Library / Melanotan II
Some human studies
Melanotan II
Synthetic melanocortin analogue · Skin & tanning · MT-II
What it is
A lab-made version of the hormone that triggers tanning. It also affects appetite and sexual arousal.
What research covers
Small human studies in the 1990s showed tanning and erection effects. It was never developed into an approved medicine.
Reported side effects
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Darkening of moles and new moles
- Unwanted erections
- Rare serious reactions reported in case studies
Not suitable for, or talk to a doctor first
- History of melanoma or unusual moles
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
Good to know
- Changes in moles should be checked by a doctor.
- Tanning this way does not protect against sunburn or skin cancer.
Legal status
| Australia | Not approved. The TGA has warned against using it. |
|---|---|
| United States | Not FDA-approved. |
| Sport | Athletes should check the current WADA prohibited list, which changes every year. |
Rules change. Check with the TGA (Australia), your local regulator, or WADA for sport.
Key references
- Dorr et al. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide, in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sci, 1996.
General information, not advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing or stopping anything.