Go Back   tanTALK - Tanning Salon Business Owners Community > TanTalk Central > General Tanning Industry Discussions

General Tanning Industry Discussions Tanning Salon Owners and Professionals in The Tanning Industry Discuss a wide Variety of Topics.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 10-31-2006, 11:54 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
Join Date: Aug 17 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3
Rep Power: 0 tanresearch is on a distinguished road
Cool TanResearch Melanotan Guide/FAQ 2006

FAQ: A collaboration of TanResearch and Melanocyte

Melanotan II (MT-2)

MT-2 is a fairly new biotech polypeptide and there is no other substance in the world that will increase melanin (skin pigment) production in humans. This is the only substance that will actually induce a tan in people. You DO NOT need any UV exposure to tan with MT-2, but it does expedite the process.

Melanotan I & II – from wikipedia, are analogs of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that tend to induce skin tanning and, in the case of melanotan II, increase libido.

Both drugs were developed at the University of Arizona. Researchers there knew that one of the best defenses against skin cancer was a natural tan which has been slowly developed over weeks. They hypothesized that an effective way to reduce skin cancer rates in people would be to induce the body's natural tanning system to produce a protective tan prior to UV exposure. They knew the body's naturally occurring hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) caused melanogenesis, a process by which the skin's tanning cells (melanocytes) produce the skin's tanning pigment (melanin). With that knowledge they tested to see if administering this hormone to the body directly could be an effective method to cause sunless tanning. What they found was that while it appeared to work, natural alpha-MSH had too short a half life in the body to be practical as a drug. So they decided to try and find a more potent and stable alternative, one that would be more practical.

After synthesizing and screening hundreds of molecules, the researchers headed by Dr. Victor Hruby, found a peptide that after trials and testing seemed to not only be safe but also approximately 1,000 times more potent than natural α-MSH. They dubbed this new peptide Melanotan. Since their discovery, numerous studies dating back to the mid-1980s have shown no obvious toxic effects of Melanotan. Because skin cancer (melanoma) today is a major health concern, Melanotan is expected to be used as a drug to combat it. Melanotan will do this by stimulating the body's natural tanning mechanism to create a tan without first needing exposure to harmful levels of UV radiation. This in turn will reduce the potential for skin damage that can eventually lead to skin cancer.

Melanotan I

Melanotan has the amino acid sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 or [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH. Melanotan is currently being tested and developed under the name CUV1647 by the Australian company Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, for indications such as Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) and Actinic Keratosis (AK).
Melanotan I has not been sparking the interest of the public near as much as Melanotan II. See below as to why:

Melanotan II


Melanotan II has aphrodisiac properties. It is a cyclic lactam analog of alpha-MSH with the amino acid sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Palatin Technologies of New Jersey has developed another hormone targeted towards Sexual dysfunction based upon melanontan II which they call Bremelanotide (formerly called PT-141). Bremelanotide is a metabolite of melanotan II that lacks the C-terminal amide function. Bremelanotide is currently in clinical trials to treat erectile dysfunction and sexual arousal disorder.

How it works:

MT-2 is a chemical analogue of a something the body naturally produces
called alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (a-MSH). A-MSH is what induces skin cells called melanocytes to produce melanin -- the pigment that tans a person's skin and is responsible for the various colors of skin around the world in humans.

MT-2 out competes a-MSH for binding to melanocyte receptors in humans and other mammals because it has a binding affinity over 1000x more potent than
a-MSH. Therefore only milligrams are needed to do what would normally take lots of a-MSH to do.

When you are exposed to UV rays (whether tanning bed or sunshine) your body produces more a-MSH, hence the eventual tan. However, genetically pale people fall into one of two categories. They either do not sufficiently produce enough a-MSH, or their melanocytes have a weak affinity for a-MSH.

MT-2 overcomes both of these limitations. Anybody can get as dark as they like with MT-2, it is simply a matter of dosage - the more the darker you will get. The tan is 100 % real, so it fades as slowly as a real tan once you stop using (3-4 weeks average).

The only people MT-2 will not work for is pure albinos -- they're melanocyte receptors have zero affinity, thus even MT-2 simply cannot bind and hence they have no skin pigmentation. MT-2 will work unequivocally for everyone else, even very pale redheads can get very dark.

How it is used:

You need to be properly informed in the storing and usage of peptides
-- they denature rapidly if you mishandle them.

