Dossier overview
4
research areas
3
references
3
handling notes
01
Mechanism of action
Melanotan-2 activates multiple melanocortin , with significant activity at MC3R and MC4R alongside the MC1R pigmentation pathway. The broader MC4R activity is implicated in the central effects (sexual response, appetite suppression) seen alongside skin pigmentation in research models.
02
Research applications
- Melanocortin pharmacology
- Central nervous system MC4R signalling research
- Animal models of sexual response and appetite
- Dermatology adverse-event surveillance literature
Evidence at a glance
What's behind this profile
3 citations · 2005–2023
- Human
- 1
- Animal
- 2
Studies in human volunteers or patients (incl. early-phase trials).
Studies in rodents or other animal models.
Publication years
- 05
- 06
- 07
- 08
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 1 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.
03
Study references
Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.
The use of telemetry technology to test the proerectile effect of melanotan-II (MT-II) in conscious rats
2005
Giuliano F et al. · European Urology
- Model
- In vivo — telemetry-monitored conscious rats
- Sample
- Not reported in abstract
Reported significantly increased erectile activity in conscious rats receiving Melanotan-II versus saline controls.
Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II
2014
Hjuler KF et al. · Dermatology
- Model
- Single-patient case report
- Sample
- n=1
A 20-year-old woman developed melanoma following self-injection of melanotan-II combined with tanning bed exposure — one of several adverse-event case reports in the dermatology literature.
Melanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term high-fat diet
2023
Wekwejt P et al. · Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
- Model
- In vivo — zebrafish model of diet-induced memory impairment
- Sample
- Not reported in abstract
Reported that Melanotan-II reversed high-fat-diet-induced memory and behavioural impairment in the zebrafish model used.
Evidence caveats
- Melanotan-2 is not approved for human use in any jurisdiction. Dermatology literature documents multiple adverse-event case reports including melanoma association, dysplastic nevi, and nausea/vomiting in unregulated human use.
- Product purity and identity are not assured for material sold through unregulated channels. Research-only context is the appropriate frame.
04
Storage and handling
Store under controlled laboratory conditions with batch and preparation details recorded.
- Research-only inventory; not for human use.
- Maintain batch traceability and avoid repeated cycles where not protocol-supported.
- The compound is sold widely through unregulated channels; product , identity, and dose are not assured outside research-grade suppliers.