Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma? — VialBase Research
22-year-old female developed oral mucosal malignant melanoma after Melanotan II nasal spray use
- 22-year-old female developed oral mucosal malignant melanoma after Melanotan II nasal spray use
- Used MT-II for tanning purposes
- Authors raise concern about causative/promotional role of MT-II in melanoma
- MT-II is unlicensed and illegal to sell in UK
PMID 40210573 — Melanotan II and Oral Melanoma
Compound: Melanotan-II Citation: Yassin Alsabbagh A et al. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025;54(9):806-808. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2025.03.014
Summary
Case report of a 22-year-old female who developed a mass in the anterior maxilla confirmed as malignant melanoma after using Melanotan II nasal spray for tanning. Authors propose MT-II as a possible risk factor.
Key Findings
- Young patient (22) with no traditional melanoma risk factors developed oral mucosal melanoma
- Temporal association with Melanotan II nasal spray use
- Histological confirmation of malignant melanoma
- MT-II activates MC1R on melanocytes, which could theoretically promote melanocyte transformation
Clinical Significance
This case adds to mounting safety concerns about unregulated Melanotan II use. While a single case report cannot establish causation, the mechanistic plausibility (melanocyte hyperactivation via MC1R) and the young patient age make this a significant safety signal. Oral mucosal melanoma is extremely rare, making any potential association noteworthy.
See Also
- Parent compound: Melanotan-II