Synthetic analog · 7 amino acids · 1,024.2 Da

Melanotan II studies and research data

PepBank has 324 Melanotan 2 studies with results. 272 of them gave Melanotan 2, with 914 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 914 results and 393 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

5% of 914 results

Results in animals

773

85% of 914 results

Results in lab cells

11% of 914 results

From computer models

0% of 914 results

The molecule

Melanotan 2 identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

Melanotan II is the synthetic cyclic heptapeptide Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2, a lactam-bridged analog of alpha-MSH(4-10). Cell assays show agonist activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. A pilot phase 1 study was published in 1996, and a phase 2 vitiligo study (NCT07437560) is recruiting. It has no FDA or EMA approval.

Kind: Synthetic analog · 7 residues
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL430239 (opens in a new tab)PubChem CID92432 (opens in a new tab)UNIIUPF5CJ93X7 (opens in a new tab)CAS121062-08-6IUPHAR1323 (opens in a new tab)
Parent: Analog of Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) · residues 141-147PubChem synonym 'Acetyl-(Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys10)-cyclo-alpha-MSH (4-10) amide'; MeSH C079282 scope note: 'an analog of alpha-melanotropin (4,10)'. alpha-MSH = POMC 138-150 (UniProt P01189).
Development: Phase 2No developer holds an approval. Trial sponsor: Hudson Biotech (NCT07437560).Pilot phase 1 study: Dorr et al. 1996 (PMID 8637402). Phase 2 study in stable non-segmental vitiligo with NB-UVB, sponsor Hudson Biotech (industry), Shenzhen, China, recruiting, started 2026-02-02, 60 planned, estimated completion 2028-02-17 (NCT07437560). No company holds an approval. ChEMBL lists the compound under the misspelt name 'MELATONAN' with no max_phase. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

Molecular targets with action and evidence source
Target	Action	Evidence
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptorMC1RQ01726 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	primary literatureSource (opens in a new tab)
Melanocortin receptor 3MC3RP41968 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	primary literatureSource (opens in a new tab)
Melanocortin receptor 4MC4RP32245 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	primary literatureSource (opens in a new tab)
Melanocortin receptor 5MC5RP33032 (opens in a new tab)	Agonist	primary literatureSource (opens in a new tab)

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

7 amino acids · 5 modifications

HRWK

Alignment to Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)

Calculated from the two sequences. Curated notes are shown as given.

3 of 7 aligned residues identical (43%) · 2 substitutions · 2 non-canonical residues · Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) 4–10

Top row: Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) (parent)
Bottom row: Melanotan II

HRW

Same as parent
Substituted
Non-canonical or D-form
Added
Gap
Modified side chain or end
Parent context

Differences from the parent

1Parent 4 · analog 1Met → Nle · Non-canonical residuealpha-MSH numbering. N-terminal acetyl group on norleucine 1. L-norleucine (2-aminohexanoic acid); written X in the sequence. Takes the place of Met4 of alpha-MSH.
2Parent 5 · analog 2Glu → Asp · SubstitutionAsp side chain forms the lactam. Side-chain lactam (amide) between the Asp2 beta-carboxyl and the Lys7 epsilon-amino group; GSRS name '(2->7)-lactam'. Residues 2-7 form the ring.
3Parent 7 · analog 4Phe → D-Phe · D-amino acidD configuration. D-phenylalanine (alpha-MSH position 7). Written F in the one-letter sequence; the D configuration is recorded here.
4Parent 10 · analog 7Gly → Lys · SubstitutionLys side chain forms the lactam. C-terminal carboxamide (L-lysinamide).

Basis: PubChem synonym 'Acetyl-(Nle4,Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys10)-cyclo-alpha-MSH (4-10) amide'; MeSH C079282 scope note: 'an analog of alpha-melanotropin (4,10)'. alpha-MSH = POMC 138-150 (UniProt P01189).

Calculated from the two sequences with @pepdb/chem alignToParent (ungapped unless a gap scores higher). The record’s curated notes are shown as given.

Properties

From identity sources

Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
Molecular weight: 1,024.2 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass: 1,023.5403 Da

GSRS UNII UPF5CJ93X7(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-08
PubChem CID 92432(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-08
ChEMBL CHEMBL430239(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-08

Calculated from the sequence

pKa set

Some values cannot be calculated. The sequence has a non-canonical residue (X). Residue tables cover only the 20 standard amino acids.

Average mass: Not calculated
Monoisotopic mass: Not calculated
Isoelectric point (pI): Not calculated
Net charge at pH 7.4: Not calculated
GRAVY (hydropathy): Not calculated
Extinction coefficient, 280 nm (Cys reduced): 5,500 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹; 5500 x Trp + 1490 x Tyr · Pace et al. 1995 (ExPASy ProtParam)
Instability index: Not calculated
Aliphatic index: Not calculated
Boman index: Not calculated
Hydrophobic moment (μH): Not calculated

1 non-canonical residue (X) is not included in calculated values.
Not included: cyclization. Mass, charge and pI are not calculated; use the identity-source values.
D-amino acids have the same mass and charge as L forms. Hydrophobicity scales were measured on L forms.
Defined and validated for proteins; use with care for short peptides.
Assumes an ideal alpha helix. Many short peptides are not helical.

@pepdb/chem 0.2.0 · EMBOSS pKa set · ExPASy residue masses

Net charge by pH

No charge curve

The sequence has a non-canonical residue (X). Residue tables cover only the 20 standard amino acids.

Composition

Aromatic29% (2)F W
Positive43% (3)H K R
Negative14% (1)D
Non-canonical14% (1)X

7 residues. Each residue counts in one class; F and W count as aromatic.

