Research Chemical Designation & Liability
Compounds indexed in the MinMaxMuscle archive are strictly for laboratory research and development. They are NOT approved for human consumption. Theoretical dosing data is aggregated from clinical literature and must not be construed as medical instruction. Professional medical consultation is mandatory prior to any research application.
Melanotan II
Aesthetic / Tanning
Molecular Dossier
- Rank Index: 29
- Status: FDA Category 2
- What does this mean?
- Molecular Structure: Cyclic heptapeptide
About Melanotan II
Synthetic alpha-MSH analog; studied for skin pigmentation.
Clinical Focus
Skin Pigmentation & Libido
Archival Aliases
The Tanning Peptide, Barbie Drug, MT2
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the strict legal and safety limitations for research-grade peptides?
All products listed in this research database are intended solely for laboratory research purposes and are not for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. As a researcher, it is your responsibility to ensure that all experimental protocols comply with local and federal regulations. These compounds are provided in lyophilized form to maintain chemical stability and must be handled by qualified professionals in a controlled environment. Any use outside of a supervised laboratory setting is strictly prohibited and violates the intended research application of these materials.
What are the potential risks of improper peptide handling in a research environment?
Improper handling of peptides can lead to rapid degradation, loss of potency, or chemical contamination. Exposure to high temperatures, direct sunlight, or physical agitation (shaking the vial) can break the delicate peptide bonds, rendering the research sample useless for data collection. Furthermore, using non-sterile solvents or failing to maintain a cold chain during transport can introduce bacterial pathogens. Researchers must prioritize aseptic techniques and precise reconstituting protocols to ensure the integrity of the experimental results and the longevity of the research material.
Why does Melanotan II suppress appetite?
Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors. Its activation of MC3 and MC4 receptors in the hypothalamus signals satiety and increases energy expenditure. This central nervous system effect is a primary reason for the transient nausea and reduced food intake observed in research subjects.
What is the difference between Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) and Melanotan II?
Melanotan I is a linear, 13-amino acid peptide that is highly selective for the MC1 receptor (responsible for skin pigmentation). It is FDA-approved (Scenesse) for photoprotection. Melanotan II is a cyclic, shorter 7-amino acid analog that is non-selective, also binding to MC3 and MC4 receptors. This lack of selectivity is why MT2 causes side effects like appetite suppression and increased libido, which are not typically observed with MT1.
Clinical Data Matrix
| Parameter | Clinical Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | Cyclic heptapeptide |
| Primary Pathway | Aesthetic / Tanning |
| Research Phase | FDA Category 2 |
Clinical Pros
- Highly selective receptor modulation
- Documented efficacy in Phase II trials
- Minimal systemic cross-reactivity
Research Limitations
- Limited long-term human data
- Strict storage and reconstitution requirements
- Potential for acute homeostatic feedback loops
Community Discussion
Share your questions and experiences with other researchers in the forum.
Discuss in ForumClinical Reference Nodes
Data Verified: 2026-04-10