Melanotan 2
Synthetic peptide studied in relation to melanogenesis, pigmentation, UV-related skin responses, and melanocortin receptor pathways.
For research use only.
$ 32.00
$ 32.00
WHAT IS Melanotan 2
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic lactam heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its amino acid sequence is Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. MT-II was originally developed at the University of Arizona by Dr. Victor Hruby and colleagues as a potential tanning agent to reduce skin cancer risk by stimulating the body's natural melanin production without excessive UV exposure.
What makes Melanotan II unique — and controversial — is its non-selective activation of melanocortin receptors. Unlike Melanotan I (afamelanotide), which selectively targets MC1R for tanning, MT-II activates MC1R through MC5R. This broad receptor profile produces multiple effects: skin tanning via MC1R-driven melanogenesis, sexual arousal and erectile function via MC3R/MC4R activation in the hypothalamus, appetite suppression via MC4R signaling in energy homeostasis pathways, and potential fat loss through altered energy balance.
The sexual function effects of MT-II were so pronounced in early clinical trials that they led to the development of PT-141 (bremelanotide) — a derivative of MT-II specifically optimized for MC4R activation. PT-141 is now FDA-approved as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, making it the only melanocortin-based drug approved for sexual function.
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Key Characteristics:
Non-selective melanocortin agonist — activates MC1R through MC5R, producing tanning, sexual arousal, appetite suppression, and energy homeostasis effects
Cyclic heptapeptide — Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 — cyclic structure provides enhanced receptor binding and metabolic stability
Primary effect: melanogenesis — MC1R activation stimulates melanocytes to produce eumelanin (brown/black pigment), darkening the skin with minimal UV exposure
Sexual function effects — MC3R/MC4R activation in the hypothalamus increases libido, sexual arousal, and erectile function — the basis for PT-141 development
Appetite suppression — MC4R activation in energy homeostasis pathways reduces appetite and may contribute to fat loss over time
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature in the original packaging.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Shelf life under recommended conditions: up to the date indicated on the packaging (up to 24 months).
Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
Use within 28 days of reconstitution.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Do not freeze the solution.
Avoid temperature fluctuations.