How Much Does Melanotan II Cost in 2026?

Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) originally developed at the University of Arizona. Research has examined its effects on melanogenesis (skin pigmentation/tanning), sexual function via MC4R activation, appetite, and energy regulation. In April 2026, the FDA removed Melanotan II from the Category 2 503A bulk drug substances list — continuing a regulatory trajectory that has consistently restricted its availability in the United States.

Current Melanotan II Prices by Supplier

Melanotan II is typically sold in 10mg vials. It has historically been one of the more affordable research peptides on a per-milligram basis, though post-reclassification supply dynamics are still settling.

10mg Vials

Prices sourced from publicly available supplier listings, May 2026. Verify current pricing directly with each supplier before ordering.

What Is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone), a naturally occurring peptide that regulates pigmentation, immune function, and various aspects of metabolism. The compound was originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s–90s as part of a program to find tanning agents that could protect against UV-induced skin cancer without requiring sun exposure.

MT-2 is a cyclic heptapeptide — a 7-amino-acid chain that is cyclically linked, giving it greater resistance to enzymatic degradation than linear analogs. It activates melanocortin receptors with the following key targets:

• MC1R — Primary receptor for melanogenesis (pigmentation/tanning)
• MC3R — Involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation
• MC4R — Key receptor for sexual function, appetite regulation, and energy expenditure

This broad receptor profile distinguishes MT-2 from the related compound Melanotan I (afamelanotide), which primarily targets MC1R and was eventually approved in Europe for a rare skin condition.

What Researchers Study Melanotan II For

• Melanogenesis and skin pigmentation — Research has examined MT-2's ability to stimulate melanin production, which the original Arizona research program hoped could provide UV protection. This remains a fundamental research application.
• Sexual function research (MC4R) — MT-2's activation of MC4R makes it relevant to sexual function research. Animal and some early human studies have examined effects in erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction models. The related compound PT-141 (bremelanotide) — which is derived from MT-2 — was eventually FDA-approved for premenopausal female sexual interest/arousal disorder.
• Appetite and energy metabolism (MC3R/MC4R) — Studies have examined MT-2's effects on food intake and body weight in animal models, via its activity at MC3R and MC4R receptors.
• Melanocortin system research — As a multi-receptor agonist, MT-2 is used as a research tool to study the melanocortin system broadly.

Melanotan II vs. PT-141 — What's the Difference?

Melanotan II and PT-141 (bremelanotide) are closely related compounds. PT-141 was originally derived from MT-2 specifically for its sexual function effects via MC4R, with modifications that reduce the melanogenic (tanning) activity. In 2019, PT-141 became the first FDA-approved treatment for premenopausal female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD), marketed as Vyleesi. See our PT-141 price guide for pricing on the approved compound.

Notable Research Suppliers (2026)

Regulatory History and April 2026 Update

Melanotan II has a complicated regulatory history. The FDA rejected the University of Arizona's original IND application for MT-2, partly due to safety concerns identified in clinical trials. The FDA issued import alerts on Melanotan II as early as 2013, noting it was being illegally sold for human use.

Despite its regulatory status, MT-2 was included on the 503A Category 2 bulk drug substances list, which allowed compounding pharmacies to prepare it. The April 23, 2026 removal ends that practice. This makes MT-2's regulatory situation particularly restrictive — it has never been approved as a drug, faced explicit regulatory action, and is now removed from the compounding list.

See the full FDA Peptide Reclassification 2026 guide for context on all 12 affected peptides.

Frequently Asked Questions