If you order 30 mg (which is a sufficient amount for a first-time beginner cycle) you will receive your 30 mg of "lyophilized" (it means
"freeze-dried") MT-2.
Put two vials in the freezer (deep freeze if you have one) -- DO NOT
RECONSTITUTE (reconstitute just means "mix" with bacteriostatic water) these vials. Just freeze them as is.

Then with the vial you are going to be using, reconstitute (mix with
bacteriostatic water).

To mix the vial with bact water, take one of the syringes (BD Ultrafine II 1cc or 1/3 cc are excellent and I recommend them) and grab your bacteriostatic water. If using a 1 cc syringe (100 units) use the syringe to withdraw 1 full ml (1cc) and inject that into the vial of MT-2 through the rubber. Be sure to aim the needle towards the glass, so that it will trickle down. Swirl the vial to thoroughly mix and let the peptide dissolve.

So now you have 100 units (1cc) of bacteriostatic water mixed with 10 mg of MT-2 in your vial.

Then inject roughly 100 units (1 cc) of air into the vial so that the vial is not a vacuum -- otherwise withdrawing peptide will be tricky because of suction in the vial. Don't inject too much air into the vial; otherwise the air pressure will push too much air back into the syringe when you try to withdraw the peptide for injection. Around 100 units usually works fine -- the "units" I'm using as a ref. for injecting are on the side of the syringes (100 unit = one full syringe).
Now, that the vial is mixed (reconstituted), when you withdraw 10 units of the substance, that equals 1 mg of MT-2. So 30 units would equal 3 mg, get the idea?
Now you're ready for subcutaneous injection. If you've never performed sub-q injection before, it's very simple, and if done right, you literally don't feel anything. The needles used for sub-q injection are extremely small (8 mm) and you only go in 5 mm or so -- just into fatty tissue beneath skin. NOT intravenous or intramuscular this is a bit more complicated. Certain diabetics perform sub-q injections with the same tiny needles you'll be using two-three times a day.
You can use the same syringe you used to add the bacteriostatic water to the vial for your first injection. But never use the same syringe twice on yourself -- this is a universal rule no matter what you're injecting. Syringes and bacteriostatic water are extremely cheap and you can get them with ease.

You will store the reconstituted (mixed) vial in your fridge -- NOT your freezer like the others.

The recommended dose is 1 mg of MT-2 per day for the first week or so. One morning injection, or one in the evening, it is up to you. Remember, you will experience some nausea most likely for the first couple days. Listen to your body. It's nothing to be alarmed about, it's perfectly normal. Your body is simply finding a new homeostasis as it acclimates to the peptide in your blood. Your body adjusts within 2-4 days at the latest and you will never have any nausea again -- unless you come off MT-2 for a long time (over 2 months) and then resume heavy dosing. So remember, the nausea is COMPLETELY normal and entirely goes away. The harder and more frequent erections as a side effect however will persist for as long as you are taking MT-2. MT-2 is more powerful than Viagra in this regard, and that is why we are interested in the analogue version of MT-2 called PT-141 to treat ED as well!

After a week of 1 mg per day dosing you can play with the dose until desired shade of tan is achieved. From there, maintenance dosing is minimal. I usually just use 1 vial over 10 days and then take 2-3 weeks off completely, and then repeat.

Remember, the lyophilized MT-2 (freeze dried) will last in your freezer for 1 year. But once mixed with bact water, the MT-2 will degrade. YOU MUST STORE THE RECONSTITUTED MT-2 in the REFRIGERATOR -- NOT freezer. Also, there is no magic pill or formula here. Trial and error are critical to learning. Share your melanotan experience so that our research continues to prosper!

Where do I get Melanotan?
http://melanotan.org/cgi-bin/yabb/Ya...num=1160714342


Outline of a typical MT-II cycle:

.5mg day 1, 2 & 3. This small dose is a good start if you are not in a rush to get tan.
1mg/day or every other day until you reach 20mg. By this time you should have a nice color.
.5-1mg every 3-4 days now for maintenance…continue this now as long as your heart desires!

FAQ

“How long does the tan last?”
The tan is 100% real, and lasts as long as it would to another person naturally.

“I was wondering about the side effect of erections. Are they completely spontaneous, or a result of increased libido?”
The aphrodisiac side effects (or perks, depending how you look at it) are dose dependant. Taking too much can make it hard to ignore. Taking the average 1mg dose seems to yield all the right feelings! See the Bremelanotide FAQ for more information on this subject.

“How much UV exposure (sun or bed) is needed for MT-II to work?”
On average, with a moderate tanning schedule, a ballpark # would be three weeks tanning 2-3x/wks.