A Ala0 · 0%

I Ile0 · 0%

L Leu0 · 0%

M Met0 · 0%

V Val0 · 0%

F Phe1 · 14%

W Trp1 · 14%

Y Tyr0 · 0%

H His1 · 14%

K Lys1 · 14%

R Arg1 · 14%

D Asp1 · 14%

E Glu0 · 0%

N Asn0 · 0%

Q Gln0 · 0%

S Ser0 · 0%

T Thr0 · 0%

C Cys0 · 0%

G Gly0 · 0%

P Pro0 · 0%

X Xaa1 · 14%

3D structure

PredictedAlphaFold DB · P01189

Loads the 3D viewer (3Dmol.js, about 150 KB) and the model file from AlphaFold DB (EMBL-EBI).

2D structure

Draws the structure in your browser with RDKit (about 2.3 MB, loaded once).

SMILES fromPubChem CID 92432(opens in a new tab)

CCCC[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@H]1CC(=O)NCCCC[C@H](NC(=O)[C@@H](NC(=O)[C@@H](NC(=O)[C@H](NC(=O)[C@@H](NC1=O)CC2=CN=CN2)CC3=CC=CC=C3)CCCN=C(N)N)CC4=CNC5=CC=CC=C54)C(=O)N)NC(=O)C

Results by area

Melanotan 2 results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

324 of 393 studies have results (82%), published 1992 to 2026. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about Melanotan II, by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies393 in all, 1992 to 2026

Studies with results324 in all, 1992 to 2026

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Melanotan 2 studies on side effects

30 results · people 25 · animals 5 · lab 0

Top 5 of 30 results

In men with erectile dysfunction, yawning was often reported as a side effect of Melanotan II.International journal of impotence research, 2000
In men with erectile dysfunction, nausea was often reported as a side effect of Melanotan II.International journal of impotence research, 2000
A man who injected 6 mg of melanotan II had a fast heart rate, up to 146 beats per minute.Clinical toxicology, 2012
A man who injected melanotan II had signs of kidney problems that improved by the time he left intensive care.Clinical toxicology, 2012
In healthy men, Melanotan II at 0.03 mg/kg caused moderate sleepiness and tiredness in one of two men.Life sciences, 1996

Melanotan 2 studies on sexual and women's health

37 results · people 10 · animals 26 · lab 1

Top 3 of 37 results

In men with erectile dysfunction, Melanotan II led to an erection in 17 of 20 men without sexual stimulation.International journal of impotence research, 2000
In men with erectile dysfunction of no known organic cause, 8 of 10 men treated with Melanotan II had clear erections.The Journal of urology, 1998
In men with erectile dysfunction, Melanotan II led to reported erections after 12 of 19 injections, compared with 1 of 21 placebo doses.Urology, 2000

Melanotan 2 studies on skin, hair and wounds

8 results · people 7 · animals 1 · lab 0

Top 4 of 8 results

In healthy men, two of three had darker skin on the face, upper body and buttock a week after Melanotan II dosing ended.Life sciences, 1996
In one man who injected melanotan II, moles changed in a way that made them hard to tell apart from skin cancer.Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 2012
A woman who used melanotan II had very dark skin all over when examined.Dermatology, 2014
In one patient who injected Melanotan II, brown patches appeared on the gums.Life, 2026

Melanotan 2 studies on weight and appetite

311 results · people 1 · animals 306 · lab 4

Top 5 of 311 results

In men with erectile dysfunction, short-lived loss of appetite happened more often after Melanotan II than after placebo. None needed treatment.The Journal of urology, 1998
In rats, melanotan II reduced weight gain compared with pair-fed and saline-treated rats.Physiology & behavior, 2003
In rats, MTII given into the brain caused a learned dislike of taste, which leptin did not.The American journal of physiology, 1998
In rats, MT-II lowered body fat by half compared with pair-fed rats.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 2003
In rats, MTII injected into the amygdala reduced alcohol intake.Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 2011

Melanotan 2 studies on receptors and cell signals

160 results · people 0 · animals 83 · lab 77

Top 5 of 160 results

In mice, melanotan II depolarized some of the cells that carry the MC4 receptor.The Journal of neuroscience, 2003
In hamsters, melanotan II given into the brain increased nerve activity to some fat tissues.Endocrinology, 2007
In rats, melanotan II raised cAMP, a cell signalling molecule, in the PVN brain area.Experimental physiology, 2013
In rats, MTII injected into the brain quickly increased CRH gene transcription in the paraventricular nucleus.The Journal of neuroscience, 2003
In rats, a receptor blocker given into the brain fully stopped the erections caused by MT-II in the brain.Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2003

Melanotan 2 studies on metabolism and nutrition

64 results · people 0 · animals 64 · lab 0

Top 5 of 64 results

In mice, Melanotan II injection raised the temperature of brown fat, a sign of higher sympathetic nerve activity.The Journal of neuroscience, 2011
In rats, melanotan II in a brain area increased heat given off by a leg muscle.The Journal of physiology, 2016
In rats, MTII injected into the fourth brain ventricle raised body temperature.American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 2005
In mice, Melanotan II given into the brain raised a muscle energy-signaling marker, regardless of how much the mice ate.Cell metabolism, 2007
In mice without mast cells, MTII did not cause the drop in body temperature.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2018

Melanotan 2 studies on brain and nerves

50 results · people 0 · animals 50 · lab 0

Top 5 of 50 results

In mice with one working copy of the Sim1 gene, Melanotan II did not switch on brain cells that it activated in normal mice.Molecular endocrinology, 2006
In rats, Melanotan II given into a vein caused grooming behavior.European journal of pharmacology, 1999
In mice with Alzheimer-like disease, the melanocortin agonist D-Tyr MTII, given into the brain, lowered amyloid-beta build-up.Scientific reports, 2021
In rats, melanotan II raised nerve activity to brown fat in a dose-dependent way.Hypertension, 1999
In female rats, MT II raised a dopamine breakdown marker in a brain reward area, as CART peptide did.Journal of neurochemistry, 2005

