Forensic Identification of Black Market Melanotan II and Bremelanotide Using Mass Spectrometry

Eight unknown samples confiscated by police were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution/high-accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Compounds were characterized through accurate mass measurements, isotopic pattern analysis, relative isotopic abundance calculations, and collision-induced dissociation (fragmentation) experiments. No certified reference standards were used — identification was based entirely on structural characterization from mass spectrometric data.

The black market for peptides is largely unregulated, and buyers have no way to verify what they're actually injecting. Forensic labs need reliable methods to identify these compounds when they're seized by law enforcement. This study demonstrates that high-resolution mass spectrometry can identify peptide PIEDs without reference standards — a critical capability since many black market peptides don't have commercially available reference materials for forensic testing.

The illegal peptide market has grown rapidly, with melanotan II being one of the most commonly sold unregulated peptides worldwide. Unlike traditional drugs of abuse, many peptides lack established forensic testing methods. This study contributes to building the forensic toolkit for peptide identification — an increasingly important need as peptide use in bodybuilding, cosmetic, and sexual enhancement markets continues to expand outside medical supervision.

This is a forensic characterization study only — no quantification of purity, potency, or contaminants was performed. No assessment of health risks from the confiscated products was conducted. Only 8 samples were analyzed, and only two peptide compounds were identified. The study doesn't address whether the products contained the labeled doses or had dangerous impurities.