Melanotan II 10mg
Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist evaluated in preclinical models for skin pigmentation, libido stimulation, and appetite modulation.
Mechanism
Non-selectively activates melanocortin receptors, driving MC1R-mediated melanogenesis in cutaneous tissues and MC4R-mediated signaling within the central nervous system.
Dosing
Standard investigational protocols typically initiate loading at 250 mcg administered subcutaneously once daily, followed by gradual upward titration.
Reconstitution
Adding 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial yields a final concentration of 5 mg/mL (50 mcg per U-100 unit).
Storage
Keep lyophilized vials stored frozen at -20 °C; once reconstituted, store between 2 and 8 °C, protect from light, and avoid freezing.
Mix & measure Melanotan II 10mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
Mix & measure Melanotan II 10mg
Vial strength → BAC water → target dose
Common vial sizes
Label claim
Total doses in vial: 40.0
U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL
Need supplies for this protocol?
Research-grade peptides, fast shipping, competitive pricing
Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Advanced calculator →
Track my protocol
Log each dose, build a streak, and watch your progress through this protocol's schedule.
Dosing Chart
| Phase / Day(s) | Dose & Frequency | Volume (U-100 units / mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Loading, Week 1 | 250 mcg (1× daily) | 5 units (0.05 mL) |
| Loading, Week 2 | 500 mcg (1× daily) | 10 units (0.10 mL) |
| Loading, Weeks 3–4 | 750 mcg (1× daily) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Loading, Weeks 5–8 | 1000 mcg / 1 mg (1× daily) | 20 units (0.20 mL) |
| Maintenance (after Week 8) | 500–1000 mcg (~1× weekly / as needed) | 10–20 units (0.10–0.20 mL) |
Reconstitution Steps
- 1
Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- 2
Release it slowly down the vial's inner wall to limit foaming.
- 3
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- 4
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
Supplies Needed
Peptide Vial
10 mg Melanotan II lyophilized powder vial for laboratory research
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
U-100 1 mL or 0.5 mL syringes for accurate micro-volume dose measurement
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile diluent (2.0 mL per vial) used to reconstitute the peptide cake
Alcohol Swabs
Antiseptic wipes used for cleansing the vial rubber stopper and application site
Why researchers study it
Skin tanning / pigmentation
Libido / sexual arousal
Appetite / food intake
UV photoprotection
These describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Overview
Melanotan II is an investigational cyclic synthetic heptapeptide modeled after the endogenous neurohormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). In preclinical and early human trials, the compound gained interest due to its broad activity across several melanocortin receptor subtypes. Most notably, its high affinity for peripheral melanocortin-1 receptors stimulates melanogenesis, leading to elevated melanin deposition and darkening of cutaneous tissues. In addition to dermatological pigment effects, Melanotan II crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates central melanocortin-4 receptors. This neurochemical interaction has formed the basis of research regarding central nervous system pathways governing appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and sexual arousal mechanisms. Such findings paved the way for related therapeutic peptides focusing on female sexual dysfunction. Because Melanotan II remains an unapproved research peptide, laboratory protocols focus heavily on conservative dosing escalation to study biological responses while tracking known dose-dependent responses, such as systemic vasodilation, cutaneous flushing, and transient nausea.
References
- 1.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (PubMed), Phase I evaluation of Melanotan II, an alpha-MSH analog, for tanning and melanocortin receptor activation
- 2.Peptides (PubMed), Melanotan II dose-finding and tolerability: tanning response with nausea and flushing at higher doses
- 3.British Journal of Dermatology (PubMed), Afamelanotide / melanocortin analogs and UV-driven photoprotection and pigmentation
- 4.Clinical Toxicology / Case Reports (PubMed), Rhabdomyolysis and severe sympathomimetic toxicity following a high (~6 mg) Melanotan II dose
- 5.International Journal of Impotence Research (PubMed), Melanocortin (MC4R) agonism and erectile / sexual-arousal effects of Melanotan II
- 6.U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Consumer warning: Melanotan II is an unapproved drug; concerns over mole changes and melanoma risk
Supplies Needed
Suggested supplier
Research use only. Listing a supplier is not an endorsement of any protocol on this site, and nothing sold there is approved for human use.
Related protocols
View allLarazotide 5mg
An oral, gut-restricted octapeptide tight-junction regulator researched for paracellular barrier permeability and celiac disease models.
View ProtocolGDF-8 / Myostatin 1mg
Laboratory reference ligand that functions as an endogenous negative regulator of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and tissue growth.
View ProtocolOrforglipron 6mg
An oral, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist studied for daily metabolic regulation and body-weight management without injection.
View Protocol