PEPTIDE RESEARCH TOPIC

Melanotan II Research Peptide

Melanotan II is an experimental cyclic melanocortin peptide. Browse early human studies, pigmentation and receptor research, safety reports, and evidence limitations.

TOPIC OVERVIEW

About Melanotan II

Identity and names

Melanotan II is also written MT-II or Melanotan 2. It is different from Melanotan I, afamelanotide, and bremelanotide.

Compound type

It is a synthetic cyclic peptide that interacts with melanocortin pathways. Related peptide names do not indicate equivalent products.

Mechanism

Research examines melanocortin-linked pigmentation and other responses. Receptor activity can produce multiple effects rather than a selective tanning action.

Research focus and evidence

Early small human experiments explored pigmentation, tolerability, and sexual responses. These studies do not establish long-term safety or a routine cosmetic treatment.

Regulatory status and limits

FDA identifies safety concerns for compounded Melanotan II, including possible immunogenicity. Approval of Scenesse or Vyleesi does not apply to Melanotan II products.

Topics covered
  • cyclic melanocortin peptide
  • pigmentation experiments
  • early human evidence
  • safety reports
  • distinctions from related peptides
Common names and related terms: Melanotan II, Melanotan 2, MT-II, MT2
RESEARCH SUMMARY

What Is Melanotan II?

LAST VERIFIEDOctober 7, 2026

An early phase I pilot investigated Melanotan II in a small human study. Its exploratory design is useful historical evidence, but cannot establish the safety of long-term cosmetic use or independently sold preparations. Melanotan II phase I pilot

FDA's compounding safety information identifies potential immunogenicity concerns associated with aggregation and peptide-related impurities. These concerns add a material-quality dimension beyond the desired pigmentation effect. FDA Melanotan II safety information

RESEARCH TRACKER

Melanotan II Development & Clinical Research

Current programs, research areas, study status, enrollment, and expected completion dates organized from primary registry records.

LAST VERIFIEDOctober 7, 2026
Registered records1
Active studies1
Completed studies0
Phase 3 studies0
DeveloperRegistry sponsors include Hudson Biotech. Sponsor identity does not establish product approval.
AliasesMelanotan II, Melanotan 2, MT-II, MT2
Biological targetsResearch examines melanocortin-linked pigmentation and other responses. Receptor activity can produce multiple effects rather than a selective tanning action.
Development stageRegistered intervention phases: Phase 2. See study-specific context.
Regulatory statusFDA identifies safety concerns for compounded Melanotan II, including possible immunogenicity. Approval of Scenesse or Vyleesi does not apply to Melanotan II products.

What current projects are studying

NonSegmental VitiligoNonsegmental Vitiligo (Stable)
SELECTED CURRENT RESEARCH

Latest and important projects

Showing 1 of 1 active studies
MTII-VITNCT07437560

Melanotan II (MT-II) as an Adjunct to NB-UVB Phototherapy for Repigmentation in Stable Nonsegmental Vitiligo

NonSegmental Vitiligo · Nonsegmental Vitiligo (Stable)

Phase
Phase 2
Status
Recruiting
Enrollment
60 Estimated
Expected completion
Feb 17, 2028
Record updated
Feb 27, 2026
Lead sponsor
Hudson Biotech
Primary sources: ClinicalTrials.gov (defined search)Checked October 7, 2026. Counts include interventional registry records with an explicit matching intervention name or alias; broad search results, biomarker-only observations, and unrelated compounds are excluded. Active includes recruiting, not yet recruiting, active not recruiting, and enrolling by invitation. PubMed is the linked title/abstract query count, not a number of clinical trials or a measure of evidence quality.

Registry status does not establish safety, efficacy, or regulatory approval.

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Essential Melanotan II guides

MELANOTAN II KNOWLEDGE ARTICLESPage 1 of 2
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KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

What Is Melanotan II Used For? Benefits & Risks

What is melanotan II used for? Learn how this synthetic peptide affects tanning, its supposed benefits, legal status, side effects, and safety risks.

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03
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

MT1 vs MT2 Side Effects: Key Differences

MT1 vs MT2 side effects differ in duration and intensity: melanotan II more often causes nausea, flushing, and libido changes. Learn what research shows.

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06
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan II Nasal Spray: Safety, Risks, and Facts

Melanotan II nasal spray is an unapproved tanning peptide with serious safety risks. Learn what research shows, legal status, side effects, and safer options.

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11
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan II Cycle: Dosing, Timeline, and Risks

A Melanotan II cycle usually means a loading phase of small injections followed by maintenance dosing, but the peptide is not FDA-approved and carries risks.

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12
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan II Libido: What Research Shows

Melanotan II libido effects come from melanocortin receptor activation, not testosterone. Learn what studies show, the risks, and how PT-141 compares.

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15
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan II Half-Life: What Research Shows

Melanotan II half-life is commonly cited at 1–2 hours, but tanning effects last far longer. Learn what research says about dosing, safety, and detection.

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17
KNOWLEDGE ARTICLE

Melanotan II Before and After: What to Expect

Melanotan II before and after results usually mean darker skin, but this unapproved peptide carries real risks. Here's what research and reports actually show.

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