“What would happen if someone used MT II and didn't get any UV exposure? Would they still tan?”
You will develop a tan without sun exposure when using melanotan. However, the tan you could achieve with UV exposure would be much more natural looking and desirable.

“I have been taking melanotan II for about 2 weeks, doing 2 1ml injections daily, have seen great results already, just a little worried about these very dark dots I am developing over my body, is it normal or should I be worried.”
The dark spots some get at certain stages of their melanotan use are referred to as hyperpigmentation. They seem to be areas of previous UV or sun damage. They are mole-like and persistant (will not go away by on their own). However, as the rest of your tan emerges, they will be less noticeable.

“Since I have been taking the drug I have noticed increased muscle mass from working out, does this drug have any benefits in building muscle or is it just in my mind?”
I too noticed an increase in muscle strength while I was on melanotan II and thought it was in my mind, but now that you mention it....
tanresearch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2006, 11:54 PM   #2 (permalink)
 
Join Date: Aug 17 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3
Rep Power: 0 tanresearch is on a distinguished road
Re: TanResearch Melanotan Guide/FAQ 2006

What is Melanotan and Melanotan II?

Based upon a quote of the Arizona Cancer Center found at sunless.com (on June 14th,1999):

Melanotan and Melanotan II are both synthetic versions of melanocyte stimulating hormone that were created, synthesized and developed at The University of Arizona and the Arizona Cancer Center. Melanotan is a linear, full length peptide (containing all 13 amino acids). Melanotan II is a shortened, circular version of the same peptide. Both Melanotan and Melanotan II have sunless tanning capabilities but because Melanotan II had labido enhancement and spontaneous erections as side effects, it is now being developed as a sexual and erectile dysfunction drug.

To be particularly clear regarding Melanotan (due to previous incorrect news reports) it should be known that it does not cause sexual arousal nor have erectile effects. These aspects are only found in Melanotan II and Bremelanotide. Melanotan.org


Melanotan peptides in the news:

Barbie Drug? CNN.com
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/...tsc/index.html

The University of Arizona (UOA) Health Sciences Center
(A pre-Viagra article with good info.)
http://web.archive.org/web/200209092...97/wessles.htm

American Urology Association, Inc.
Scientific description of a Melanotan II. study done by it's discoverers.
http://web.archive.org/web/200104051...AUA99_1603.cfm

Melanotan peptides for tanning, weight loss and for sexual dysfunction:
http://www.wsbtv.com/health/2708350/detail.html
tanresearch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2006, 11:55 PM   #3 (permalink)
 
Join Date: Aug 17 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3
Rep Power: 0 tanresearch is on a distinguished road
Re: TanResearch Melanotan Guide/FAQ 2006

http://www.epitan.com.au/IRM/content...piTan_high.wmv

Eight minute video here! :)
tanresearch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2006, 06:36 AM   #4 (permalink)
 
Neon Beach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 30 2000
Location: Ontario
Age: 61
Posts: 38,594
Rep Power: 107 Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute Neon Beach has a reputation beyond repute
Re: TanResearch Melanotan Guide/FAQ 2006

As a salon owner, I should care about this, why?
Neon Beach is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2006, 09:08 AM   #5 (permalink)
I love Derf!!
 
Join Date: Jul 21 2006
Location: LaSalle
Posts: 3,042
Rep Power: 30 Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute Nigelappler has a reputation beyond repute
Re: TanResearch Melanotan Guide/FAQ 2006

Sounds dangerous..
Nigelappler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2006, 11:24 AM   #6 (permalink)
I love Derf!!
 
Join Date: Sep 27 2005
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Age: 42
Posts: 347
Rep Power: 19 Carribbean Island Tan will become famous soon enough
Re: TanResearch Melanotan Guide/FAQ 2006

3 weeks 2/3 times a week tanning - in good bed you'll get tan with no needles in your ***.
5 sessions in HP and you are tan.
Carribbean Island Tan is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Melanotan and its affect on the Tanning Industry SayGoodbye General Tanning Industry Discussions 20 09-13-2010 05:12 AM
Nicknamed the \"Barbie Drug\" Melanotan Meltdbutta General Tanning Industry Discussions 8 07-10-2007 11:20 PM
Tanning pill Melanotan from internet news Jancy General Tanning Industry Discussions 5 01-27-2005 11:44 AM
Tanning Drugs Ready in 2005 CHUNN General Tanning Industry Discussions 39 11-19-2004 11:26 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:54 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.1.0
Copyright 2009 - tanTALK.com

click here for advertising info!