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Melanotan II

Tier 1 · Human trials
Also known as MT-II · Melanotan-2 · MT2 peptide

Human efficacy data derive from small early-phase trials: a Phase I tanning study in 3 volunteers (src-1/src-12), a placebo-controlled erection study in 20 men (src-2), and an erectile dysfunction trial in 10 men (src-4). These support Tier 1 evidence for tanning and erectile effects, though sample sizes are very small and no Phase III trials were completed (development discontinued ~2003). Mechanistic and receptor data are in-vitro/animal; serious harms (melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, PRES) are documented only through case reports and anecdotal signals.

Half-life
~1 h
Routes
Subcutaneous injection · Intranasal (nasal spray) · Intravenous (in pharmacokinetic studies)
Goals
Cosmetic tanning / skin pigmentation · Sexual function / erectile support · Weight management / appetite suppression
Cost / mg
Not recorded

How it works

Melanotan II is a lab-made, ring-shaped copy of the natural hormone alpha-MSH that our bodies use to signal skin pigment cells. It switches on melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R), which raises a cell-signaling molecule called cyclic AMP. In the skin this ramps up production of the dark pigment eumelanin, tanning the skin even without sunlight and offering some UV protection. Because it also hits receptors in the brain, it can trigger erections and sexual desire, suppress appetite, and affect glands — effects that cannot be separated from the tanning effect because the peptide is non-selective. It is far more potent than the natural hormone and its ring structure makes it last longer than natural alpha-MSH before being broken down.

Overview

Overview

Melanotan II (MT-II, Melanotan-2, MT2 peptide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Its structure is Ac-Nle4-Asp5-His6-D-Phe7-Arg8-Trp9-Lys10 (Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2), with molecular formula C50H69N15O9, a molecular weight of approximately 1024.18 g/mol, and CAS number 121062-08-6. It retains the 4-10 melanocortin receptor binding region shared by alpha-MSH and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH).

Development

Melanotan II was developed at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s/early 1990s (synthesized by Hadley and colleagues in 1989 by Victor Hruby and Mac Hadley) as a potential sunless tanning agent and skin cancer chemopreventive. It was conceived as a successor to afamelanotide (Melanotan I), a drug operating through a similar pathway. Reported synthesis proceeds in 12 steps with an overall yield of 2.6%, delivering product more than 90% pure without preparative chromatography.

How it works

Structural modifications — replacing methionine-4 with norleucine, substituting L-phenylalanine-7 with D-phenylalanine, and cyclization via a lactam bridge — stabilize the backbone against proteolysis. MT-II is a non-selective agonist of the Gs protein-coupled melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R, but does not significantly activate MC2R (the ACTH receptor). Receptor binding activates adenylyl cyclase and raises intracellular cAMP. In epidermal melanocytes, MC1R activation drives the cAMP-PKA-CREB cascade, upregulating tyrosinase and shifting melanin synthesis toward darker eumelanin — a process that occurs independently of ultraviolet exposure, with the resulting eumelanin providing genuine photoprotection. Centrally, MC4R activation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and spinal cord initiates erectile responses and sexual desire (thought to be dopaminergically mediated, possibly with MC3R involvement), while MC3R/MC4R activation in the hypothalamus suppresses food intake and MC5R modulates exocrine gland function. Because the peptide is non-selective, the desired MC1R-mediated tanning cannot be separated from the central sexual, appetite and autonomic effects.

MT-II is superpotent in vitro — roughly 1000-fold more potent than native alpha-MSH in the classic frog skin bioassay; its precursor [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH is about 26 times more potent than alpha-MSH in the mouse melanoma adenylate cyclase assay.

Human evidence

Tanning: Human tanning activity was established in 1996, with effect seen after only 5 low doses given every other day by subcutaneous injection. In a Phase I trial, three normal male volunteers received subcutaneous MT-II at escalating doses of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg on alternating days over two weeks; two of three showed measurable increases in facial pigmentation (with additional darkening of upper body and buttock) measured by quantitative reflectance and visual perception one week after dosing ended. MT-II produces robust cutaneous pigmentation and can cause dramatic skin darkening within days when injected or used as a nasal spray. Notably, it enhances the tanning response but does not eliminate the need for UV exposure; users typically combine it with 10-20 minutes of sun or sunbed exposure.

Erectile/sexual function: In a placebo-controlled trial, MT-II led to penile erection in 17 of 20 men in the absence of sexual stimulation, with a mean of 41 minutes of RigiScan tip rigidity >80% over a 6-hour monitoring period; increased sexual desire was reported after 68% of MT-II doses versus 19% of placebo doses (P<0.01). In 8 of 10 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (mean age 47.4 years), clinically apparent erections developed, with mean tip-rigidity-over-80% duration of 38.0 minutes versus 3.0 minutes on placebo (p=0.0045). No statistically significant change in testosterone or free testosterone occurred after the study. A stretching and yawning complex appeared to correlate with the onset of spontaneous erections, which were experienced intermittently for 1-5 hours (also reported 1-4 hours) depending on dose.

Appetite/weight: In obese rats, subcutaneous MT-II via minipump caused prompt suppression of food intake that moderately declined and returned to baseline within 8-12 days. MT-II can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss in humans (anecdotal). A single zebrafish study reported MT-II reversed high-fat-diet-induced impairments in recognition memory, anxiety and exploratory behavior — a finding not replicated elsewhere.

