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melanocortin

Melanotan II

Also known as: MT-II, MT2, Melanotan 2, Barbie drug
FDA: NOT FDA-approved WADA: Prohibited at all times

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Developed at the University of Arizona in the 1990s, it is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that stimulates melanin production (tanning without UV exposure), suppresses appetite, and enhances sexual arousal/erectile function. Despite never receiving FDA approval, Melanotan II has become one of the most widely used illicit peptides globally, marketed online as a tanning agent and colloquially known as the "Barbie drug." The FDA, TGA (Australia), and EMA have all issued warnings against its use. PT-141 (bremelanotide) is the FDA-approved derivative developed from Melanotan II, specifically targeting sexual

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 1,024.18 Da
Half-life ~33 minutes
CAS number —
Route Subcutaneous · Intranasal subcutaneous preferred
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Mechanism

Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R-MC5R). Activates MC1R on melanocytes to stimulate eumelanin production (tanning), MC3R/MC4R in hypothalamus for appetite suppression and erectile function, and MC5R in exocrine glands.

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 100–500 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily during loading; 1-2x weekly maintenance
CYCLE LENGTH Loading: 2-4 weeks; maintenance: indefinite (unregulated use)

Loading phase typically 250-500 mcg daily until desired pigmentation achieved, then maintenance 250-500 mcg 1-2x weekly. Start at 100 mcg to assess tolerance (nausea common). NOT recommended due to lack of safety data and regulatory warnings.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Recommended Tool Compounds for the Melanocortin Receptor (MCR) G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) Pharmacology review 2024 Comprehensive characterization of melanocortin receptor subtypes MC1R-MC5R
Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma? Case report 2025 22-year-old female developed oral mucosal malignant melanoma after Melanotan II nasal spray use
Changes in Oral Mucosa Associated with Melanotan II Injections: A Case Report Case report 2026 Patient self-administered Melanotan II injections for 64 days for tanning
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Stacking & interactions

PT-141 is the sexual function-specific derivative; Melanotan II has broader/less selective activity

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Sourcing

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10mg

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What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Blood Pressure
  • Dermatologic exam (mole check)
DURING CYCLE
  • Blood Pressure
  • Visual mole monitoring
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • Dermatologic exam
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS NOT FDA-approved. Investigational only. FDA and TGA have issued warnings against use.
WADA STATUS Prohibited at all times (S2 - Peptide Hormones)

Regulatory status for Melanotan II may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

References

  1. Weirath NA, Haskell-Luevano C. Recommended Tool Compounds for the Melanocortin Receptor (MCR) G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science (2024). PMID: 39296259
  2. Yassin Alsabbagh A, Bhujel N, Singh RP. Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma?. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2025). PMID: 40210573
  3. Bonchev A. Changes in Oral Mucosa Associated with Melanotan II Injections: A Case Report. Life (Basel) (2026). PMID: 41752902