Melanotan II (MT-2)
Sunless Tanning | Libido Enhancement | Appetite Control
Melanotan-II (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), primarily used to stimulate melanin production for sunless tanning. By activating melanocortin receptors, MT-2 enhances skin pigmentation without requiring UV exposure, making it a versatile solution for individuals seeking cosmetic enhancement or protection against photodamage (1, 3). Beyond its tanning effects, MT-2 demonstrates potential therapeutic applications in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), appetite regulation, and neurobehavioral conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and addiction. Its unique pharmacological profile and minimal side effects highlight its utility across diverse therapeutic areas (2, 4, 5).
*Only the lyophilized product is provided.
Sunless Tanning | Libido Enhancement | Appetite Control
Melanotan-II (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), primarily used to stimulate melanin production for sunless tanning. By activating melanocortin receptors, MT-2 enhances skin pigmentation without requiring UV exposure, making it a versatile solution for individuals seeking cosmetic enhancement or protection against photodamage (1, 3). Beyond its tanning effects, MT-2 demonstrates potential therapeutic applications in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), appetite regulation, and neurobehavioral conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and addiction. Its unique pharmacological profile and minimal side effects highlight its utility across diverse therapeutic areas (2, 4, 5).
*Only the lyophilized product is provided.
Sunless Tanning | Libido Enhancement | Appetite Control
Melanotan-II (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), primarily used to stimulate melanin production for sunless tanning. By activating melanocortin receptors, MT-2 enhances skin pigmentation without requiring UV exposure, making it a versatile solution for individuals seeking cosmetic enhancement or protection against photodamage (1, 3). Beyond its tanning effects, MT-2 demonstrates potential therapeutic applications in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), appetite regulation, and neurobehavioral conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and addiction. Its unique pharmacological profile and minimal side effects highlight its utility across diverse therapeutic areas (2, 4, 5).
*Only the lyophilized product is provided.
Research Insights
1. Sexual Dysfunction
Men: An 80% success rate was observed in treating ED among sildenafil non-responders (2).
Women: Demonstrated efficacy in increasing sexual desire and satisfaction in clinical studies (2, 3).
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
MT-2 improved social interaction and reduced repetitive behaviors in preclinical models by enhancing oxytocin receptor expression (4).
3. Appetite and Weight Management
MT-2 reduces food intake by activating MC-4R, surpassing leptin in appetite suppression and promoting fat loss (5).
4. Addiction and Impulse Control
MT-2 reduced alcohol consumption in preclinical models and synergized with naltrexone to reduce binge drinking (5).
5. UV Protection and Skin Cancer Prevention
By inducing melanin production, MT-2 reduces the risk of UV-induced DNA damage, potentially lowering the incidence of skin cancer (1).
Description & Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of Action
MT-2 primarily interacts with melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs):
MC-1R: Promotes melanin synthesis, leading to increased skin pigmentation and enhanced UV protection (1).
MC-4R: Regulates sexual arousal, appetite, and energy homeostasis (2, 3).
MC-3R: Plays a minor role in modulating appetite and energy metabolism (5).
Physiological Effects
Skin Pigmentation: Stimulates melanogenesis, offering cosmetic tanning and reducing UV-induced skin damage (1).
Sexual Arousal: Increases libido and erectile function, particularly in individuals unresponsive to phosphodiesterase inhibitors (2).
Appetite Modulation: Reduces food intake and shifts macronutrient preferences, favoring weight loss (3, 5).
Neurobehavioral Impact: Influences oxytocin pathways, enhancing social behavior and impulse control (4).
Structure
Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH
Molecular Formula: C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight: 1024.2 g/mol
PubChem CID: 16219733
Citations
Sunless Tanning and UV Protection
Jain, P., et al. Peptide-based therapies and their effects on skin physiology. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2022.04.005.
Kruse, T., et al. Development of Cagrilintide, a Long-Acting Amylin Analogue. J. Med. Chem., 2021. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00565.
Sexual Dysfunction
Rosen, R. C., et al. Evaluation of the effects of MT-2 in ED patients unresponsive to Viagra. Int. J. Impot. Res., 2004.
Safarinejad, M. R., et al. MT-2 efficacy in treating sexual dysfunction in men and women. J. Urol., 2008.
Appetite and Weight Management
Spana, C., et al. Metabolic implications of melanocortin agonists. Diabetes Obes. Metab., 2022.
Neurobehavioral Effects and ASD
Ji, H., et al. Neurobehavioral and oxytocin receptor modulation by melanocortin analogs. PLOS ONE, 2013.
Skin Cancer Research
Maresca, V., et al. Melanocortin pathways in skin cancer prevention. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res., 2015.
