Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Melanotan II
BioHarmony verdict
Neutral
Melanotan II is a fast tanning and sexual-response peptide with a harsher safety tradeoff; Nelson 2012 reported rhabdomyolysis after a 6 mg injection. Its appetite and libido effects may be noticeable, but this report treats unregulated use as high risk.
Read full reportWhat is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II is an unapproved non-selective melanocortin peptide that can darken skin, suppress appetite, and produce sexual-response effects, but the same receptor breadth creates a serious safety problem. Melanotan II activates several melanocortin receptors, including MC1R for pigmentation and central pathways tied to appetite and libido. Melanotan II earns a low score because early human efficacy signals are small and verified case reports include PRES, rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction, melanoma, and dysplastic-nevus proliferation.
From the BioHarmony report, reviewed 2026-09-20.
How it is thought to work
Non-selective melanocortin receptor activation
Safety watch-outs
- New or rapidly changing mole, oral pigmentation, or bleeding lesion
- Severe headache, confusion, vision change, chest pain, or neurologic symptoms
- Priapism, severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or muscle pain after dosing
Full risk profile in the BioHarmony report.
Dosing as published
No approved-label or study protocol is recorded for Melanotan II yet.
More reported protocols
MembersMembers can compare additional reported doses, schedules, and preparation notes.
Educator coverage (3)
Attributed viewpoints, separate from primary research.
- International Peptide Society 2018 Compound CurriculumDr. William Seeds · 2018-07-20
- Muscle Building in Midlife, Joint Regeneration, Peptide Protocols, and Why Osteoarthritis Is Not Wear and TearDr. Elizabeth Yurth · 2026-07-02
- Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2: Which Peptide Is Right for You?Jay Campbell · 2026-05-19
Trust & sourcing
FDA identifies immunogenicity and peptide-impurity concerns for compounded melanotan II and cites published reports of serious adverse events.
Primary sources
- Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risksU.S. Food and Drug Administration · 2026-04-22
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