Melanocortin · Pigmentation

Melanotan II: Melanocortin Agonist

A cyclic analog of α-MSH that activates several melanocortin receptors — hence its two most studied effects: pigmentation (MC1R) and libido (MC4R).

📖 3 min read 📅 Published 2026-07-27

What Melanotan II is

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a cyclic synthetic analog of α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone), designed to be more stable and more potent than the natural hormone.

Melanocortin receptors

It is a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin system, which explains its effect profile:

  • MC1R — stimulates melanogenesis (melanin production) → skin pigmentation.
  • MC4R — involved in sexual function (libido) and in appetite regulation.

Research & cautions

It has been studied in pigmentation and in erectile function (the lines of research that gave rise to bremelanotide / PT-141). Frequently reported cautions: nausea, flushing and darkening of moles/nevi, which mandates dermatological monitoring. RUO content, not medical advice.

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⚠ For research use only. Not medical advice.

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