What is the half-life of Melanotan II?

Melanotan II has a half-life of ~1-2 hours, which is why it's typically administered Once daily during loading, then 1-2 times per week for maintenance for optimal therapeutic effect.

How do I reconstitute Melanotan II?

Add bacteriostatic water to the peptide vial slowly down the side. Typical reconstitution uses 2-3ml of water for a 5mg vial. Gently swirl, do not shake.

Healing & Recovery

Preclinical

Melanotan II

Also known as: MT-2, MT-II, Barbie Drug

Overview

Key Facts

Primary Goal: A cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-MSH that non-selectively activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R)

A cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-MSH that non-selectively activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R). It produces skin tanning, appetite suppression, and notably strong pro-erectile and pro-sexual effects via MC3R/MC4R activation. While widely used in the cosmetic and bodybuilding communities for tanning, its cross-reactivity makes it a dual cosmetic/sexual-health peptide. Half-Life ~1-2 hours Typical Dose 250–500 mcg Frequency Once daily during loading, then 1-2 times per week for maintenance Cycle Length 7-14 day loading phase, then maintenance indefinitely or as needed

Dosing Information

Half-Life

~1-2 hours

Typical Dose

250–500 mcg

Frequency

Once daily during loading, then 1-2 times per week for maintenance

Cycle Length

7-14 day loading phase, then maintenance indefinitely or as needed

Administration Routes:

subcutaneous

Storage & Reconstitution

Unreconstituted (Powder)

Temperature2–8°C (36–46°F)

DurationUp to 3 months

Reconstituted (Mixed)

Temperature2–8°C (36–46°F)

Duration2-4 weeks

Research Summary

Preclinical

Developed at the University of Arizona in the 1990s, Melanotan II was initially researched for tanning and later for sexual dysfunction. Its pro-erectile effects led to the development of bremelanotide (PT-141), which received FDA approval. MT-II itself remains unregulated and is widely available through research chemical suppliers. Safety concerns center around mole changes and potential melanoma promotion, though no causal link has been established. Regulatory agencies in Australia and Europe have issued warnings about unregulated use.