Melanotan-2: Tanning / Libido research guide

Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH (Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂, MW 1024.18 Da) that non-selectively activates the MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R melanocortin receptors. It is supplied as a lyophilised research-grade powder for laboratory use only — it is not approved for human use.

In research models MT-2 activates MC1R to stimulate eumelanin synthesis (the pathway behind UV-independent pigmentation), and activates MC4R in the hypothalamus, which is associated with appetite suppression and arousal signalling. These are findings in animal/research models; New-U makes no human-use or cosmetic claims and supplies MT-2 for research use only.

Because MT-2 stimulates melanocyte MC1R directly, melanogenesis can be triggered in research models with little or no UV exposure — unlike a normal tan that requires sunlight. Published observations note that UV exposure still substantially accelerates and deepens the studied pigmentation response. This is research context only, not a cosmetic or human-use recommendation.

There is no credible scientific evidence that MT-2 changes iris (eye) colour. The melanocytes it acts on are in the skin and hair; the documented pigmentation effects are darker skin and darkening of existing moles/freckles, not eye colour. Reported for research context only.

Lyophilised MT-2 is dissolved in bacteriostatic water for multi-use research vials. Concentration in mg/mL equals the vial mass in mg divided by the millilitres of diluent added — e.g. a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL gives 10 mg/mL. Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 1–6 °C and protected from light. This is laboratory preparation math only; no human-use dosing guidance is provided.

Melanotan-1 (afamelanotide) is a linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analog that is more selective for MC1R and is EMA/FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria. Melanotan-2 is a smaller cyclic heptapeptide that activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R non-selectively, producing broader effects and more side effects.

Those effects come from non-selective activation of MC4R and MC5R in the brain and exocrine glands. MC4R activation in hypothalamic nuclei drives both appetite suppression and nausea, while MC5R stimulates sebaceous secretion and vasomotor responses that show up as facial flushing.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is essentially an active metabolite of Melanotan-2 with a free carboxylic acid instead of an amide at the C-terminus. It is more selective for MC4R-mediated sexual arousal pathways and is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for generalised HSDD in premenopausal women.

Keep lyophilised powder at −20 °C in the freezer. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 1-6 °C and protect from light. Reconstituted solutions are generally stable for several weeks under those conditions.

The research literature typically describes a low-microgram subcutaneous "loading" phase followed by smaller intermittent "maintenance" amounts, with melanogenesis driving the studied pigmentation response. New-U publishes this only as descriptive research context - it is not a dosing instruction, and Melanotan-2 is supplied strictly for laboratory research, not human use.

In pigmentation research, MC1R activation increases eumelanin synthesis, so studied endpoints describe a gradual darkening over roughly 1-4 weeks of repeated exposure that fades once dosing stops. Magnitude depends heavily on baseline skin type, amount and UV exposure. Reported for research context only - not a cosmetic or human-use claim.

The literature most commonly reports nausea, facial flushing, appetite suppression and darkening of existing moles/freckles, arising from non-selective MC3R/MC4R/MC5R activation. New-U supplies Melanotan-2 as a research compound only and makes no safety or human-use claims; these are summarised research findings, not medical advice.

Melanotan-2 is not approved by the FDA, EMA or any major regulator for human use - only the related, more selective afamelanotide (Melanotan-1 / Scenesse) and bremelanotide (PT-141 / Vyleesi) hold approvals for specific indications. Melanotan-2 is sold in the US strictly as a research compound, labelled research use only and not for human consumption; buyers are responsible for compliance in their jurisdiction.

No, and no. This article is educational only. We do not provide dosing, medical recommendations, or health claims. Our products are sold strictly for laboratory research, not for personal use of any kind.

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