Sequence, molecular data, research status and testing standards for Melanotan II, written for Canadian researchers.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic peptide modelled on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the natural hormone that controls skin pigment. It was first developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s and acts on several melanocortin receptors.
Melanotan II was studied in early research on skin pigmentation and on the melanocortin system. It acts on more than one melanocortin receptor, which is why it is compared to Melanotan I (which is more selective) and to bremelanotide (PT-141), a related compound derived from it.
What it is: An unapproved lab-made tanning molecule.
The plain-English story: The unapproved cousin, sold online as a 'tanning shot'. It switches on skin darkening but also acts on other parts of the body, which is part of the problem. Studies from the 1990s left many safety questions, and Canada has warned people not to use it.
What it does in the body: It switches on skin darkening, and it also acts on other parts of the body.
What researchers are looking at: Early studies in the 1990s. Many safety questions remain.
What you may hear online: Videos often call it a 'tanning shot'.
The straight story: It is not approved for anything, and Health Canada has warned Canadians not to use it.
The catch (where it stands in Canada): Not approved for anything. Canada has warned people not to use it.
Educational information only. Not medical advice, and not a claim that this peptide is safe or effective for any use.
Peptide Authority summarizes published research for educational purposes only. Nothing here is medical advice or a claim that Melanotan II is safe or effective for any use.
| Type | Status in Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Melanotan I | Linear alpha-MSH analogue | Not authorized in Canada |
| Melanotan II | Cyclic melanocortin agonist | Not authorized; Health Canada warnings |
| Bremelanotide (PT-141) | Cyclic melanocortin agonist | Authorized in the US; check Canada |
See the Melanotan I and Bremelanotide entries in the A-Z list.
Melanotan II is not authorized by Health Canada, and Health Canada has issued public warnings about unauthorized melanotan products sold online. It cannot legally be sold for human use in Canada. This is general information, not legal advice. Read how peptides are regulated in Canada.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic peptide modelled on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the natural hormone that controls skin pigment. It was first developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s and acts on several melanocortin receptors. It is also known as MT-II, MT2.
Melanotan II is not authorized by Health Canada, and Health Canada has issued public warnings about unauthorized melanotan products sold online. It cannot legally be sold for human use in Canada. This is general information, not legal advice.
It is not authorized in Canada and Health Canada has warned about products sold online. Speak with a licensed healthcare professional about skin concerns.
Melanotan I is a longer, more receptor-selective analogue of alpha-MSH. Melanotan II is a smaller cyclic peptide that acts on several melanocortin receptors. Bremelanotide (PT-141) is a related compound derived from Melanotan II.
29 + 5 amino acids · 3367.9 / 711.9 g/mol
29 amino acids (modified) · 3647.2 g/mol
This profile is for information only and is not medical advice. This profile is educational only and is not medical advice. See our full disclaimer.