Sexual Health
Melanotan II
Melanocortin
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 Acids7 (cyclic)
Mol. Weight1024.2 Da
Half-Life~33 minutes
Availability
🔔 By Request
Amino Acid Sequence
Cyclic Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
What 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.