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Research summary

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Melanotan II (MT-2)

Clinical10 studies

Melanotan II is a cyclic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied for its activity across melanocortin receptors and its effects on pigmentation and neuroendocrine signaling.

Being studied for

  • Melanocortin receptor signaling (MC1R, MC4R)
  • Pigmentation and melanogenesis pathways
  • Neuroendocrine and appetite-related signaling

Published Research

Evidence profile

Human Phase 1 evidence

10 cited publications · 1 primary trial

Findings below belong to the studies that reported them. They describe the material and conditions those authors used, not this product, and not an outcome to expect.

Core evidence

The publications most central to understanding this compound.

ReviewReview

Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review

Habbema L et al. · International journal of dermatology · 2017

A review of the risks reported with unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues, drawing together the adverse events described in the published literature.

Context: A review of reported harms. It does not quantify how often they occur.

PMID 28266027DOI 10.1111/ijd.13585View on PubMed

Supporting evidence

ClinicalPrimary trial · Phase 1

Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study

Dorr RT et al. · Life sciences · 1996

The study reportedThe recommended single MT-II dose for future Phase I studies is 0. 025 mg/kg/day.

PMID 8637402DOI 10.1016/0024-3205(96)00160-9View on PubMed

Safety literature

Reports of adverse events and individual cases. A case report describes what happened to one person; it cannot establish cause, and it cannot establish how often anything occurs.

ReviewCase report with literature review

Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report

Peters B et al. · CEN case reports · 2020

A report of renal infarction following melanotan II use, alongside a review of previously published cases.

Context: Case-level evidence. Frequency cannot be inferred from it.

PMID 31953620DOI 10.1007/s13730-020-00447-zView on PubMed
PreclinicalCase report

Melanotan-associated melanoma

Paurobally D et al. · The British journal of dermatology · 2011

A report of melanoma occurring in a person who had used melanotan.

Context: A single case report. It describes one occurrence and cannot establish that the compound caused it, nor any rate of risk.

PMID 21564053DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10273.xView on PubMed
PreclinicalCase report

Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma?

Yassin Alsabbagh A et al. · International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery · 2025

The study reportedThe clinical presentation and initial management of the patient, along with a literature review on the potential association between Melanotan use and the development of malignant melanoma, is provided. This report highlights the need for awareness of the possible serious side effects associated with Melanotan II nasal spray.

PMID 40210573DOI 10.1016/j.ijom.2025.03.014View on PubMed
Additional indexed literature (5)

Published studies summarised here concern the specific investigational or pharmaceutical materials and study conditions described by their authors. Their findings are not performance claims for Cobalt Peptides material. Citations verified against PubMed on 2026-08-09.

Melanotan II is an experimental melanocortin analogue studied in pigmentation and neuroendocrine research. It is not approved for medical or cosmetic use and is presented solely for scientific research purposes.

Notice

All information on this page is provided strictly for laboratory research and educational purposes only.