Uses and status

MT-II is mainly used for cosmetic tanning and, to a lesser degree, for weight loss, aphrodisiac effects, and to counter skin conditions such as rosacea. It has been patented and clinically tested for tanning and for diagnosis/treatment of male erectile dysfunction. It is unlicensed, unregulated and not approved by the FDA (which does not consider it a legal dietary or cosmetic ingredient), nor the Australian TGA; it is banned by WADA and can be purchased illicitly online. No completed Phase III safety or efficacy trials exist, and pharmaceutical development was discontinued around 2003 owing to the non-selective receptor profile and associated side effects. Illicit use has become prevalent among young people at fitness centres, often ahead of sun holidays or bodybuilding competitions. FDA-approved successor molecules include PT-141 (bremelanotide) and afamelanotide (Scenesse), both approved in 2019; bremelanotide was engineered for greater MC3R/MC4R selectivity without the melanogenic tanning effect and increases male erection rigidity/duration and female sexual desire in sexual arousal disorder.

What the research shows

193 findings extracted from the 29 sources cited below, strongest evidence first within each group. Every one links to the source it came from.

What human studies found

Based on 12 human trial findings, 9 human study findings, 8 animal findings, 1 expert opinion finding and 2 anecdotal findings.

  • human trialIn 8 of 10 men treated with Melanotan-II clinically apparent erections developed1

  • human trialMean duration of tip rigidity greater than 80% was 38.0 minutes with Melanotan-II and 3.0 with placebo1

  • human trialMean patient age was 47.4 years, mean serum testosterone 450 mg./ml., mean free testosterone 14.8 mg./ml. and mean serum cholesterol 201 mg./dl.1

  • human trialA stretching and yawning complex appeared to correlate with the onset of spontaneous, penile erections which were intermittently experienced for 1-5 hours after MT-II dosing, depending on the MT-II dose2

  • human trialTwo subjects had increased pigmentation in the face, upper body and buttock, as measured by quantitative reflectance and by visual perception 1 week after MT-II dosing ended2

  • human trialA stretching and yawning complex appeared to correlate with the onset of spontaneous, penile erections which were intermittently experienced for 1-5 hours after MT-II dosing, depending on the MT-II dose3

  • human trialTwo subjects had increased pigmentation in the face, upper body and buttock, as measured by quantitative reflectance and by visual perception 1 week after MT-II dosing ended3

  • human trialIn the absence of sexual stimulation, Melanotan II led to penile erection in 17 of 20 men6

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  • human trialIncreased sexual desire was reported after 13/19 (68%) doses of Melanotan II vs 4/21 (19%) of placebo (P<0.01)6

  • human trialMelanotan II is a potent initiator of penile erection in men with erectile dysfunction6

  • human trialPhase I clinical trials demonstrated efficacy in both skin tanning and erectile dysfunction8

  • human trialIn a Phase I trial, three male subjects received subcutaneous melanotan injection at escalating doses of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg on alternating days for two weeks, with two of three subjects showing measurable increases in facial tanning18

  • human studySmall human studies confirmed skin tanning and erection induction alongside dose-limiting nausea and flushing15

  • human studyMT-II produces robust cutaneous pigmentation in humans17

  • human studyTanning effect was established in 199617

  • human studySpontaneous erections occur within 1–4 hours of administration17

  • human studyThe erection effect was documented in 1998 and 200017

  • human studyTrials have shown that the tanning effect can occur within 5 doses19

  • human studyMelanotan II was found to be a potent stimulator of male erections during clinic trials19

  • human studyBremelanotide, a drug based on melanotan II, has been noted across several studies to increase rigidity and duration of male erection19

  • human studyBremelanotide has been shown to increase female sexual desire in patients with sexual arousal disorder19

  • animalMTII administered subcutaneously via minipump to obese rats caused prompt suppression of food intake, which moderately declined and returned to pretreatment levels within 8-12 days7

  • animalZebrafish fed a high-fat diet for three weeks showed impairment in recognition memory10

  • animalZebrafish fed a high-fat diet showed elevated anxiety levels10

  • animalZebrafish fed a high-fat diet showed reduced exploratory propensity10

  • animalMelanotan-II reversed high-fat diet-induced impairment in recognition memory in zebrafish10

  • animalMelanotan-II reversed elevated anxiety levels induced by high-fat diet in zebrafish10

  • animalMelanotan-II reversed reduced exploratory behavior induced by high-fat diet in zebrafish10

  • animalResearch in the early 1960s showed that in rats, administration of α-MSH caused sexual arousal12

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with no FDA approval and no completed Phase III safety or efficacy trials15

  • anecdotalIf injected or used as a nasal spray, Melanotan-II can cause dramatic skin darkening in just days16

  • anecdotalMelanotan-II can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss16

How it works

Based on 6 human trial findings, 3 human study findings, 2 animal findings, 17 in vitro findings, 33 expert opinion findings, 1 anecdotal finding and 9 theoretical findings.

