Description
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide developed as an analog of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). The original synthesis took place in the 1980s at the University of Arizona with the goal of stimulating melanogenesis without UV exposure, enabling research on pigmentation-mediated UV protection.
Structurally, MT-2 is a non-selective agonist at multiple melanocortin receptors: MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Binding to MC1R in melanocytes triggers an upregulation of tyrosinase activity via cAMP signaling pathways, stimulating eumelanin synthesis and consequently skin pigmentation in research models. In the first human pilot study, pigmentation was measurably stronger in two of three subjects after only five low subcutaneous doses (Dorr 1996).
Through the central receptors MC3R and MC4R, MT-2 addresses additional research fields: modulation of the hypothalamic axis, influence on appetite and energy homeostasis pathways and melanocortinergic effects on the sexual response system. The multi-receptor activity distinguishes MT-2 from related compounds such as Afamelanotide (MT-1, MC1R-selective) or PT-141 (MC4R-focused).
In research settings, MT-2 is typically used in a loading phase with low doses, followed by a maintenance phase. Every human study of MT-2 used injections under the skin; there is no human measurement of nasal uptake. Data on the closely related PT-141 suggest that only a fraction of the dose arrives in active form through the nasal lining (Diamond 2004).
This variant is a ready-to-use nasal spray: 10mg of Melanotan 2 dissolved in 5 ml saline and 0.4 ml bacteriostatic water (5.4 ml in total), nothing to mix yourself. One spray (0.1 ml) delivers about 185 mcg. A bottle lasts for about 50 sprays. It is made fresh once you place your order and ships as an express item. As a powder for reconstitution, Melanotan 2 remains available in vials.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Melanotan 2 is, as a non-selective melanocortin agonist, more broadly active than melanotan 1 and also addresses central pathways via MC3R and MC4R, which makes the side-effect profile correspondingly broader.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Nausea: nausea, particularly in the loading phase, is among the most commonly documented observations.
- Pigment changes: through strong MC1R activation, marked darkening of the skin as well as of moles and freckles is documented. Changes in moles are considered observation-relevant.
- Spontaneous erections: via central MC4R activation, spontaneous erections are described in user reports, a direct effect of the melanocortinergic system.
- Appetite changes: MC4R is involved in appetite regulation; altered appetite patterns are described in the literature.
- Flushing: facial flushing with a feeling of warmth is among the common observations.
- Nasal lining: the spray adds local effects: burning or tingling in the nose, sneezing, a runny nose and a bitter aftertaste when solution runs down the throat. With frequent use a dry lining or slight nosebleeds are possible.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study - Life Sciences 1996: First human pilot study; five low subcutaneous doses increased pigmentation in two of three subjects, along with mild nausea and spontaneous erections.
- The alpha-MSH/MC1R interaction: A driver of pleiotropic effects beyond pigmentation - Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research 2021: Review on mechanisms beyond pigmentation.
- Localization of MC4-R in neuroendocrine and autonomic control circuits - Molecular Endocrinology 1994: Classical study on the distribution of the central MC4 receptor.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety, pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacodynamic effects of intranasal PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist, in healthy males and patients with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction - International Journal of Impotence Research 2004: Nasal PT-141, the close derivative of MT-2, in men: peak levels after about 30 minutes, half-life about 2 hours, most common adverse events flushing and nausea. There are no nasal human data for MT-2 itself.
