What it is
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analogue of α-MSH, originally developed at the University of Arizona as a photoprotective agent. It is a non-selective melanocortin agonist and the parent compound of PT-141.
Mechanism
Activation of MC1R in melanocytes increases eumelanin synthesis (skin pigmentation) independently of UV exposure. Activity at MC3R and MC4R accounts for its central effects on appetite and sexual function, which distinguish it from the MC1R-selective Melanotan I.
Research areas
- Melanogenesis and photoprotection
- Melanocortin receptor selectivity
- Appetite regulation (MC4R)
- Sexual-function models
Safety and metabolism
Nausea, flushing and appetite suppression are the most reported effects in studies. Rapid absorption; half-life ≈ 1 h. Unregulated products have been a concern in the literature, which is why purity documentation matters.
Why this amount
10 mg is the standard research vial.
