Research Reference
Melanotan II
Unapproved melanocortin agonist used in grey-market tanning
Research & educational purposes only. BioMaxFit does not sell, promote, or represent peptides in any way. We are strictly educational and recommend working with your doctor on anything health-related. The information below comes from published research and documents what has been studied, not what should be done. Many of these compounds are investigational and not approved by the FDA; possession or use outside an authorized clinical trial may be illegal in your jurisdiction. This is not medical advice.
Melanotan II is an unapproved synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist used in grey-market tanning and libido contexts. It is not FDA approved and has notable safety concerns.
Dosing Reference
Reconstitution
Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to the 10 mg vial. Resulting concentration: 5 mg/mL.
| Dose | Syringe Units | mL Volume | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 5 units | 0.05 mL | SubQ, daily (titrate)Community tanning/loading protocol |
| 500 mcg | 10 units | 0.1 mL | SubQ, daily (titrate)Community tanning/loading protocol |
| 1000 mcg | 20 units | 0.2 mL | SubQ, daily (titrate)Community higher dose |
Math assumes U-100 insulin syringes (1 mL = 100 units). Verify your syringe matches before use. Round half-units to the nearest visible mark.
Reconstitution
Melanotan II (MT2) is an unapproved synthetic melanocortin agonist sold as a compounded research peptide in 10 mg or 50 mg vials. It is not FDA-approved and has been the subject of multiple FDA safety warnings.
For a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL, the concentration is 5 mg/mL; a 250 mcg dose draws to 5 units (0.05 mL) on a U-100 syringe. For a 50 mg vial reconstituted with 10 mL, the concentration is 5 mg/mL; a 250 mcg dose draws to 5 units (0.05 mL). Gently swirl — do not shake — and store refrigerated. Compounded forms are not FDA-approved.
Cycling Protocol
Community protocols describe a "loading" phase of daily injection titrated up over 1–3 weeks until desired tan, then a "maintenance" phase of 1–2 injections per week. No standardized cycle is established; melanotan II is not FDA-approved and these patterns are community extrapolation.
Routes of Administration
Subcutaneous injection (community): Into the abdomen with a 29–31 gauge insulin syringe.
Melanotan II is not FDA-approved by any route.
Stacking Protocols
| Stack | Components | Purpose | | --- | --- | --- | | MT2 + UV exposure | Melanotan II + tanning bed/sun | Community tanning protocol (not established) | | Tanning/Libido | Melanotan II + Bremelanotide (community) | Combined melanocortin (not established) |
Combining melanocortin agonists is not established. Melanotan II is not FDA-approved.
Side Effects & Safety
- Nausea — very common
- Flushing — common
- Spontaneous penile erection / priapism — reported; seek emergency care for prolonged erection
- Skin hyperpigmentation / darkening of nevi — hallmark; may be irreversible
- Melanoma concern — possible link reported; not established
- Blood pressure changes — possible
- Multiple FDA safety warnings — melanotan II is not FDA-approved and has been linked to serious adverse events
Melanotan II is not FDA-approved. The FDA has issued warnings about serious adverse events. Compounded forms are sold for research purposes only.
Research Basis
Melanotan II (MT2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist, developed at the University of Arizona as a tanning agent.
Mechanism: Agonizes melanocortin receptors (MC1R for pigmentation/tanning, MC3R/MC4R for sexual function and appetite), stimulating melanin production and central arousal.
Clinical evidence: Never approved by the FDA; development halted. Multiple FDA safety warnings issued regarding serious adverse events from unapproved products sold online. Compounded forms are sold for research purposes only.
Not FDA-approved. The FDA has issued safety warnings. Compounded research-peptide forms are sold for research purposes only.