Melanotan-2
Cyclic α-MSH analog highly sought after for tanning and libido; safety uncharacterized as a drug.
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Quick summary
Melanotan-2 is a synthetic cyclic analog of α-MSH that activates several melanocortin receptors (MC1R in the skin; also MC3/MC4 in the CNS). This is why it is associated with pigmentation and, unlike the more MC1R-selective Melanotan-1/afamelanotide, with central effects: nausea, anorexia, and spontaneous erections. It is sold online (injectable/spray) without pharmaceutical oversight. Health agencies in several countries have issued safety warnings.
Studied for
How it works
Non-selective agonism of melanocortin receptors. MC1R → eumelanin in melanocytes. MC4R (and others) in the brain → effects on appetite and sexual function. Crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than larger/more selective analogs.
What the research says
Early studies: historic phase I/II trials reported tanning, flushing, nausea, and spontaneous erections. Unregulated safety: reviews and case reports document systemic toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, priapism, changes in nevi, and even melanoma in people with other risk factors (causality not conclusively demonstrated, but the pattern is concerning to dermatologists). Regulatory contrast: afamelanotide (Scenesse) is another α-MSH analog, approved as an implant for EPP — it is not Melanotan-2.
Sources
- PubMed — melanotan II
- Habbema et al. 2017 — risks of unregulated α-MSH analogues (Int J Dermatol)
- PMC 7148395 — Melanotan II and renal infarction (case + review)
- Nelson et al. — systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis (Clin Toxicol)
- PMC 11664455 — overview chronic MC1R (afamelanotide vs MT-2)
- FDA — Scenesse (afamelanotide) label (contrast, not MT-2)
Evidence level
C–D — early studies + many case reports of harm; no approval
What's most reported
- Tanning / darkening of skin and nevi
- Nausea, flushing, loss of appetite
- Spontaneous erections / sexual interest
- Severe case reports (priapism, rhabdomyolysis, sympathomimetic toxicity)
Common side effects
Frequent in early literature: nausea, vomiting, flushing, fatigue, darkening of moles. Severe reported: priapism, rhabdomyolysis, renal dysfunction, sympathomimetic syndrome. Uncertainty regarding melanoma (cases with concurrent risk factors). Online products: frequent impurities.
Combines / does not combine
Do not combine with other melanocortin agonists (e.g., PT-141 / bremelanotide) without medical guidance: they have overlapping receptors. Avoid if there are many atypical nevi, a history of melanoma, or priapism. Do not use as a “healthy alternative” to the sun: it does not replace photoprotection or eliminate UV risk.
Avoid
- PT-141Do not combine with other melanocortin agonists (e.g., PT-141 / bremelanotide) without medical guidance: they have overlapping receptors.
Frequently asked questions
No. Scenesse is afamelanotide, approved for EPP. MT-2 is another, non-selective analog without approval.
It has not been proven safe. There are changes in nevi and reports of melanoma in users; causality is uncertain, but the risk cannot be ruled out.
Due to activation of central melanocortin receptors (related to the bremelanotide/PT-141 lineage).
Melanocortin-related compounds / doping may be restricted; consult the current WADA list and national policies.
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Educational content. Not medical advice or usage guidance. Research products are not approved drugs unless otherwise indicated.