Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 (MT-II) — Non-Selective Melanocortin Receptor Agonist

Melanotan 2, commonly abbreviated as MT-II, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide developed in the 1980s by researchers at the University of Arizona under the direction of Dr. Mac Hadley and Dr. Victor Hruby. The compound was designed as a non-selective agonist at multiple receptors within the melanocortin receptor family — including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R — and remains one of the most extensively researched reference compounds in melanocortin receptor pharmacology literature.

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan 2 has been investigated in published research for activity across several biological pathways, including:

• Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonism — binding to multiple receptors within the melanocortin family, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, with varying receptor affinities
• cAMP signaling pathways — activation of the adenylate cyclase / cAMP second-messenger cascade downstream of melanocortin receptor binding
• Central nervous system melanocortin pathway research — investigations into hypothalamic and limbic-system signaling pathways downstream of MC3R and MC4R activation
• Comparative receptor pharmacology — comparative studies against selective melanocortin agonists such as PT-141 (Bremelanotide), which was developed from Melanotan 2 as a derivative compound
• MC1R signaling research — investigations into melanocortin-1 receptor pathways and downstream signaling cascades
• Receptor selectivity research — research on the development of more selective melanocortin agonists derived from or compared to Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 holds a distinctive position in melanocortin research literature as the foundational non-selective agonist from which several more selective melanocortin compounds were subsequently developed. PT-141 (Bremelanotide), in particular, is a direct structural derivative of Melanotan 2 designed for altered receptor selectivity. This makes Melanotan 2 both a research compound in its own right and a critical reference tool for studying receptor-selectivity differences across the melanocortin family.

Research Applications

Melanotan 2 is widely used in research contexts including:

• Melanocortin receptor pharmacology and selectivity studies
• MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R receptor binding and signaling research
• Comparative analysis against PT-141 (Bremelanotide) and other melanocortin-derived compounds
• cAMP signaling and G-protein-coupled receptor research
• Central nervous system melanocortin pathway research models
• Research on the development of selective melanocortin receptor agonists

Product Specifications

• Compound: Melanotan 2 (MT-II)
• Form: Lyophilized white powder
• Purity: ≥99% (verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry)
• Available sizes: 10mg
• Third-party tested: Certificate of Analysis available on request

Reconstitution & Storage

Lyophilized Melanotan 2 should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability and protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within the timeframe indicated on the product COA. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as they can degrade peptide integrity.

Shipping & Handling

All orders are shipped with temperature-controlled packaging to preserve peptide integrity. Orders ship within the United States only. Domestic orders typically arrive within 2–4 business days. Tracking is provided on every order.

Important Disclaimer

This product is sold strictly for laboratory research and in-vitro use only. It is not intended for human or animal consumption, diagnostic use, therapeutic use, cosmetic use, tanning, or any form of clinical, medical, or personal application. By purchasing, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher or affiliated with a licensed research institution and that this product will be handled in accordance with all applicable laws and safety standards.

Melanotan 2 is not approved by the FDA for human use, and this product is not a substitute for any prescribed medication. Regulatory authorities in several countries have specifically warned against the use of Melanotan 2 outside of qualified research settings. Use outside of qualified laboratory research is not permitted under the terms of sale.