Melanotan 2 studies on mood, stress and behavior

48 results · people 0 · animals 48 · lab 0

Top 5 of 48 results

In female prairie voles, melanotan II given early in life protected against the effect of early isolation on bonding with a partner.Translational psychiatry, 2015
In mice, Melanotan II given into the brain reduced alcohol drinking.Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research, 2011
In mice that prefer alcohol, MTII given into the brain reduced the amount of ethanol they drank.Neuropeptides, 2003
In prairie voles, young males given melanotan II after birth started fewer play fights than control males.Neuropharmacology, 2014
In hamsters, melanotan II increased grooming in both long and short daylength.American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 2003

Melanotan 2 studies on heart and blood vessels

46 results · people 0 · animals 45 · lab 1

Top 5 of 46 results

In rats, MTII infused into the brain raised blood pressure even though the animals ate less.Hypertension, 2003
In rats, MTII injected into the fourth brain ventricle raised heart rate.American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 2005
In atherosclerotic mice, melanotan II improved how well the aorta relaxed.Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 2014
In atherosclerotic mice, melanotan II did not shrink artery plaques.Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 2014
In lab tests, MTII did not reduce new blood vessel growth in human vein cells that was driven by exosomes from retinal cells.Cell cycle, 2019

Melanotan 2 studies on blood sugar

35 results · people 0 · animals 35 · lab 0

Top 5 of 35 results

In obese rats, MTII infused into the brain cut insulin levels by about half.Hypertension, 2006
In rats with diabetes, melanotan II given into the brain did not correct the hormone and metabolic problems that leptin corrects.Endocrinology, 2014
In obese mice, 8 days of MTII injections greatly lowered insulin levels.Diabetes, 2002
In diabetic mice, MTII infused into a brain region restored the body's response to low blood sugar.Molecular metabolism, 2019
In mice, MT-II injected into the brain increased glucose uptake in skeletal muscle.Diabetes, 2009

Melanotan 2 studies on immune system and inflammation

33 results · people 0 · animals 24 · lab 9

Top 5 of 33 results

In mice with experimental gout, MTII treatment reduced the build-up of the inflammatory signal KC.Journal of leukocyte biology, 2001
In mice with Alzheimer-like disease, the melanocortin agonist D-Tyr MTII lowered brain inflammation, mostly in the hippocampus.Scientific reports, 2021
In mice, MTII reduced the movement of immune cells, and this seemed linked to the protein HO-1.Journal of immunology, 2005
In atherosclerotic mice, melanotan II reduced a scan marker of inflammation in artery plaques.Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 2014
In mice with eye inflammation, MTII did not reduce the disease.Experimental eye research, 2022

Melanotan 2 studies on sex hormones and fertility

16 results · people 0 · animals 16 · lab 0

Top 5 of 16 results

In ewes, MTII infused into the brain increased LH secretion during the luteal phase.Endocrinology, 2009
In rats, MT-II did not undo the drop in reproductive hormone activity that NPY caused.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 2003
In animals, melanotan II had no effect on the reproductive hormone system.American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 2000
In female rats, MT II restored the surge of the hormone prolactin.Brain research bulletin, 2001
In animals, MTII turned on the activity marker FOS in TAC2 nerve cells.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2013

Melanotan 2 studies on cholesterol and blood fats

12 results · people 0 · animals 12 · lab 0

Top 4 of 12 results

In rats, melanotan II did not change blood free fatty acids compared with controls, while pair-feeding raised them.Physiology & behavior, 2003
In atherosclerotic mice, melanotan II did not change blood cholesterol.Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology, 2014
In hamsters, melanotan II raised blood levels of fat breakdown products.Endocrinology, 2007
In rats, MTII lowered the rise in blood fatty acids that food restriction caused.Endocrinology, 2002

Melanotan 2 studies on hormones

10 results · people 0 · animals 10 · lab 0

Top 5 of 10 results

In obese mice, 8 days of MTII injections greatly lowered leptin levels.Diabetes, 2002
In rats, MTII injected into the brain raised blood corticosterone, with the largest rise 30 minutes after injection.The Journal of neuroscience, 2003
In mice under stress, Melanotan II given into the brain raised the stress hormone response more than stress alone.Rossiiskii fiziologicheskii zhurnal imeni I.M. Sechenova, 2015
In mice, MTII injections changed free fatty acid levels depending on the dose.Diabetes, 2002
In rats, MT-II reduced the rise in insulin that NPY alone caused.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 2003

Melanotan 2 studies on cells, genes and aging

10 results · people 0 · animals 9 · lab 1

Top 5 of 10 results

In rats, MTII injected into the hindbrain raised UCP-1 gene activity in brown fat compared with vehicle.Endocrinology, 2003
In rats, MTII prevented the drop in a liver fat-burning enzyme caused by food restriction.Endocrinology, 2002
In lab-grown retinal cells in high glucose, MTII did not significantly lower ROS levels.Cell cycle, 2019
In lean rats, MTII prevented the drop in brown fat uncoupling protein levels caused by food restriction.Endocrinology, 2002
In hamsters, melanotan II injected into one brain area raised the temperature of brown fat.Brain research, 2011

Melanotan 2 studies on liver

9 results · people 0 · animals 8 · lab 1

Top 3 of 9 results

In diabetic mice, MTII given into the brain lowered activity of the SCD1 fat-making gene in the liver.Life sciences, 2011
In diabetic mice, MTII given into the brain lowered activity of the GPAT1 fat-making gene in the liver.Life sciences, 2011
In diabetic mice, MTII given into the brain lowered activity of the DGAT1 fat-making gene in the liver.Life sciences, 2011

Melanotan 2 studies on blood levels and clearance

6 results · people 0 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 3 of 6 results

In rats, radiolabelled MT-II given into a vein did not reach most brain regions, apart from areas outside the blood-brain barrier.Brain research, 2003
In mice, melanotan II cleared quickly from the blood after an injection into the abdomen.Rapid communications in mass spectrometry, 2007
In rats given MT-II into a vein, blood levels fell in two phases over time.Biopharmaceutics & drug disposition, 1994

