Sexual Health•Melanocortin
💊Melanotan II
Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R–MC5R). Precursor to PT-141 (bremelanotide). Promotes melanogenesis, sexual arousal, and appetite suppression. Extensive preclinical and human data.
Amino acids
7 (cyclic)
Mol. weight
1024.2 Da
Half-life
~33 minutes
Availability
On inquiry
Amino acid sequence
Cyclic Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂What Is Melanotan II?
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-MSH, developed at the University of Arizona as a potential tanning agent. It is a non-selective agonist at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a metabolite of MT-II with the carboxyl group restored.
Key Mechanisms
- MC1R agonism — stimulates melanin production in melanocytes (tanning without UV)
- MC3R/MC4R agonism — initiates sexual arousal via hypothalamic dopamine pathways
- MC4R appetite suppression — reduces food intake via hypothalamic circuits
- MC5R activation — exocrine gland effects; sebaceous, lacrimal, and pancreatic secretion
Key References
- Wessells H et al. "Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation." Int J Impot Res, 2000;12(Suppl 4):S74–79.
Related in Sexual Health
💊Social Neuropeptide
Oxytocin
Nonapeptide governing social bonding, trust, pair bonding, arousal, and reproductive function. Primary research tool for social neuroscience, ASD, PTSD, and attachment biology.
💊FDA Approved
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
FDA-approved (Vyleesi, 2019) CNS melanocortin receptor agonist. Acts via MC3R/MC4R in hypothalamus — not peripherally. Effective in PDE5 non-responders.