  • human trialMelanotan-II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide, Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH21

  • human trialMelanotan-II contains the 4-10 melanocortin receptor binding region common to alpha-MSH and adrenocorticotropin1

  • human trialMelanotan-II is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone with the structure Ac-Nle4-Asp5-His6-D-Phe7-Arg8-Trp9-Lys10 alpha-MSH4-10-NH22

  • human trialMelanotan-II (MT-II) is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) with the structure Ac-Nle4-Asp5-His6-D-Phe7-Arg8-Trp9-Lys10 alpha-MSH4-10-NH23

  • human trialMT-II has superpotent melanotropic activity in vitro3

  • human trialMelanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist6

  • human studyMelanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist4

  • human studyMechanism of renal injury with Melanotan II involves thrombotic pharmacological influence4

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  • human studyMechanism of renal injury with Melanotan II involves possible direct toxic effect on renal parenchyma4

  • animalMT-II is approximately 1000-fold more potent than native alpha-MSH in the classic frog skin bioassay8

  • animal[Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH is approximately 26 times more potent than native α-MSH in the mouse melanoma adenylate cyclase assay15

  • in vitroMelanotan-II has superpotent melanotropic activity in vitro2

  • in vitroMT-II is a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R8

  • in vitroSkin pigmentation mediated by MC1R activation8

  • in vitroAppetite suppression mediated by MC3R/MC4R8

  • in vitroPro-sexual activity mediated by MC3R/MC4R8

  • in vitroModulation of exocrine gland function mediated by MC5R8

  • in vitroMT-II activates four of the five known melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), all of which are G protein-coupled receptors coupled primarily to the stimulatory Gs protein8

  • in vitroUpon receptor binding, MT-II triggers adenylyl cyclase activation, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels8

  • in vitroMT-II does not significantly activate MC2R (the ACTH receptor)8

  • in vitroActivation of MC1R on epidermal melanocytes by MT-II initiates the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling cascade8

  • in vitroMelanogenesis occurs independently of ultraviolet radiation exposure8

  • in vitroThe eumelanin produced provides genuine photoprotection by absorbing UV radiation and scavenging free radicals8

  • in vitroStapled peptides derived from α-MSH using tryptathionine and 2,2'-bis-indole staples show nanomolar binding affinities (K values)9

  • in vitroOne stapled α-MSH peptide shows sub-nanomolar K value9

  • in vitroChemoselective stapling of α-MSH can be achieved using 5-hydroxypyrroloindoline condensation with cysteine-thiol or tryptophan-indole9

  • in vitroMelanotan II (MT-II) is a potent and unselective agonist of human MCRs (hMCRs)11

  • in vitroEnhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations outlined how cyclization strategy affects peptides' conformational behavior and hMC1R affinity11

  • expert opinionMT-II is a cyclic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue5

  • expert opinionMelanotan II suppresses food intake by activation of melanocortin-4 receptors on brain neurons7

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II is quite potent at melanocortin MC1 receptors, but it is not particularly selective7

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a synthetic analogue of the peptide hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that stimulates melanogenesis to facilitate tanning12

  • expert opinionMelanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC512

  • expert opinionMelanotan II produces melanogenesis by activation of the MC1 receptor12

  • expert opinionSexual effects are thought to be related to its ability to activate the MC4 receptor (though the MC3 is thought to also possibly be involved)12

  • expert opinionMelanotan II works by acting on melanocortin receptors, which affect skin pigment and other body signals13

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as part of skin cancer prevention research13

  • expert opinionMT-II binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R subtypes13

  • expert opinionMC1R receptor on melanocytes mediates the primary tanning response through cAMP signaling, which stimulates tyrosinase activity and increases eumelanin production13

  • expert opinionMC4R receptors in the hypothalamus and central nervous system mediate the pro-sexual effects of MT-II through dopaminergic pathways13

  • expert opinionMC3R and MC4R receptors in the hypothalamus play a role in regulating feeding behavior and energy balance13

  • expert opinionMelanotan is a peptide that tells your body to make more skin pigment (melanin)14

  • expert opinionMelanotan stimulates melanocytes, which are the cells in your body that provide pigment (melanin) to your skin14

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that activates all four peripheral melanocortin receptors non-selectively15

  • expert opinionMC4R activation in the hypothalamus and spinal cord drives erection and sexual arousal15

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II is a synthetic version of α-Melanocyte-stimulating-hormone (α-MSH), which is produced in the pituitary gland of the brain and is naturally present in our bodies16

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II mimics the action of hormones and upregulates the activity of pigment cells, causing them to produce more melanin and resulting in a tan16

  • expert opinionStimulating pigment cells with Melanotan-II can cause abnormal proliferation of the cells and jumpstart progression to possible development of melanoma16

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II can bind to receptors in the brain and influence processes like appetite and sexual function16

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone designed in the 1980s at the University of Arizona17

  • expert opinionMT-II activates three different receptors simultaneously producing tanning, appetite suppression, and spontaneous erections17

  • expert opinionMT-II is orders of magnitude more potent than α-MSH at melanocortin receptors17

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is described as 'superpotent' relative to α-MSH in melanotropic activity assays18

  • expert opinionMC4R activation in the paraventricular nucleus has been shown to initiate erectile responses in male subjects and increase sexual desire in both sexes18

  • expert opinionNon-selective activation of melanocortin receptors means desired melanogenic effect via MC1R cannot be separated from centrally-mediated sexual, appetite, and autonomic effects18

  • expert opinionPT-141 (bremelanotide) was developed as a derivative of melanotan II engineered for greater MC3R/MC4R selectivity without the melanogenic tanning effects18

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is an unlicensed and largely untested form of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which causes pigmentation (tanning) of human skin19

  • expert opinionMelanotan II non-selectively mimics the action of melanocortin peptides19

  • expert opinionMelanotan II stimulates the production of eumelanin, causing the skin to go darker (tanning)19

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a synthetic analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that, via interaction with the melanocortin 1 receptor, induces skin hyperpigmentation20

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II is an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH) analogue21

  • anecdotalMC4R pathway activation in hypothalamus suppresses food intake, contributing to anorexigenic effects during melanotan 2 tanning research18

  • theoreticalMelanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)8

  • theoreticalKey structural modifications include replacement of methionine-4 with norleucine, substitution of L-phenylalanine-7 with D-phenylalanine, and cyclization through a lactam bridge8

  • theoreticalMelanotropins have been associated with diet-related disorders10

  • theoreticalMelanotan-II targets melanotropin receptors10

  • theoreticalMT-II introduced a lactam bridge that further stabilized the peptide backbone against proteolysis15

  • theoreticalMT-II binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R17

  • theoreticalMelanotan II is a cyclic lactam analog of α-MSH with molecular formula C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ and molecular weight 1024.18 g/mol18

  • theoreticalMelanotan II activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R melanocortin receptors18

  • theoreticalMC1R activation triggers a cAMP-dependent signalling cascade that upregulates tyrosinase activity and shifts melanin production toward darker eumelanin18

Dosing

Based on 3 human trial findings, 1 human study finding, 3 expert opinion findings and 2 anecdotal findings.

  • human trialMelanotan-II is a potent initiator of erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction and has manageable side effects at a dose of 0.025 mg./kg1

  • human trialThe recommended single MT-II dose for future Phase I studies is 0.025 mg/kg/day2

  • human trialThe recommended single MT-II dose for future Phase I studies is 0.025 mg/kg/day3

  • human studyPatient conducted a 3- to 4-week course of self-injections with MT-II prior to melanoma diagnosis5

  • expert opinionPhase I trial (Dorr et al.) tested doses up to 0.025 mg/kg, which corresponds to approximately 0.2 mg for an 80 kg individual13

  • expert opinionThe loading/maintenance protocol has no published clinical trial basis13

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is usually administered as an injection of liquid underneath the skin, commonly every second day19

  • anecdotalInitial dose: 0.1 mg for tolerance assessment, escalating to 0.25 mg daily for 2–4 weeks13

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  • anecdotalMaintenance Phase: 0.5–1 mg once or twice weekly after desired pigmentation is achieved13

How the body handles it

Based on 1 in vitro finding, 2 expert opinion findings and 2 theoretical findings.

  • in vitroNewly designed peptides displayed binding affinities toward MCRs ranging from the low nanomolar to the sub-micromolar range11

  • expert opinionPeak plasma concentrations occur within 1–2 hours post-injection13

  • expert opinionMT-II has a half-life of approximately 1–2 hours13

  • theoreticalThe cyclic structure of melanotan 2 confers significantly greater resistance to enzymatic breakdown compared to linear α-MSH18

  • theoreticalPlasma half-life of melanotan 2 remains relatively short at approximately one hour18

Safety and side effects

Based on 8 human trial findings, 4 human study findings, 25 expert opinion findings and 8 anecdotal findings.

  • human trialTransient side effects of nausea, stretching and yawning and decreased appetite were reported more frequently after injections of Melanotan-II than placebo but none required treatment1

  • human trialNo statistically significant change in testosterone or free testosterone level occurred after completion of the study1

  • human trialGrade II somnolence and fatigue occurred at the 0.03 mg/kg dose in one of two subjects2

  • human trialMild nausea, not requiring antiemetic treatment, was reported at most MT-II dose levels2

  • human trialSubcutaneous injections of MT-II at 0.03 mg/kg dose produced Grade II somnolence and fatigue in one of two subjects3

  • human trialMild nausea, not requiring antiemetic treatment, was reported at most MT-II dose levels3

  • human trialNausea and yawning were frequently reported side effects due to Melanotan II6

  • human trialAt a dose of 0.025 mg/kg, 12.9% of subjects had severe nausea6

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  • human studyMelanotan II inducing rhabdomyolysis and renal failure have been described previously4

  • human studyMelanotan II associated with renal infarction4

  • human studyMelanocyte stimulation of MT-II in combination with the use of sun tanning beds coincided with cutaneous melanoma in a 20-year-old woman5

  • human studyCase reports have described melanomas emerging from existing moles either during or shortly after the use of Melanotan-II, however evidence for causal associations is lacking16

  • expert opinionThe drug is unlicensed and incompletely tested, with unknown extent and types of adverse effects5

  • expert opinionPharmaceutical development was discontinued around 2003 due to the compound's non-selective receptor profile and associated side effects including nausea, blood pressure changes, and concerns about effects on melanocytic nevi8

  • expert opinionMelanotan II may cause reversible darkening of moles and freckles12

  • expert opinionA 2013 scientific review found there was no conclusive evidence it causes melanoma12

  • expert opinionA 2021 review concluded the increased risk of melanoma in Melanotan users can probably be explained by more UV exposure12

  • expert opinionSide effects may include facial flushing, nausea and erection in males12

  • expert opinionOther effects including flushing, nausea, vomiting, stretching, yawning, and loss of appetite (via activation of MC4)12

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is not FDA-approved, is banned by WADA, and can carry risks such as darker moles and rare priapism13

  • expert opinionCommon side effects include brown or black lines on the nails (melanonychia), darker skin tone which may be uneven, facial redness or flushing, headache, nausea or vomiting, new moles or increased growth of existing moles, painful prolonged erection, and reduced appetite14

  • expert opinionLong-term use of melanotan can increase risk for skin cancer (melanoma)14

  • expert opinionMelanotan may cause allergic reactions including breathing problems, wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, trouble swallowing, itching, rash, hives, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, stomach cramps, and joint pain14

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II has potential to induce melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer16