Melanotan 2 studies on pain

6 results · people 0 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 3 of 6 results

In rats with nerve injury, melanotan II made them more sensitive to touch, not less.The Journal of neuroscience, 2000
In rats with nerve injury, MTII given into the spinal canal increased sensitivity to touch.Neuroreport, 2002
In rats with nerve injury, long-term MTII infusion made sensitivity to touch worse.Anesthesia and analgesia, 2001

Melanotan 2 studies on daily life and fitness

5 results · people 0 · animals 5 · lab 0

Top 4 of 5 results

In mice lacking PTP1B in certain brain cells, activity responded more to MTII than in normal mice.American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 2012
In rats, a very low dose of MTII given into the brain did not change activity.Journal of applied physiology, 2000
In mice, MTII given into the spinal canal did not change activity.ACS chemical neuroscience, 2018
In rats, melanotan II injected into a brain region called the PVN raised physical activity, more with higher doses.Neuroreport, 2012

Melanotan 2 studies on cancer

8 results · people 0 · animals 4 · lab 4

Top 3 of 8 results

In mice with melanoma, MTII applied to the skin slowed tumor progression.International journal of molecular sciences, 2020
In mice with melanoma, MTII therapy increased cell death in tumor tissue.International journal of molecular sciences, 2020
In mice with melanoma, MTII therapy reduced cell multiplication in tumor tissue.International journal of molecular sciences, 2020

Melanotan 2 studies on kidneys and bladder

4 results · people 0 · animals 4 · lab 0

Top 3 of 4 results

In rats, kidney filtration rate did not change during MTII infusion, with or without adrenergic blockers.Hypertension, 2004
In mice lacking hypothalamic POMC, melanotan II given into the brain reversed their raised sugar loss in urine.Diabetes, 2016
In salt-resistant rats on a high-salt diet, melanotan II increased the amount of sodium passed in urine.Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 2009

Melanotan 2 studies on growth hormone and growth

3 results · people 0 · animals 3 · lab 0

3 results

In rats, MT-II did not undo the drop in growth hormone activity that NPY caused.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 2003
In fasted rats, melanotan II did not change growth hormone release.Neuroendocrinology, 2003
In rats, MT-II alone had little effect on growth hormone activity.Journal of neuroendocrinology, 2003

Melanotan 2 studies on stomach and gut

2 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 0

2 results

In rats, melanotan II injected into a brainstem nucleus reduced stomach contractions.The Journal of neuroscience, 2013
In rats, melanotan II injected into a second brainstem nucleus also reduced stomach contractions.The Journal of neuroscience, 2013

Melanotan 2 studies on memory and thinking

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In zebrafish fed a high-fat diet, MT-II restored recognition memory to a level similar to fish on the control diet.Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 2023

Trials and papers

Melanotan 2 trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

1 trial match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trials on this page (1 of 1)

1 trial · 1 ongoing

Completed
Ongoing
Not yet recruiting
Stopped
Estimated dates (est.)
Results posted

2026202720282029

Ph 2
MTII-VIT
NCT07437560
2 Feb 2026 to est. 17 Feb 2028

1 trial · 1 ongoing · source ClinicalTrials.gov (opens in a new tab)

RecruitingPhase 2NCT07437560

Melanotan II (MT-II) as an Adjunct to NB-UVB Phototherapy for Repigmentation in Stable Nonsegmental Vitiligo

Hudson Biotechn = 602 Feb 2026 to est. 17 Feb 2028

NonSegmental Vitiligo · Nonsegmental Vitiligo (Stable)

Trial page ClinicalTrials.govUpdated 27 Feb 2026

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

393 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 21 of 393 studiesquery qry_5fa0681246c87e29f0487c45

Studies with results

324 studies in all, 21 on this page

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 1997

5 results

Role of melanocortinergic neurons in feeding and the agouti obesity syndrome.

Fan et al. 1997Naturecited by 1,362

PMID 8990120DOI 10.1038/385165a0PUB-08990120

Full text at the publisher4 results where Melanotan II was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (5)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 1999

1 result

Response of melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient mice to anorectic and orexigenic peptides.

Marsh et al. 1999Nature geneticscited by 404

PMID 9916804DOI 10.1038/5070PUB-09916804

Full text at the publisher1 result where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2003

1 result

Transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the melanocortin-4 receptor promoter.

Liu et al. 2003The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neurosciencecited by 317

PMID 12904474PMC6740648DOI 10.1523/jneurosci.23-18-07143.2003PUB-12904474

Rights unknown1 result where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2011

2 results

Leptin action in the dorsomedial hypothalamus increases sympathetic tone to brown adipose tissue in spite of systemic leptin resistance.

Enriori et al. 2011The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neurosciencecited by 262

PMID 21865462PMC3758545DOI 10.1523/jneurosci.2336-11.2011PUB-21865462

Free to read · publisher termsCC BY-NC1 result where Melanotan II was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Read at source See results (2)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1999

4 results

Interactions between the melanocortin system and leptin in control of sympathetic nerve traffic.

Haynes et al. 1999Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)cited by 258

PMID 9931162DOI 10.1161/01.hyp.33.1.542PUB-09931162

Rights unknown3 results where Melanotan II was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Source link See results (4)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2003

1 result

Differential sensitivity to central leptin and insulin in male and female rats.

Clegg et al. 2003Diabetescited by 256

PMID 12606509DOI 10.2337/diabetes.52.3.682PUB-12606509

Rights unknown1 result where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1998

5 results

Brainstem application of melanocortin receptor ligands produces long-lasting effects on feeding and body weight.

Grill et al. 1998The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neurosciencecited by 207

PMID 9822766PMC6793290DOI 10.1523/jneurosci.18-23-10128.1998PUB-09822766

Free to read · publisher termsCC BY-NC5 results where Melanotan II was given

Read at source See results (5)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2000

3 results

Role of the melanocortin-4 receptor in metabolic rate and food intake in mice.

