
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide of 7 amino acids synthesised as an alpha-MSH analogue, studied in pigment and appetite research for its role in non-selective MC1R-MC5R melanocortin receptor activation.
A melanocortin receptor agonist studied for its effects on melanogenesis, sexual function, and appetite regulation through MC1R–MC4R pathway activation.
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- Availability
- Ships within 1 business day
- Storage
- Store 2–8 °C. Reconstitute before use.
- Ships from
- European fulfilment centre, cold-chain express
Lab proof, by batch
- Tested independently, by batch
- Certificate of analysis available
- Purity and identity on record
Melanogenesis & Pigment Research.
Melanotan II (CAS 121062-08-6) is a cyclic lactam analogue of alpha-MSH that non-selectively activates MC1R through MC4R receptors. Research has examined its effects on melanin production, libido, and appetite suppression. Formula C50H69N15O9, MW 1024.18 g/mol. Use under clinical guidance only.
- — King et al. — Melanotan-II effects on sexual arousal in human trials
- — Hadley & Dorr — MC1R agonism and melanin synthesis pathways
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before use.
- 5 mg lyophilised powder per vial
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water before use
- Store lyophilised at 2–8 °C, keep from light
- Once reconstituted, refrigerate and use within 30 days
- One 5 mg lyophilised Melanotan II vial
- Tamper-evident cap with batch-coded label
- Storage and clinician-consultation card
What the research reports about this molecule.
Classic parameters from peer-reviewed literature. Not human dosing guidance — read alongside the PubMed references on /learn.
- Sequence
- Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide (7 amino acids)
- Molecular weight
- 1024 Da
- Mechanism
- Non-selective MC1R-MC5R melanocortin receptor agonist
- Research domain
- Pigment and appetite research
- Reconstitution
- Bacteriostatic water, USP
- Storage
- Long-term -20°C lyophilised; -80°C for >12 months; reconstituted 2-8°C, ≤4 weeks
Simple, deliberate steps — not a protocol.
These are practical handling notes. Dosing decisions stay between you and your clinician.
- 1
Reconstitute with 2 mL bacteriostatic water — swirl gently
- 2
Administer subcutaneously as directed by your clinician
- 3
Refrigerate reconstituted vial; use within 30 days
How-to-use guide
Read the research protocol
Concise reconstitution, dosing, and handling instructions.
Each release is matched with quality documentation through a documented verification path. Identity, purity, and composition test results sit on the product page before you buy.
Every batch is verified by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory before release. Identity, purity, and documentation travel with the product — not behind a form.
Sensitive peptides ship in insulated insulated cold packaging with gel packs sized for a 48-hour transit window, tracked door to door.
Everything worth asking before you order.
Shipping, storage, quality, and when to speak to a clinician — without the runaround.
What proof of quality comes with my order?
Every batch ships with a batch code printed on the vial. The matching independent lab report — identity, purity, and composition — independently lab-tested results — is linked on the product page and also available from your order page after purchase.
Should I speak to a clinician before using a peptide?
We recommend it — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, managing a medical condition, or combining peptides with prescribed medication. Our product pages are educational. They are not medical advice and they do not replace a conversation with a qualified practitioner.
When will my order ship and arrive?
Orders placed before 14:00 CET Monday–Friday ship the same business day from our European fulfilment centre in The Hague, Netherlands. Standard tracked EU delivery arrives in 2–4 business days; express options are available at checkout.
What does "research only" actually mean on a peptide label?
Research-only means the compound has not been approved by the EMA or any national medicines authority for medical use, and is sold solely for in-vitro and laboratory research. It is not a supplement, a cosmetic, or a medicine, and it carries no claims for human consumption.
Why is Melanotan II considered high-risk?
Melanotan II is not approved by the EMA, FDA, MHRA, or TGA, and regulators have issued consumer warnings citing unregulated supply chains and changes to existing moles. Case reports have described new or rapidly evolving naevi and isolated melanoma cases temporally linked to use, though causation is not established.
Are peptides safe long-term?
Honestly: it depends on the molecule. EMA-approved peptide drugs (semaglutide, tirzepatide, tesamorelin, thymalfasin in some jurisdictions) have multi-year safety datasets. Unapproved research peptides — BPC-157, TB-500, Melanotan II, Epithalon — have limited or no long-term human data.
What's the difference between a prescription peptide and a research peptide?
A prescription peptide (e.g. Wegovy, Mounjaro, Vyleesi, Zadaxin in the relevant jurisdictions) has been through EMA or national-authority review, carries an authorised indication, and is dispensed by a pharmacy against a script. A research peptide is a reference-grade compound sold for laboratory use only.
How do I reconstitute a lyophilised peptide vial?
Bring both the lyophilised vial and the bacteriostatic water to room temperature, equalise pressure with a sterile vented needle, then inject the solvent slowly down the side of the vial. Swirl gently — never shake — until clear, and refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to my peptide vial?
The calculation is peptide mass (mg) ÷ desired concentration (mg/mL) = volume of bacteriostatic water in mL. For example, a 5 mg vial at 1 mg/mL needs 5 mL; at 2 mg/mL, 2.5 mL. Every Peptyds product page carries a suggested reconstitution volume tuned to the vial size.
How long does a reconstituted peptide stay stable in the fridge?
Most lyophilised peptides reconstituted with bacteriostatic water remain stable for 28–30 days at 2–8 °C, protected from light. A handful of short, fragile sequences — Epithalon among them — drop to roughly 14 days. Never freeze a reconstituted vial.
What side effects are most commonly reported across peptide research?
Across published trials and case series, the most frequent reported events are injection-site reactions (redness, induration, transient discomfort), headache, mild nausea, and temporary fatigue. GLP-1 and dual-agonist class peptides add dose-dependent gastrointestinal effects.
Who should not use peptides?
Peptides are not appropriate for anyone who is pregnant, nursing, planning conception, under 18, managing active cancer, or on immunosuppressants — and competitive athletes governed by WADA must avoid every peptide on the prohibited list. Anyone with a personal or family history of melanoma should specifically avoid melanocortin-receptor agonists.