  • expert opinionDevelopment of Melanotan-II as a potential medicine was halted some years ago due to safety reasons16

  • expert opinionMelanotan II has been reported to cause a wide range of potentially serious side effects19

  • expert opinionShort term side effects after administration include facial flushing19

  • expert opinionShort term side effects include reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting19

  • expert opinionIn males, spontaneous erections 1-5 hours after administration (priapism), associated with yawning and stretching complex19

  • expert opinionLong term concern that melanotan II may increase the risk of melanoma19

  • expert opinionConcern about deepening of the colour of moles, new moles and atypical melanocytic naevi19

  • expert opinionConcern about melanonychia – brown to black discolouration of one or more nails19

  • expert opinionConcern about rhabdomyolysis – potentially fatal destruction of muscle cells19

  • expert opinionConcern about encephalopathy syndrome as a long term side effect19

  • expert opinionNo specific drug interactions have been identified with melanotan II19

  • expert opinionNo evidence exists for the use of melanotan II in pregnancy or breast feeding19

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II is an unregulated substance21

  • anecdotalPublished case reports link MT-II use to melanoma, ischemic priapism, rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome15

  • anecdotalMultiple published case reports associate use with melanoma, dysplastic nevus eruption, priapism requiring surgery, rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome15

  • anecdotalNeurological effects reported with Melanotan-II include nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, priapism (prolonged erections), and yawning16

  • anecdotalCase reports flagged problems including changes in moles, prolonged painful erections, and one published case of muscle breakdown17

  • anecdotalMelanoma case reports, atypical nevus transformation, priapism, and rhabdomyolysis are documented safety signals17

  • anecdotalNausea and fatigue appear to be dose-dependent class effects of melanotan II18

  • anecdotalPotential risks in relation to pigmented skin lesions are associated with MT II use20

  • anecdotalMedical hazards associated with MT II use include transmission of infectious diseases, use of potentially contaminated products, polypharmacy, and sunbed exposure20

What people use it for

Based on 2 human trial findings, 3 human study findings, 12 expert opinion findings, 6 anecdotal findings and 1 theoretical finding.

  • human trialMT-II has tanning activity in humans given only 5 low doses every other day by subcutaneous injection2

  • human trialMT-II has tanning activity in humans given only 5 low doses every other day by subcutaneous injection3

  • human studyMelanotan II effect on humans includes increasing of skin pigmentation4

  • human studyMelanotan II produces spontaneous penile erection and sexual stimulation4

  • human studyUnlicensed use of melanotan-II (MT-II) to promote skin pigmentation has become prevalent amongst young people attending fitness centres5

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a cyclic truncated peptide analog of melanocortins that has been patented and clinically tested for its potential use in tanning of the skin and for the diagnosis and treatment of male erectile dysfunction7

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is mainly used for cosmetic reasons and to a lesser degree for weight loss, aphrodisiac and to counter skin conditions such as rosacea7

  • expert opinionIt may also increase sexual arousal12

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  • expert opinionMelanotan II is a synthetic peptide linked to tanning, changes in sexual arousal, and lower appetite13

  • expert opinionMT-II enhances the tanning response but does not eliminate the need for sun or sunbed exposure13

  • expert opinionMelanotan may be found in nasal sprays and products that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous)14

  • expert opinionMelanotan can increase sexual arousal in men and women14

  • expert opinionIn men, melanotan can cause an erection14

  • expert opinionMelanotan II was developed at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a candidate chemopreventive agent15

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II is not approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA)16

  • expert opinionPT-141 and afamelanotide are FDA-approved successor molecules to MT-II17

  • expert opinionMelanotan II is not approved for the treatment of any medical conditions currently19

  • anecdotalUsers typically combine the peptide with 10–20 minutes of UV exposure13

  • anecdotalMelanotan II can produce visible skin darkening often described in research subjects after only a few administrations18

  • anecdotalMelanotan II has been acquired via the internet and other outlets for use as a tanning agent20

  • anecdotalMotivations for MT II use included the pursuit of a tanned appearance, often in anticipation of sun holidays and fitness/body building competitions20

  • anecdotalMelanotan-II can be purchased illicitly online with relative ease21

  • anecdotalMelanotan-II is injected subcutaneously to stimulate a tan21

  • theoreticalA high-fat diet increased the risk of neurological impairments and neurodegenerative disorders10

Other findings

Based on 1 human study finding, 5 expert opinion findings and 1 theoretical finding.

  • human studyGray-market vials tested by Breindahl and colleagues contained actual peptide content ranging from 4.32 to 8.84 mg despite a 10 mg label15

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II is a cyclic MSH analogue synthesized by Hadley et al. in 19897

  • expert opinionIt was developed as a successor to afamelanotide (Melanotan I), an FDA approved drug operating through a similar pathway12

  • expert opinionSynthesis can be accomplished in 12 steps with an overall yield of 2.6%, and the product is more than 90% pure without preparative chromatography12

  • expert opinionThe FDA has not reviewed melanotan for any use and does not consider melanotan to be a legal dietary or cosmetic ingredient in the U.S.14

  • expert opinionMelanotan-II was first developed at the University of Arizona in the 1990s16

  • theoreticalMT-II was developed in the late 1980s at the University of Arizona by Victor Hruby and Mac Hadley as a potential sunless tanning agent and skin cancer chemopreventive8

Points of contention

Where the evidence is unsettled, thin, or says less than the popular claim — worth knowing before you draw conclusions.