Chen et al. 2000Transgenic researchcited by 202

PMID 10951699DOI 10.1023/a:1008983615045PUB-10951699

Full text at the publisher3 results where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (3)

In vitro (cells) · 2001

1 result

Agouti-related protein functions as an inverse agonist at a constitutively active brain melanocortin-4 receptor.

Haskell-Luevano et al. 2001Regulatory peptidescited by 201

PMID 11257308DOI 10.1016/s0167-0115(01)00234-8PUB-11257308

Full text at the publisher1 result where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Not a test of Melanotan II alone · 2000

2 results

Long-term orexigenic effects of AgRP-(83---132) involve mechanisms other than melanocortin receptor blockade.

Hagan et al. 2000American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiologycited by 198

PMID 10896863DOI 10.1152/ajpregu.2000.279.1.r47PUB-10896863

Full text at the publisher2 results where Melanotan II was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (2)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2003

6 results

Interaction between alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone in the regulation of feeding and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal responses.

Lu et al. 2003The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neurosciencecited by 178

PMID 12944516PMC6740604DOI 10.1523/jneurosci.23-21-07863.2003PUB-12944516

Rights unknown3 results where Melanotan II was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Source link See results (6)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2002

10 results

Effects of acute and chronic administration of the melanocortin agonist MTII in mice with diet-induced obesity.

Pierroz et al. 2002Diabetescited by 161

PMID 11978628DOI 10.2337/diabetes.51.5.1337PUB-11978628

Rights unknown10 results where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (10)

Other design · mouse · 2004

1 result

Neuropeptide Y-mediated inhibition of proopiomelanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus shows enhanced desensitization in ob/ob mice.

Roseberry et al. 2004Neuroncited by 156

PMID 15003171DOI 10.1016/s0896-6273(04)00074-1PUB-15003171

Rights unknown1 result where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2003

4 results

Role of melanocortin-4 receptors in mediating renal sympathoactivation to leptin and insulin.

Rahmouni et al. 2003The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neurosciencecited by 151

PMID 12853417PMC6740337DOI 10.1523/jneurosci.23-14-05998.2003PUB-12853417

Rights unknown4 results where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (4)

Animal study (in vivo) · siberian hamster · 2007

6 results

Differential activation of the sympathetic innervation of adipose tissues by melanocortin receptor stimulation.

Brito et al. 2007Endocrinologycited by 148

PMID 17702843DOI 10.1210/en.2007-0621PUB-17702843

Rights unknown6 results where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (6)

Animal study (in vivo) · 1998

1 result

Feeding effects of hypothalamic injection of melanocortin 4 receptor ligands.

Giraudo et al. 1998Brain researchcited by 144

PMID 9853124DOI 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)00837-3PUB-09853124

Full text at the publisher1 result where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (1)

Animal study (in vivo) · goldfish · 2003

2 results

Molecular cloning, pharmacological characterization, and brain mapping of the melanocortin 4 receptor in the goldfish: involvement in the control of food intake.

Cerdá-Reverter et al. 2003Endocrinologycited by 142

PMID 12746294DOI 10.1210/en.2002-0213PUB-12746294

Full text at the publisher2 results where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (2)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2005

5 results

Brain stem melanocortinergic modulation of meal size and identification of hypothalamic POMC projections.

Zheng et al. 2005American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiologycited by 138

PMID 15746303DOI 10.1152/ajpregu.00869.2004PUB-15746303

Full text at the publisher5 results where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (5)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1998

6 results

Central infusion of melanocortin agonist MTII in rats: assessment of c-Fos expression and taste aversion.

Thiele et al. 1998The American journal of physiologycited by 128

PMID 9458925DOI 10.1152/ajpregu.1998.274.1.r248PUB-09458925

Full text at the publisher6 results where Melanotan II was given

Publisher page See results (6)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2000

5 results

The role of the dorsal vagal complex and the vagus nerve in feeding effects of melanocortin-3/4 receptor stimulation.

Williams et al. 2000Endocrinologycited by 127

PMID 10746636DOI 10.1210/endo.141.4.7410PUB-10746636

Rights unknown5 results where Melanotan II was given

Source link See results (5)

Not a test of Melanotan II alone · 2005

1 result

Prevalence of mutations and functional analyses of melanocortin 4 receptor variants identified among 750 men with juvenile-onset obesity.

Larsen et al. 2005The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolismcited by 120

PMID 15486053DOI 10.1210/jc.2004-0497PUB-15486053

Rights unknown1 result where Melanotan II was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Source link See results (1)

No result for Melanotan II (4 studies on this page, 58 in all)

These studies name Melanotan II but give no result for it (for example, the results concern another peptide in the study).

PubMed tag: Review · 2010

Sympathetic and sensory innervation of brown adipose tissue.

Bartness et al. 2010International journal of obesity (2005)cited by 304

PMID 20935665PMC3999344DOI 10.1038/ijo.2010.182PUB-20935665

Rights unknown

Source link

Indexing hint: Animal study · 2008

5 results

Oxytocin deficiency mediates hyperphagic obesity of Sim1 haploinsufficient mice.

Kublaoui et al. 2008Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)cited by 195

PMID 18451093PMC2453606DOI 10.1210/me.2008-0067PUB-18451093

Rights unknown5 results

Source link See results (5)

PubMed tag: Review · 2007

Chronic food restriction: enhancing effects on drug reward and striatal cell signaling.

Carr et al. 2007Physiology & behaviorcited by 133

PMID 17081571DOI 10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.09.021PUB-17081571

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

PubMed tag: Comparative Study · 2001

Structure activity studies of the melanocortin-4 receptor by in vitro mutagenesis: identification of agouti-related protein (AGRP), melanocortin agonist and synthetic peptide antagonist interaction determinants.

