Melanotan 2 Dosing & Protocols — Research Reference

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). It is widely studied in pigmentation, melanocortin-pathway, and sexual-response models. Because the early-dose side-effect profile is dose-dependent, published research universally uses a slow titration ladder.

Reconstitution for Research

MT-2 is typically supplied lyophilized in 10 mg vials. A 1 mL bacteriostatic-water reconstitution yields 10 mg/mL — too concentrated for accurate small-volume dosing. A 2 mL reconstitution (5 mg/mL) is more common; at that concentration, 10 IU on a U-100 syringe delivers 500 mcg. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within the COA's documented window.

Reference Dose Ranges in Published Research

| Phase | Typical range | Notes | |---|---|---| | Titration / acclimation | 250 mcg per day, increasing 250 mcg every 2–3 days | Universal in published protocols to manage nausea/flush | | Standard "loading" | 500 mcg–1 mg per day | Until target pigmentation response reached | | Maintenance | 500 mcg–1 mg, 1–2× per week | Once target pigmentation reached |

Scheduling

Subcutaneous injection is the most-cited route. Loading-phase protocols use daily dosing; maintenance switches to 1–2 dosing days per week, often timed with UV exposure in pigmentation research because melanogenesis is potentiated by concurrent UV stimulation.

Dose-Limiting Side Effects in Research Models

Nausea, facial flushing, appetite suppression, and spontaneous penile erection are dose-dependent and most prominent in the first 1–2 doses. The titration ladder exists specifically to allow receptor accommodation. Persistent darkening of moles and new nevi is documented across the literature and is a standard observation endpoint in pigmentation studies.

Quality and Identity Verification

Mass-spec (LC-MS) confirmation of molecular weight (1024.18 Da) and HPLC purity ≥98% are the standard acceptance criteria. Identity confirmation matters because MT-1 (linear, NDP-α-MSH) is sometimes substituted; the cyclic structure of MT-2 produces a distinct retention time on reverse-phase HPLC.

Research Use Only. All content is for laboratory research and educational reference. Compounds discussed are not intended for human or veterinary consumption, prophylactic, or therapeutic use.

References

1. Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921–930.
2. Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, et al. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sci. 1996;58(20):1777–1784.
3. Wessells H, Levine N, Hadley ME, et al. Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II. Int J Impot Res. 2000;12 Suppl 4:S74–S79.