Melanotan II an overview ScienceDirect Topics Your body already makes a hormone that tells your skin to tan. Melanotan 2 is a synthetic peptide engineered to mimic that hormone but in a version that's more potent and longer lasting than Brits buy 17 illegal 'Barbie' tanning injections that 'lead to kidney failure, brain swelling and hallucinations' Don't risk using tanning products containing melanotan Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)