Haskell-Luevano et al. 2001Biochemistrycited by 125

PMID 11352754DOI 10.1021/bi010025qPUB-11352754

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

Melanotan II studies: 324 papers with results

Page 1 of 7

Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II.
Wessells H · International journal of impotence research · 2000
Randomized controlled trial · 6 results
Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study.
Wessells H · The Journal of urology · 1998
Randomized controlled trial · 5 results
Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction.
Wessells H · Urology · 2000
Randomized controlled trial · 7 results
Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study.
Dorr RT · Life sciences · 1996
Non-randomized trial · 5 results
Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis.
Nelson ME · Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) · 2012
Case report or series · 9 results
Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II.
Hjuler KF · Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) · 2014
Case report or series · 2 results
Melanotan Tanning Injection: A Rare Cause of Priapism.
Mallory CW · Sexual medicine · 2021
Case report or series · 1 result
Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report.
Peters B · CEN case reports · 2020
Case report or series · 1 result
[Dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi during use of melanotan II].
Mang R · Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete · 2012
Case report or series · 1 result
Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma?
Yassin Alsabbagh A · International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery · 2025
Case report or series · 1 result
Changes in Oral Mucosa Associated with Melanotan II Injections: A Case Report.
Bonchev A · Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026
Case report or series · 4 results
[The risks of tanning with the Barbie drug].
Eijmael MJPM · Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde · 2022
Case report or series · 1 result
MTII administered peripherally reduces fat without invoking apoptosis in rats.
Choi YH · Physiology & behavior · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 10 results
Hypothalamic melanocortin receptors and chronic regulation of arterial pressure and renal function.
Kuo JJ · Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results
The melanocortin agonist, melanotan II, enhances proceptive sexual behaviors in the female rat.
Rössler AS · Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior · 2006
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Does obesity induce resistance to the long-term cardiovascular and metabolic actions of melanocortin 3/4 receptor activation?
Silva AA · Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) · 2006
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 6 results
Role of melanocortinergic neurons in feeding and the agouti obesity syndrome.
Fan W · Nature · 1997
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 5 results
Response of melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient mice to anorectic and orexigenic peptides.
Marsh DJ · Nature genetics · 1999
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 1 result
Transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the melanocortin-4 receptor promoter.
Liu H · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 1 result
Leptin action in the dorsomedial hypothalamus increases sympathetic tone to brown adipose tissue in spite of systemic leptin resistance.
Enriori PJ · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2011
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2 results
Interactions between the melanocortin system and leptin in control of sympathetic nerve traffic.
Haynes WG · Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) · 1999
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Differential sensitivity to central leptin and insulin in male and female rats.
Clegg DJ · Diabetes · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1 result
Brainstem application of melanocortin receptor ligands produces long-lasting effects on feeding and body weight.
Grill HJ · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Role of the melanocortin-4 receptor in metabolic rate and food intake in mice.
Chen AS · Transgenic research · 2000
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 3 results
Interaction between alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone in the regulation of feeding and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal responses.
Lu XY · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 6 results
Effects of acute and chronic administration of the melanocortin agonist MTII in mice with diet-induced obesity.
Pierroz DD · Diabetes · 2002
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 10 results
Role of melanocortin-4 receptors in mediating renal sympathoactivation to leptin and insulin.
Rahmouni K · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
Differential activation of the sympathetic innervation of adipose tissues by melanocortin receptor stimulation.
Brito MN · Endocrinology · 2007
Animal study (in vivo) · siberian hamster · 6 results
Feeding effects of hypothalamic injection of melanocortin 4 receptor ligands.
Giraudo SQ · Brain research · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · 1 result
Molecular cloning, pharmacological characterization, and brain mapping of the melanocortin 4 receptor in the goldfish: involvement in the control of food intake.
Cerdá-Reverter JM · Endocrinology · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · goldfish · 2 results
Brain stem melanocortinergic modulation of meal size and identification of hypothalamic POMC projections.
Zheng H · American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · 2005
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Central infusion of melanocortin agonist MTII in rats: assessment of c-Fos expression and taste aversion.
Thiele TE · The American journal of physiology · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 6 results
The role of the dorsal vagal complex and the vagus nerve in feeding effects of melanocortin-3/4 receptor stimulation.
Williams DL · Endocrinology · 2000
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Melanocortinergic modulation of cholecystokinin-induced suppression of feeding through extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in rat solitary nucleus.
Sutton GM · Endocrinology · 2005
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 6 results
Melanocortin-4 receptor mRNA expressed in sympathetic outflow neurons to brown adipose tissue: neuroanatomical and functional evidence.
Song CK · American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · 2008
Animal study (in vivo) · siberian hamster · 1 result
GH-releasing peptide-2 increases fat mass in mice lacking NPY: indication for a crucial mediating role of hypothalamic agouti-related protein.
Tschöp M · Endocrinology · 2002
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 9 results
The oxytocin system promotes resilience to the effects of neonatal isolation on adult social attachment in female prairie voles.
Barrett CE · Translational psychiatry · 2015
Animal study (in vivo) · prairie vole · 2 results
Distinct effects of leptin and a melanocortin receptor agonist injected into medial hypothalamic nuclei on glucose uptake in peripheral tissues.
Toda C · Diabetes · 2009
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 5 results
Effects of neuropeptide Y deficiency on hypothalamic agouti-related protein expression and responsiveness to melanocortin analogues.
Marsh DJ · Brain research · 1999
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 1 result
Paraventricular hypothalamic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and MTII reduce feeding without causing aversive effects.
Wirth MM · Peptides · 2001
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
Sim1 haploinsufficiency impairs melanocortin-mediated anorexia and activation of paraventricular nucleus neurons.
Kublaoui BM · Molecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.) · 2006
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
Brainstem melanocortin 3/4 receptor stimulation increases uncoupling protein gene expression in brown fat.
Williams DL · Endocrinology · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Melanocortin mediated inhibition of feeding behavior in rats.
Murphy B · Neuropeptides · 1998
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
Melanocortins may stimulate reproduction by activating orexin neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus and kisspeptin neurons in the preoptic area of the ewe.
Backholer K · Endocrinology · 2009
Animal study (in vivo) · sheep (ewe) · 6 results
Characterization of melanocortin receptor ligands on cloned brain melanocortin receptors and on grooming behavior in the rat.
Adan RA · European journal of pharmacology · 1999
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results
Melanocortin receptor signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinase in vitro and in rat hypothalamus.
Daniels D · Brain research · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 5 results
Central melanocortin system modulates energy intake and expenditure of obese and lean Zucker rats.
Hwa JJ · American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · 2001
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Responsiveness to peripherally administered melanocortins in lean and obese mice.
Blüher S · Diabetes · 2004
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 12 results
In vivo evidence for inverse agonism of Agouti-related peptide in the central nervous system of proopiomelanocortin-deficient mice.
Tolle V · Diabetes · 2008
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2 results
Antagonism of the melanocortin system reduces cold and mechanical allodynia in mononeuropathic rats.
Vrinten DH · The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2000
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2 results