Contested

Sources disagree on whether Melanotan II causes melanoma

Several sources report melanoma case reports and concern that MT-II may increase melanoma risk (Melanotan II, Melanotan II: α-MSH Analog, FDA PCAC 2027 Review | Kalios, Melanotan: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews, What is Melanotan-II - the drug that the TGA urges consumers to avoid?, Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II.). However, Melanotan II notes a 2013 review found no conclusive evidence it causes melanoma, and a 2021 review concluded the increased risk in users can probably be explained by more UV exposure. What is Melanotan-II - the drug that the TGA urges consumers to avoid? explicitly states evidence for causal associations is lacking.

Limited evidence

Human efficacy data come from very small early-phase trials

The pivotal human tanning and erectile dysfunction findings derive from Phase I trials with very small samples (3 volunteers in Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic .../Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study - PubMed; 10 men in Clinical Urology: Original Articles SYNTHETIC MELANOTROPIC PEPTIDE INITIATES ERECTIONS IN MEN WITH PSYCHOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO CONTROLLED CROSSOVER STUDY; 20 men in Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II | International Journal of Impotence Research). Superpower notes there are no completed Phase III safety or efficacy trials, and development was discontinued around 2003 (Melanotan II (MT-II): Research Evidence & Safety Profile | PeptideInsight).

Limited evidence

Serious harms are documented only through case reports

Melanoma, priapism, rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction/failure, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome are documented as case reports and anecdotal safety signals rather than controlled study outcomes (Melanotan II, Melanotan II: α-MSH Analog, FDA PCAC 2027 Review | Kalios, Superpower, Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report., Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II.).

Contested

Reported plasma half-life varies across sources

Half-life estimates range from approximately 30 minutes (Melanotan II: α-MSH Analog, FDA PCAC 2027 Review | Kalios), ~33 min IV (Melanotan II (MT-II): Research Evidence & Safety Profile | PeptideInsight), approximately one hour (Melanotan 2 (MT-II) — Evidence Review, Side Effects & Safety | PeptideGuide), to 1-2 hours (Melanotan II: The Synthetic Tanning Peptide and Its Risks | Peptidepedia), reflecting inconsistent low-tier and theoretical reporting.

Limited evidence

Circulated dosing protocols lack clinical validation

The loading/maintenance tanning protocols (0.1 mg initial, 0.25 mg daily, 0.5-1 mg maintenance) are anecdotal and, as Melanotan II: The Synthetic Tanning Peptide and Its Risks | Peptidepedia explicitly states, have no published clinical trial basis; only the 0.025 mg/kg Phase I dose is trial-derived.

Single source

Zebrafish cognitive/anxiety findings from a single animal study

The claim that MT-II reverses high-fat-diet-induced memory impairment, anxiety, and reduced exploration comes solely from one zebrafish study (Melanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term HF diet.) and has not been replicated in the other sources.

Using it with other compounds

Check a stack
  • SemaglutideSame downstream effect

    Worth caution

    Semaglutide's satiety effect works partly by driving hypothalamic POMC/melanocortin (MC4R) signaling, and Melanotan II is a direct MC4R agonist that also suppresses appetite. They converge on the same anorexigenic circuit, so combining them can compound appetite loss and nausea rather than add distinct benefit.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    The mechanism descriptions provided do not establish that semaglutide drives hypothalamic POMC/melanocortin (MC4R) signaling. Semaglutide's description lists GLP-1 receptor targeting and effects on glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, and PI3K/AKT pathway activation—but contains no mention of MC4R signaling or melanocortin pathway involvement. While both peptides produce appetite suppression (a shared effect), the mechanisms provided do not demonstrate they converge on the same downstream MC4R-mediated anorexigenic circuit. The proposed explanation requires mechanistic information about semaglutide's hypothalamic POMC/MC4R engagement that is absent from the provided material. Without explicit mechanism support for this convergence, the relationship cannot be confirmed as supported by the given descriptions.

    Shares appetite regulation

  • TirzepatideSame downstream effect

    Worth caution

    Melanotan II is a melanocortin (MC4R) agonist whose known side effect is appetite suppression, and tirzepatide also strongly suppresses appetite through hypothalamic satiety signaling. These converge on the same downstream anorexigenic output, so combining them could produce excessive appetite loss and additive nausea.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms clearly establish convergence on cAMP_PKA signaling and appetite regulation. Tirzepatide activates GLP-1R and GIP receptor, generating cAMP through biased agonism (explicitly tagged cAMP_PKA) and produces appetite reduction via hypothalamic appetite/satiety signaling. Melanotan II activates MC4R (among other melanocortin receptors), elevates cAMP through adenylyl cyclase/Gs protein-coupled receptor signaling (explicitly tagged cAMP_PKA), and produces appetite suppression (explicitly tagged appetite_regulation). Both mechanisms independently document cAMP-PKA pathway activation and appetite suppression as downstream effects. The proposed relationship correctly identifies these two shared dimensions as documented in the mechanism material, and the explanation that both converge on anorexigenic output through overlapping signaling cascades is justified by the provided descriptions.

