Melanotan II: How It Works, What It's Studied For & Safety
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), studied for pigmentation effects via melanocortin receptors and historically the parent of bremelanotide (PT-141). Clinicians consider it for pigmentation research (precursor to FDA-approved afamelanotide / Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria). Not FDA-approved; dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network only after a clinician evaluation.
Also known as: MT-II, Afamelanotide analog
How does Melanotan II work?
Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. Activity at MC1R drives eumelanin synthesis in cutaneous melanocytes; activity at MC4R is the same pathway PT-141 (bremelanotide) targets for central sexual-desire signaling.
What is Melanotan II studied for?
- Pigmentation research (precursor to FDA-approved afamelanotide / Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria)
- Historical context for the development of PT-141
How is Melanotan II taken?
Compounded as a subcutaneous injection. The related FDA-approved analog Scenesse (afamelanotide) is administered as a long-acting subcutaneous implant by a clinician.
Is Melanotan II FDA-approved? Is it safe?
Not FDA-approved for the prevention, treatment, or cure of any condition. Used inside research-informed, clinician-directed protocols only. Not the same molecule as the FDA-approved Scenesse. Reported research effects include nausea, facial flushing, and increased moles or new pigmented lesions - making clinician dermatologic surveillance important. Compounded prescription-only preparations are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network. Eligibility is decided by a licensed clinician based on intake and labs, not by checkout. Compounded products on this site are not FDA-approved and are not generic equivalents of any branded medication.
In the Regen Therapy catalog
The protocols below are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network and contain Melanotan II. Each one is prescribed only after a clinician evaluation.
What does the research say about Melanotan II?
Limited modern clinical work; superseded for legitimate clinical indications by afamelanotide.
Citations & further reading
Considering Melanotan II as part of a protocol?
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