MECHANISM OF ACTION
Melanotan II is a modified version of a natural hormone (alpha-MSH) that your skin normally uses to produce melanin (the pigment that makes skin darker). By directly activating the melanin-production switch, it triggers tanning without sunlight. But it doesn't stop there, it also activates other receptors (the same family of switches) that are found in the brain. One of these controls sexual arousal and appetite. This is the same receptor that the related molecule Bremelanotide (PT-141) acts on - PT-141 was developed out of Melanotan II research. Because it activates multiple receptor types non-selectively, it also comes with a stronger side effect profile (nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections) compared to more targeted compounds.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
- Melanogenesis pathway research
- MC1R/MC3R/MC4R receptor selectivity studies
- Comparative melanocortin pharmacology
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Non-selective receptor activity
1996Research characterises it as acting across several melanocortin receptor subtypes, which is the reason more selective analogues were later developed from it. Research observations only.
Ref: Dorr et al.
RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES
Chemical Identity
Sequence
Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
Storage & Stability
Lyophilised: -20°C or 2–8°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, 21 days. Light sensitive.
Regulatory Status
Unscheduled in South Africa. Supplied for laboratory and research use only. Not a registered medicine, not evaluated by SAHPRA, not for human consumption. Not explicitly WADA prohibited.
Important - read before proceeding
This page is a summary of published scientific literature about a molecule. It is provided for research and educational purposes only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, a recommendation, a prescription, or a claim that this compound treats, cures, prevents or improves any condition in humans. Research findings described here are observations reported by third-party researchers about the molecule - they are not statements about the product supplied by Bio Intelligence, and they should not be read as an expected outcome.
Compounds supplied are not registered medicines, have not been evaluated by SAHPRA, and are not for human consumption. No dosing, route of administration or usage guidance is provided by Bio Intelligence. If you have a health concern, speak to a registered healthcare practitioner.