    Shares cAMP PKA · appetite regulation

  • OxytocinComplementary

    Worth caution

    Melanotan II and oxytocin both influence central dopaminergic arousal circuits and both act on appetite/satiety in the hypothalamus, but through completely different receptors (melanocortin MC3R/MC4R for MT2 versus OXTR for oxytocin). This means their effects on appetite suppression and sexual behavior can overlap and potentially compound, so users should be aware the two are pushing on the same physiological outputs by separate mechanisms.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms explicitly include the approved tags 'dopaminergic_system' and 'appetite_regulation'. Oxytocin's description mentions 'Dopamine reward-circuit modulation' and effects on 'anxiety and stress modulation' with central effects. Melanotan II's description explicitly states 'Central dopaminergic pathways (erectile/sexual response)' and 'Appetite suppression (anorexigenic)' via MC3R/MC4R signaling. The proposed relationship correctly identifies that they act through completely different receptors (OXTR vs melanocortin receptors) yet both influence dopaminergic circuits and appetite regulation. This is a classic definition of complementary action: distinct mechanisms converging on shared physiological outputs. The explanation accurately reflects the mechanism material provided.

    Shares dopaminergic system · appetite regulation

  • BremelanotideSame mechanism

    Research does not support combining these

    Both are synthetic melanocortin agonists that switch on MC4R/MC3R and route through the same cAMP signaling and central dopaminergic arousal circuits — in fact bremelanotide is essentially the active fragment of melanotan II. Stacking them is redundant, not additive, and you would simply be doubling up on the same receptor activation. It also compounds the shared side effects (nausea, flushing, blood-pressure changes, and priapism-type over-activation), so combining them raises risk without new benefit.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    The mechanism descriptions clearly establish that both peptides are synthetic melanocortin agonists sharing multiple overlapping targets (MC4R and MC3R are explicitly listed for both), activate the same cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, and both modulate central dopaminergic pathways for sexual arousal. Both are tagged with dopaminergic_system, dopaminergic_arousal, and cAMP_PKA. The proposed relationship correctly identifies these shared mechanistic dimensions. The claim that bremelanotide is 'essentially the active fragment of melanotan II' is supported by the descriptions noting both are synthetic versions of alpha-MSH with overlapping receptor profiles. The mechanistic basis for redundancy (shared receptor activation and signaling pathways) is clearly justified by the provided material.

    Shares dopaminergic system · dopaminergic arousal · cAMP PKA

  • Alpha-MSHSame mechanism

    Worth caution

    Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic copy of alpha-MSH that activates the same melanocortin receptors (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R) through the identical cAMP pathway, producing the same tanning and appetite-suppressing effects. Combining the two is redundant and simply compounds melanocortin overactivation (nausea, flushing, blood-pressure and libido effects) — choose one, don't layer them.

    Tier 3Largely anecdotal — commonly discussed

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides share identical melanocortin receptor targets (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) and activate the same cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. Both produce appetite suppression/anorexigenic effects and skin pigmentation through this shared mechanism. The mechanism descriptions explicitly confirm Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-MSH that activates the same receptors via the same cAMP cascade. The claimed shared dimensions (cAMP_PKA and appetite_regulation) are directly supported by both peptides' approved tags and pathway descriptions. The explanation that combining them would be redundant and compound melanocortin overactivation is mechanistically justified by their identical receptor and pathway profiles.

    Shares cAMP PKA · appetite regulation

  • AfamelanotideSame mechanism

    Worth caution

    Both are alpha-MSH-derived melanocortin agonists that drive eumelanin synthesis and tanning through MC1R and the cAMP/PKA/CREB cascade. Afamelanotide is MC1R-selective while Melanotan II also hits MC3R/MC4R/MC5R (adding appetite suppression and sexual/erectile effects). Stacking them for pigmentation is redundant and would layer melanocortin over-activation; pick one for the pigment goal rather than combining.

    Tier 4Theoretical — not established

    What the research doesn't fully establish

    Both peptides' mechanisms clearly establish the proposed relationship. They share the cAMP_PKA dimension: Afamelanotide targets MC1R as an agonist activating adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathways and MITF pathway for eumelanin synthesis. Melanotan II similarly activates MC1R through adenylyl cyclase/cAMP elevation and the cAMP-PKA-CREB cascade for tyrosinase upregulation and eumelanin synthesis. Both are described as alpha-MSH-derived melanocortin agonists. The key mechanistic difference (Melanotan II's additional MC3R/MC4R/MC5R activation driving appetite suppression and sexual effects) is accurately noted and does not contradict the shared cAMP_PKA dimension for pigmentation. The explanation correctly identifies that both converge on the same MC1R-cAMP-PKA-eumelanin pathway for tanning, making them mechanistically similar in their primary pigmentation effect, even though Melanotan II has broader receptor selectivity.

    Shares cAMP PKA

Safety and side effects

Common / short-term side effects

Nausea, yawning, stretching, facial flushing/redness, reduced appetite, headache, somnolence and fatigue are frequently reported. In the tanning Phase I trial, mild nausea (not requiring antiemetic treatment) occurred at most dose levels, and Grade II somnolence and fatigue appeared at the 0.03 mg/kg dose in one of two subjects; nausea and fatigue appear to be dose-dependent class effects. In the erection trial, 12.9% of subjects experienced severe nausea at 0.025 mg/kg. Transient side effects — nausea, stretching, yawning and decreased appetite — occurred more frequently after MT-II than placebo but none required treatment. Spontaneous or prolonged painful erections (priapism) can occur in males.

Pigmentary effects

MT-II can cause reversible darkening of moles and freckles, deepening of existing moles, new moles, atypical melanocytic naevi, and melanonychia (brown-to-black nail discoloration).

Serious harms (case reports)

Published case reports link MT-II use to melanoma, ischemic priapism (sometimes requiring surgery), rhabdomyolysis, renal infarction/failure, dysplastic nevus eruption, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Proposed mechanisms for renal injury include a thrombotic pharmacological influence and possible direct toxic effect on renal parenchyma. These serious harms are documented as case reports and anecdotal safety signals rather than controlled study outcomes.

