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MT-2

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Melanotan 2MT-2MT-II

A cyclic peptide analog of α-MSH that targets melanocortin receptors and is studied for its role in melanogenesis and related biological pathways in research settings. Premium Research Peptide.

All products currently listed on this site are for research purposes only.

$49.99

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How MT-2 Works

The Science, Simplified

Non-Selective Melanocortin Agonism

Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Unlike linear analogs, its cyclic structure provides high metabolic stability and potent binding to multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R).
Key insight: MT-2 is distinguished by its sub-nanomolar potency, allowing it to trigger biological pathways at significantly lower concentrations than naturally occurring hormones in laboratory models.

Activation of the MC1R Pigmentation Pathway

The primary researched effect of Melanotan II is its interaction with the Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R) located on melanocytes. This binding stimulates the synthesis of eumelanin, a pigment studied in melanocyte research models.

Key insight: Research observations indicate that MT-2-induced melanogenesis can occur independently of UV radiation exposure in laboratory models, a distinguishing feature of its receptor-signaling pathway.

Central MC3R/MC4R Signaling

Beyond melanocytes, MT-2 is reported in research models to cross the blood-brain barrier and act on central MC3 and MC4 receptor populations, which are studied for their roles in central nervous system signaling pathways.

Key insight: Research indicates that MC4R activation is an active area of receptor-pharmacology study, and has informed the development of several related melanocortin receptor agonist compounds used in further laboratory research

Research Handling Notes

What research literature describes

Melanotan II research literature includes documented storage and handling considerations relevant to laboratory research use.

🧿 Storage & Handling Notes

30%

Store lyophilized at -20°C

standard

15%

Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use

standard

12%

Protect from light

standard

Research Notes

Receptor Binding Characteristics

  • Structural Potency: The cyclic conformation increases receptor binding affinity, which researchers note allows lower compound quantities to be used in experimental protocols.
  • Melanin Density: Research models show increased eumelanin synthesis following MC1R activation, occurring independently of UV exposure.
  • Signaling Specificity: Research models indicate activity concentrated on melanocortin receptor pathways, with limited cross-reactivity reported in in vitro binding assays.

Compound Information

Technical specifications for each component

🔬 Molecular Profile

Melanotan II Structure

CAS Number

121062-08-6

Molecular Formula

C50H69N15O9

Molecular Weight

1024.18 g/mol

Sequence

Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2

Structure

Cyclic lactam

PubChem Databases

🧊 Storage Requirements

Melanocortin Receptor Affinity

Handling and storage requirements

Lyophilized (powder)

-20°C

up to 18–24 months

Reconstituted solution

2–8°C

up to 30 days

Handling Notes

Keep away from direct light

📊 Physical Properties

Formulation Characteristics

Handling and storage requirements

Classification

Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist peptide

Origin

Developed for skin pigmentation research

Research Scope

Studied for melanocortin receptor (MC1R) signaling and melanin synthesis

PubMed / Studies

1,000+ research publications

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MT-2

Melanotan II is a synthetic version of the natural alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It was originally developed by researchers at the University of Arizona studying UV-independent melanogenesis pathways as part of dermatological research
Melanotan 1 is a linear peptide that primarily targets the MC1R receptor. Melanotan II is cyclic, which research indicates makes it more stable and potent. Because MT-2 also binds the MC4 receptor, it engages a broader range of melanocortin receptor subtypes than Melanotan 1, which is limited to MC1R.
Research literature indicates that increased melanin production in laboratory models is not limited to a specific area, and can involve existing pigmented skin features such as moles and freckles. Such changes are described in the research literature as reversible.
Some published research references two-phase experimental designs, describing an initial phase followed by a lower-frequency phase, used to study sustained receptor signaling in laboratory models. This product is intended for laboratory research use only and does not include instructions for human or animal use.
For laboratory accuracy, Melanotan II should be reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water. It should be handled with care; the vial should not be shaken, as the peptide structure is delicate and can be "sheared" by aggressive movement.

Sources & References

Peer-reviewed research

British Journal of Dermatology

A randomized controlled trial of melanotan II in the induction of eumelanin synthesis in fair-skinned subjects

2006

Barnetson RS, et al.

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Urology

Synthetic melanotropic peptide pharmacological effects: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study

1998

Wessells H, et al.

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Life Sciences

Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide, in a pilot phase-I research trial

1996

Dorr RT, et al.

View Source

Peptides

Discovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs. Melanotan-I and -II

2006

Hadley ME, Dorr RT

View Source

International Journal of Impotence Research

Pharmacologic effects of bremelanotide (PT-141), a melanocortin receptor agonist, in a clinical research study

2004

Diamond LE, et al.

View Source
  • Important Research Notice

Not for human consumption. This product is sold exclusively for research and educational purposes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All research data and findings presented on this page are sourced from peer-reviewed journals and official publications. They are provided for educational reference only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or product claims.

By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher and will use it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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