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	No Drugs@FDA application found (openFDA search 'melanotan').	9 Oct 2026	fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	No centrally authorised, withdrawn or refused medicine and no orphan designation for this substance in the EMA data files (medicines file, all statuses, timestamp 2026-10-09T06:23:44Z; orphan designations file timestamp 2026-10-09T06:32:20Z). EMA lists afamelanotide ([Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, a different substance) separately. National authorisations in EU member states were not checked.	9 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Banned in sport (WADA S0) S0 covers substances not approved for human use; Melanotan II is not named on the List.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)

Safety outcomes

39 safety results for Melanotan II.

Human evidence· 31

In men with erectile dysfunction, nausea was a frequently reported side effect of Melanotan II.
Randomized controlled trialn = 20
In men with erectile dysfunction, yawning was a frequently reported side effect of Melanotan II.
Randomized controlled trialn = 20
In men with erectile dysfunction, 12.9% of subjects had severe nausea at a Melanotan II dose of 0.025 mg/kg.
Randomized controlled trialn = 20
subjects with severe nausea
12.9%
0.025 mg/kg
In men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, transient nausea was reported more frequently after Melanotan II injections than after placebo, and none required treatment.
Randomized controlled trialn = 10
In men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, transient stretching and yawning were reported more frequently after Melanotan II injections than after placebo, and none required treatment.
Randomized controlled trialn = 10
In men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction, transient decreased appetite was reported more frequently after Melanotan II injections than after placebo, and none required treatment.
Randomized controlled trialn = 10
In men with organic erectile dysfunction, nausea occurred more frequently with Melanotan II than with placebo.
Randomized controlled trialn = 10
In men with organic erectile dysfunction, stretching and yawning occurred more frequently with Melanotan II than with placebo.
Randomized controlled trialn = 10

The top 24 of 31 results.

Doses studied · 112

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

0.025 mg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 20
0.025 mg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
Not reported
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 10
0.025 mg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Randomized controlled trial · n = 10
0.01-0.03 mg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous
Duration
2 consecutive weeks
Design
Non-randomized trial · n = 3
0.03 mg/kgHuman
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous
Duration
2 consecutive weeks
Design
Non-randomized trial · n = 2
6 mgHuman
Species
human
Route
subcutaneous
Duration
Not reported
Design
Case report or series · n = 1

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
0.025 mg/kg	Human	human	Not reported	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 20
0.025 mg/kg	Human	human	Not reported	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 10
0.025 mg/kg	Human	human	subcutaneous	Not reported	Randomized controlled trial · n = 10
0.01-0.03 mg/kg	Human	human	subcutaneous	2 consecutive weeks	Non-randomized trial · n = 3
0.03 mg/kg	Human	human	subcutaneous	2 consecutive weeks	Non-randomized trial · n = 2
6 mg	Human	human	subcutaneous	Not reported	Case report or series · n = 1

6 of 112 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000030
Peptide version: 10
Peptide hash: b3dc397bcb894a88…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

28 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 308542
27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256726
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254547
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213640
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 194709
13 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 173552

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/melanotan-ii

Evidence summary for Melanotan II: counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 19 results from 10 studies: 8 increase, 11 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 5 results from 3 studies: 3 increase, 1 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	24
Sexual functionReproductive and sexual health	Human: 10 results from 4 studies: 6 increase, 4 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 26 results from 9 studies: 14 increase, 2 decrease, 10 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	37
PigmentationSkin and wound	Human: 6 results from 3 studies: 4 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	7
Gastrointestinal adverse eventsGastrointestinal	Human: 6 results from 4 studies: 2 increase, 4 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	6
Appetite and food intakeNervous system and cognition	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 216 results from 113 studies: 18 increase, 155 decrease, 33 no significant change, 5 mixed, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 1 study: 1 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	219
Skin and hairSkin and wound	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: Case report or series	No results	No results	No results	1
Receptor activity and mechanismWhole body	No results	Animal: 83 results from 48 studies: 36 increase, 15 decrease, 15 no significant change, 17 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 77 results from 39 studies: 25 increase, 17 decrease, 19 no significant change, 16 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	160
Body weightMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 86 results from 45 studies: 13 increase, 53 decrease, 19 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	86
Energy expenditure and thermogenesisNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 51 results from 17 studies: 37 increase, 4 decrease, 5 no significant change, 4 mixed, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	51
Glycemic controlMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 35 results from 15 studies: 10 increase, 8 decrease, 17 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	35
Inflammation markersNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 21 results from 9 studies: 4 increase, 14 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 8 results from 5 studies: 2 increase, 6 decrease. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	29
Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intakeNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 26 results from 8 studies: 3 increase, 15 decrease, 7 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	26

