Head to head
Melanotan II against Alpha-MSH
The natural melanocortin hormone and the synthetic analogue built from it. Alpha-MSH controls pigmentation, appetite and inflammation together, and the analogues differ mainly in which of those they fail to separate.
Column A
Melanotan IIMelanotan II (melanocortin receptor agonist)
An unapproved melanocortin agonist studied for skin pigmentation and libido, with notable safety concerns.
Column B
Alpha-MSHAlpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
The natural melanocortin hormone behind skin pigmentation, appetite, and inflammation, and the template for melanotan and related peptides.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | Melanotan II | Alpha-MSH |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Melanocortin | Melanocortin |
| FDA status | Not approved; flagged by regulators | Native hormone; melanocortin-based drugs are approved for specific uses |
| Half-life | ~1 hour | Short (minutes) |
| Molecular weight | 1,024.2 Da | 1,664.9 Da |
| Mechanism | Broadly agonizes melanocortin receptors, stimulating melanogenesis (MC1R) and central pathways affecting appetite and sexual function (MC4R). | Agonizes melanocortin receptors to drive pigmentation (MC1R), appetite and energy balance (MC4R), and anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Human studies cited | 3 | 0 |
| Legal status, US | Not approved; research use only | Not approved; research use only |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Melanotan II and Alpha-MSH?
Melanotan II: An unapproved melanocortin agonist studied for skin pigmentation and libido, with notable safety concerns. Alpha-MSH: The natural melanocortin hormone behind skin pigmentation, appetite, and inflammation, and the template for melanotan and related peptides.
Which has stronger research evidence, Melanotan II or Alpha-MSH?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 3 of the 3 studies cited on the Melanotan II profile were human work, against 0 of 3 for Alpha-MSH. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are Melanotan II and Alpha-MSH FDA-approved?
Melanotan II: Not approved; flagged by regulators. Alpha-MSH: Native hormone; melanocortin-based drugs are approved for specific uses.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover Melanotan II or Alpha-MSH, newest first.
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.