoma-risk uncertainty, and the distinction between MT-II and FDA-approved bremelanotide/PT-141.
Classification details
- Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH).
- It is an unapproved melanocortin agonist. Unregulated tanning use is not an approved medical use.
- Melanotan II is a cyclic melanocortin agonist with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I/afamelanotide. It is higher-risk and non-approved, not a cosmetic equivalent.
- MT-II acts on melanocortin receptors, including MC1R in melanocytes and CNS melanocortin receptors.
- This explains both tanning effects and systemic adverse effects such as nausea, flushing, appetite change, libido effects, yawning, and blood-pressure or cardiovascular symptoms.
- Its melanocortin activity affects pigmentation, appetite, sexual function, nausea, and autonomic symptoms. The same broad receptor activity that users seek can create adverse effects.