Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Developed in the 1980s, Melanotan-2 has been shown to increase sexual arousal, reduce compulsive/addictive behavior, curb hunger and increase melanin production. Research has shown the peptide to stimulate melanocytes therefore producing increased skin pigmentation and may help to combat autism when used during early childhood development.