Melanoma risk — contested

Whether MT-II causes melanoma is disputed. Several sources report melanoma case reports and concern that stimulating pigment cells may promote abnormal cell proliferation; one case described cutaneous melanoma in a 20-year-old woman (Fitzpatrick skin type II) who self-injected over 3-4 weeks alongside sunbed use. However, a 2013 review found no conclusive evidence of causation, a 2021 review concluded the increased risk in users can probably be explained by greater UV exposure, and other sources explicitly state evidence for causal associations is lacking.

Allergic and other reactions

Reported allergic reactions may include breathing problems, wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, facial/lip/mouth/tongue/throat swelling, trouble swallowing, itching, rash, hives, dizziness, fainting, stomach cramps and joint pain.

Additional considerations

No specific drug interactions have been identified, and there is no evidence supporting use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Long-term concerns include melanoma/skin cancer risk and encephalopathy syndrome. Illicit-use hazards include transmission of infectious diseases, potentially contaminated products, polypharmacy and sunbed exposure. Product quality is a concern: one analysis (Breindahl and colleagues) found gray-market vials labeled 10 mg actually contained 4.32-8.84 mg of peptide. MT-II is largely untested, with no completed Phase III safety trials.

Reconstitution and handling

Administration

No dose has been established for this compound. No regulatory label exists for it, so the figures below are what sources report — not guidance.

Melanotan II is usually self-administered as a subcutaneous injection of reconstituted liquid, commonly every second day, and is also found in nasal sprays. Its cyclic structure confers significantly greater resistance to enzymatic breakdown than linear alpha-MSH, though plasma half-life remains relatively short (variously reported as ~30 minutes, ~33 minutes IV, ~1 hour, or ~1-2 hours), with peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours post-injection.

Trial-derived dosing

The only trial-derived dose is from Phase I studies: a recommended single dose of 0.025 mg/kg/day, escalated from a 0.01 mg/kg starting dose in 0.005 mg/kg increments to a 0.03 mg/kg maximum. For reference, 0.025 mg/kg corresponds to approximately 2 mg for an 80 kg individual. Tanning activity in humans was demonstrated with only 5 low doses given every other day subcutaneously.

Anecdotal (non-validated) protocols

A commonly circulated anecdotal tanning protocol involves an initial 0.1 mg dose for tolerance assessment, escalating to 0.25 mg daily for 2-4 weeks, then maintenance of 0.5-1 mg once or twice weekly. This loading/maintenance approach has no published clinical trial basis and should be regarded as unvalidated community practice, not clinical guidance.

Practical cautions

Because MT-II is unregulated and illicitly sourced, actual peptide content may differ substantially from label claims — one analysis found vials labeled 10 mg contained only 4.32-8.84 mg. Contaminated or mislabeled products, non-sterile injection practices, and combined sunbed exposure are documented hazards of illicit use.

Sources

Ordered by evidence quality — the strongest first.

  1. Clinical Urology: Original Articles SYNTHETIC MELANOTROPIC PEPTIDE INITIATES ERECTIONS IN MEN WITH PSYCHOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO CONTROLLED CROSSOVER STUDY(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · sciencedirect.com
  2. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic ...(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study - PubMed(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2020
  5. Melanoma associated with the use of melanotan-II.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2014
  6. Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II | International Journal of Impotence Research(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 1Web · nature.com · 2000
  7. Melanotan II - an overview(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2Web · sciencedirect.com
  8. Melanotan II (MT-II): Research Evidence & Safety Profile | PeptideInsight(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2Web · peptideinsight.com · 2026
  9. 5-Hydroxypyrroloindoline Affords Tryptathionine and 2,2'-bis-Indole Peptide Staples: Application to Melanotan-II.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2024
  10. Melanotan-II reverses memory impairment induced by a short-term HF diet.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2023
  11. CLIPSing Melanotan-II to Discover Multiple Functionally Selective hMCR Agonists.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 2PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2022
  12. Melanotan II(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · en.wikipedia.org
  13. Melanotan II: The Synthetic Tanning Peptide and Its Risks | Peptidepedia(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · peptidepedia.org
  14. Melanotan: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · webmd.com
  15. Superpower(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · superpower.com
  16. What is Melanotan-II - the drug that the TGA urges consumers to avoid?(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · unsw.edu.au
  17. Melanotan II: α-MSH Analog, FDA PCAC 2027 Review | Kalios(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · kalios.health · 2026
  18. Melanotan 2 (MT-II) — Evidence Review, Side Effects & Safety | PeptideGuide(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · peptideguide.com · 2026
  19. Melanotan II(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3Web · dermnetnz.org · 2023
  20. Melanotan II User Experience: A Qualitative Study of Online Discussion Forums.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2021
  21. A glimpse into the underground market of melanotan.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 3PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2018
  22. Metallothionein in Brain Disorders.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2017
  23. A review of metallothionein isoforms and their role in pathophysiology.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2011
  24. Metallothioneins are multipurpose neuroprotectants during brain pathology.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2006
  25. Regulation of metallothionein gene expression.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 2001
  26. Induction of metallothionein by stress and its molecular mechanisms.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 1999
  27. [Metallothionein '96].(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 1997
  28. The functional significance of brain metallothioneins.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 1996
  29. Human metallothionein MT-I and MT-II processed genes.(opens in a new tab)
    Tier 4PubMed · pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · 1984