Mechanism
This one does not pick a lane: a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, lighting up MC1R for pigmentation, MC3R and MC4R for sexual function and appetite, and MC5R for exocrine function. All of them, whether you wanted the whole package or just the tan.
Key Benefit
Increases skin pigmentation (tanning without UV), enhances libido in both sexes. Originally developed at University of Arizona.
Evidence Base
Phase II data looked at erectile dysfunction and went nowhere near approval. The tanning effect, though, is thoroughly documented. Just also completely unregulated, so documented and legal are not the same thing here.
Route & Rationale
Subcutaneous injection. Peptide requires SC delivery. Nasal spray formulations exist but with lower, inconsistent bioavailability.
Interactions
Nausea common at initiation. Risk of new or changed moles. Dermatologic monitoring recommended. Flushing and facial erythema.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA-approved. It came off the FDA's Category 2 list in April 2026, and there's no timeline yet on the PCAC review that decides what happens next. What's out there right now is gray market, and gray market means nobody is checking what's in the vial.
Hard Contraindications
Melanoma, Pregnancy/planning
For information and research purposes only. This is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use this substance. Discuss anything here with your healthcare provider.