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Adverse eventsWhole body	Human: 19 results from 10 studies: 8 increase, 11 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 5 results from 3 studies: 3 increase, 1 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	24
Sexual functionReproductive and sexual health	Human: 10 results from 4 studies: 6 increase, 4 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 26 results from 9 studies: 14 increase, 2 decrease, 10 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 1 result from 1 study: 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	37
PigmentationSkin and wound	Human: 6 results from 3 studies: 4 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Non-randomized trial	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	7
Gastrointestinal adverse eventsGastrointestinal	Human: 6 results from 4 studies: 2 increase, 4 not reported. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	No results	No results	No results	6
Appetite and food intakeNervous system and cognition	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 increase. Strongest design: Randomized controlled trial	Animal: 216 results from 113 studies: 18 increase, 155 decrease, 33 no significant change, 5 mixed, 5 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 2 results from 1 study: 1 decrease, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	219
Skin and hairSkin and wound	Human: 1 result from 1 study: 1 not reported. Strongest design: Case report or series	No results	No results	No results	1
Receptor activity and mechanismWhole body	No results	Animal: 83 results from 48 studies: 36 increase, 15 decrease, 15 no significant change, 17 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 77 results from 39 studies: 25 increase, 17 decrease, 19 no significant change, 16 not reported. Strongest design: Ex vivo tissue	No results	160
Body weightMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 86 results from 45 studies: 13 increase, 53 decrease, 19 no significant change, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	86
Energy expenditure and thermogenesisNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 51 results from 17 studies: 37 increase, 4 decrease, 5 no significant change, 4 mixed, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	51
Glycemic controlMetabolic and weight	No results	Animal: 35 results from 15 studies: 10 increase, 8 decrease, 17 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	35
Inflammation markersNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 21 results from 9 studies: 4 increase, 14 decrease, 3 no significant change. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 8 results from 5 studies: 2 increase, 6 decrease. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	29
Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intakeNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 26 results from 8 studies: 3 increase, 15 decrease, 7 no significant change, 1 mixed. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	26

Melanotan II studies and research data

Melanotan 2 identity

Targets

Sequence and structure

Sequence

Alignment to Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)

Properties

Net charge by pH

Composition

3D structure

2D structure

Melanotan 2 results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

Melanotan 2 studies on side effects

Melanotan 2 studies on sexual and women's health

Melanotan 2 studies on skin, hair and wounds

Melanotan 2 studies on weight and appetite

Melanotan 2 studies on receptors and cell signals

Melanotan 2 studies on metabolism and nutrition

Melanotan 2 studies on brain and nerves

Melanotan 2 studies on mood, stress and behavior

Melanotan 2 studies on heart and blood vessels

Melanotan 2 studies on blood sugar

Melanotan 2 studies on immune system and inflammation

Melanotan 2 studies on sex hormones and fertility

Melanotan 2 studies on cholesterol and blood fats

Melanotan 2 studies on hormones

Melanotan 2 studies on cells, genes and aging

Melanotan 2 studies on liver

Melanotan 2 studies on blood levels and clearance

Melanotan 2 studies on pain

Melanotan 2 studies on daily life and fitness

Melanotan 2 studies on cancer

Melanotan 2 studies on kidneys and bladder

Melanotan 2 studies on growth hormone and growth

Melanotan 2 studies on stomach and gut

Melanotan 2 studies on memory and thinking

Melanotan 2 trials

Melanotan II (MT-II) as an Adjunct to NB-UVB Phototherapy for Repigmentation in Stable Nonsegmental Vitiligo

Papers

Studies with results

Role of melanocortinergic neurons in feeding and the agouti obesity syndrome.

Response of melanocortin-4 receptor-deficient mice to anorectic and orexigenic peptides.

Transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the melanocortin-4 receptor promoter.

Leptin action in the dorsomedial hypothalamus increases sympathetic tone to brown adipose tissue in spite of systemic leptin resistance.

Interactions between the melanocortin system and leptin in control of sympathetic nerve traffic.

Differential sensitivity to central leptin and insulin in male and female rats.

Brainstem application of melanocortin receptor ligands produces long-lasting effects on feeding and body weight.

Role of the melanocortin-4 receptor in metabolic rate and food intake in mice.

Agouti-related protein functions as an inverse agonist at a constitutively active brain melanocortin-4 receptor.

Long-term orexigenic effects of AgRP-(83---132) involve mechanisms other than melanocortin receptor blockade.

Interaction between alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone in the regulation of feeding and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal responses.

Effects of acute and chronic administration of the melanocortin agonist MTII in mice with diet-induced obesity.

Neuropeptide Y-mediated inhibition of proopiomelanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus shows enhanced desensitization in ob/ob mice.

Role of melanocortin-4 receptors in mediating renal sympathoactivation to leptin and insulin.

Differential activation of the sympathetic innervation of adipose tissues by melanocortin receptor stimulation.

Feeding effects of hypothalamic injection of melanocortin 4 receptor ligands.

Molecular cloning, pharmacological characterization, and brain mapping of the melanocortin 4 receptor in the goldfish: involvement in the control of food intake.

Brain stem melanocortinergic modulation of meal size and identification of hypothalamic POMC projections.

Central infusion of melanocortin agonist MTII in rats: assessment of c-Fos expression and taste aversion.

The role of the dorsal vagal complex and the vagus nerve in feeding effects of melanocortin-3/4 receptor stimulation.

Prevalence of mutations and functional analyses of melanocortin 4 receptor variants identified among 750 men with juvenile-onset obesity.

Sympathetic and sensory innervation of brown adipose tissue.

Oxytocin deficiency mediates hyperphagic obesity of Sim1 haploinsufficient mice.

Chronic food restriction: enhancing effects on drug reward and striatal cell signaling.

Structure activity studies of the melanocortin-4 receptor by in vitro mutagenesis: identification of agouti-related protein (AGRP), melanocortin agonist and synthetic peptide antagonist interaction determinants.

Newer studies

Melanotan II studies: 324 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Human evidence· 31

Doses studied · 112

Data and API

Peptide

Latest changes

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