Research Summary
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.
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.
The publications most central to understanding this compound.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gilhooley E et al. · Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021 · PMID 34464955
Callaghan Iii DJ · Dermatology online journal · 2018 · PMID 30142729
Todorovic M et al. · Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) · 2024 · PMID 38285527
Eliason NL et al. · Neuropeptides · 2022 · PMID 36155088
McMillan TR et al. · Experimental physiology · 2021 · PMID 33332767
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 Lucid 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.