Melanotan II Pricing: April 2026

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic peptide that activates several melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), and people use it for skin tanning, libido, and appetite suppression. It is often confused with PT-141 (bremelanotide), but the two differ. MT-II's broad receptor activity drives tanning through MC1R, while PT-141 targets only MC3R and MC4R and affects only sexual function.

Regulatory status (April 2026): MT-II is not FDA-approved, and it remains on the FDA's Category 2 list, the list of substances the agency considers too risky to compound. In February 2026, HHS moved most peptides off Category 2, but MT-II was specifically excluded. The reasons were melanoma and skin cancer concerns, since MC1R activation can darken existing moles (nevi); cardiovascular stress; and too little human safety data.

Compared with PT-141: MT-II has no FDA-approved branded version, while PT-141 has Vyleesi. MT-II cannot be legally compounded under the 503A or 503B pathways, while PT-141 is widely compounded. A 503A pharmacy compounds patient-specific prescriptions, and a 503B facility compounds in bulk. No telehealth platform legally prescribes MT-II, so every legitimate access channel is closed. FDA issued 14 warning letters to consumer suppliers in 2026, and selling it is illegal in all 50 US states, the UK, and Australia, which moved it to Schedule 9 in February 2026.

Pricing and dosing: The only available prices come from gray-market research chemical vendors, who label products "not for human consumption," meaning no prescription and no legal human use. Standard dosing starts with a loading phase of 0.25 mg (250 mcg) under the skin daily for 1–2 weeks, then 0.5–1 mg once or twice a week for maintenance. It is sold as injectable freeze-dried powder, the most common form, or as a nasal spray, usually 10 mg per 10 mL bottle.

Side effects: Nausea, facial flushing, darkening of existing moles, and spontaneous erections in men. Insurance does not cover MT-II.