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Peptide Library / Skin & Hair / Sexual Health

Melanotan II

Cyclic α-MSH analog

Melanotan II Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

Melanotan II is a cyclic, non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. Through MC1R it drives tanning, and through MC4R it produces central sexual-arousal and appetite-suppressing effects — a dual profile that distinguishes it from the MC1R-selective Melanotan I.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL
Literature Range
250–500 mcg per administration
Measuring Reference
At 5 mg/mL: 250 mcg = 0.05 mL = 5 units
Frequency
Daily (loading) → 2–3×/week
Route (studies)
Subcutaneous
Target
Non-selective MC

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
1024.2 Da
Sequence
Ac-Nle-cyclo(Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-NH2
Sequence Length
31
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Melanocortin agonist
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
Full Precision Calculator →
Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.050 mL
Syringe Units
5.0 U
Doses / Vial
40

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Start low — nausea and flushing are common in the first doses.

Frequency: Daily then 2–3×/week

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 8-week protocol at approximately 250 mcg per day.

Peptide (10 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 250 mcg/day × 56 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model non-selective melanocortin (MC1R + MC4R) effects.
Schedule
Daily loading, then maintenance.
Dose Range
250–500 mcg/dose.

Dosing Protocol

Loading
250 mcg daily, titrate up slowly
Maintenance
250–500 mcg 2–3×/week
Frequency
Daily loading then 2–3×/week
Cycle Length
Until target, then maintain
Timing
Evening (nausea is common early)
Route
Subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Start low to manage nausea.
  • Monitor moles/freckles for darkening or change.

How This Works

Melanotan II activates multiple melanocortin receptors. MC1R activation stimulates eumelanin production (tanning), while MC4R activation in the brain increases sexual arousal and reduces appetite. Its non-selectivity gives a broad effect profile but also more side effects (nausea, flushing, spontaneous erections) than the selective MT-I.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Rapid UV-independent tanning (potent)
  • MC4R-mediated increase in libido/arousal
  • Mild appetite suppression
  • Lower total dose needed than MT-I for pigmentation
Possible considerations
  • Nausea and flushing (common, especially early)
  • Spontaneous erections (MC4R)
  • Darkening of moles/freckles
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Monitor pigmented lesions

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
    Habbema L. et al. Melanotan II safety and tanning.
    View Source