Melanotan II (MT-2)

Overview

Melanotan II is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, a naturally occurring hormone involved in the regulation of melanogenesis. It has been the subject of published research into melanocortin receptor pharmacology, particularly at the MC1R (melanogenesis-associated) and MC4R receptors. This vial contains 10mg of Melanotan II as a lyophilised powder for reconstitution with sterile diluent in the laboratory.

What is Melanotan II?

Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide that was originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as part of a research programme into melanocortin system pharmacology. Its structure is a cyclic modification of alpha-MSH that improves potency at the melanocortin receptors and extends the peptide's half-life relative to the native hormone. Published research in animal models has explored Melanotan II in the context of:

Melanocortin receptor binding and activation research

Melanogenesis pathway studies in cell culture

Pigmentation research in preclinical models

Melanocortin-4 receptor pharmacology research

Central melanocortin pathway research

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist at the melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R). Activation of MC1R in melanocyte research models has been associated with increased production of eumelanin, the darker form of melanin. Activation of MC4R in the central nervous system of rodent models has been studied in the context of energy balance research pathways. The non-selective receptor activation profile makes Melanotan II a useful tool for studying the broader melanocortin system in published preclinical research.

Published Research

Published research on Melanotan II spans over three decades and multiple research disciplines. Areas of investigation have included:

Melanocortin receptor pharmacology

Melanogenesis pathway research in cell culture

Pigmentation response in rodent models

Central melanocortin pathway studies

Structural biology of cyclic peptide analogues

Clinical data in humans is limited to early-phase research studies, and Melanotan II is not approved by the TGA for any therapeutic or cosmetic indication.

Quality and Verification

Every batch ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis documenting purity by HPLC (≥99%) and mass spectrometry confirmation of peptide identity. The vial is shipped lyophilised to preserve stability during transit and should be stored at -20°C prior to reconstitution and 2-8°C after reconstitution in the laboratory.

Further Reading

For background on handling lyophilised research peptides, see our reconstitution calculator.

Disclaimer

For research use only. Not for human consumption. The information provided is for educational and research purposes only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult published peer-reviewed literature before designing research protocols.