Melanotan 2
A synthetic cyclic α-MSH analog studied in laboratory settings for melanocortin receptor activation and melanogenesis
About Melanotan 2
Melanotan 2 (MT-II, CAS 121062-08-6) is a synthetic cyclic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied in laboratory settings for non-selective melanocortin receptor activation. It has been investigated in preclinical models for melanogenesis and other melanocortin-mediated pathways.
Melanotan 2 was developed in the late 1980s at the University of Arizona by a research team led by Dr. Mac Hadley and Dr. Victor Hruby. Their original goal was to create a synthetic α-MSH analog that could be studied for its effects on photoprotective melanogenesis, with the eventual hope of identifying compounds that could increase skin pigmentation as a research tool for studying melanoma prevention.
The Arizona team designed MT-II as a cyclic peptide containing a lactam bridge that conferred enhanced stability and receptor binding affinity compared to native α-MSH. Unlike its naturally occurring counterpart, which is rapidly degraded in circulation, MT-II proved to be stable enough for systematic study and potent enough that very small quantities produced measurable effects in preclinical models.
During early research, investigators noted unexpected effects beyond pigmentation, including observations relating to arousal in research subjects. These observations eventually led to the development of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), a more selective derivative. Today, MT-II remains a widely used research tool for investigating non-selective melanocortin receptor signaling.
Quick Facts
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ |
| Molar Mass | 1024.2 g/mol |
| Sequence | 7 amino acids (cyclic heptapeptide) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | 99%+ (HPLC verified) |
| Third-Party Testing | Freedom Diagnostics (COA included) |
| Storage | Room temp 3–4 months; refrigerate post-reconstitution |
| Price (from) | $50.00 USD |
| SKU | PF-MT2-10MG |
How Melanotan 2 Works
Preclinical studies have examined Melanotan 2's mechanism as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, with effects spanning melanogenesis, energy homeostasis, and central nervous system signaling.
MC1R-Mediated Melanogenesis
MT-II activates MC1R receptors on melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. This stimulates the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, leading to increased tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis in preclinical melanocyte cultures.
Non-Selective Melanocortin Activity
Unlike α-MSH which has highest affinity for MC1R, MT-II is a non-selective agonist activating all four melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). This broad activity has made it a useful research tool for studying the integrated melanocortin system in preclinical models.
Hypothalamic Signaling
MT-II's activation of MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus has been studied for effects on energy balance, food intake, and arousal pathways in animal models. These central effects distinguish MT-II from peripheral melanocortin compounds and made it a precursor for the development of more selective derivatives like PT-141.
Cyclic Stabilization
The lactam bridge in MT-II's cyclic structure confers enhanced metabolic stability and receptor affinity compared to linear α-MSH. This structural modification was a critical innovation that enabled systematic study of melanocortin biology in preclinical research.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Melanotan 2?
- Melanotan 2 (MT-II, CAS 121062-08-6) is a synthetic cyclic analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) studied in laboratory settings for non-selective melanocortin receptor activation. It has been investigated in preclinical models for melanogenesis and other melanocortin-mediated pathways.
- What is the CAS number for Melanotan 2?
- The CAS number for Melanotan 2 is 121062-08-6.
- What purity is Peptide Foundry's Melanotan 2?
- Peptide Foundry's research peptides are manufactured to 99%+ purity. Every batch is verified by an independent third-party laboratory (Freedom Diagnostics) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity and identity, Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay for bacterial endotoxin, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy-metal contamination. A Certificate of Analysis is published for every product and batch.
- How should Melanotan 2 be stored?
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are stable at room temperature for 3–4 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct light and extreme temperatures.
- Does Melanotan 2 ship with a Certificate of Analysis?
- Yes. Every batch of every product ships with a Certificate of Analysis from Freedom Diagnostics, an independent third-party analytical laboratory. The COA documents HPLC purity, peptide identity, endotoxin testing, and heavy-metals screening.
- Is Melanotan 2 sold for human use?
- No. All products sold by Peptide Foundry are strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use only (RUO). They are not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.
Scientific References
- Hadley ME, et al. Discovery and development of novel melanogenic drugs. Pigment Cell Res. 1987;1(2):54-64.
- Dorr RT, et al. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sci. 1996;58(20):1777-1784. PubMed: 8637402
- Wessells H, et al. Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2000;56(4):641-646. PubMed: 11018622
- Hruby VJ, et al. Cyclic lactam alpha-melanotropin analogues. J Med Chem. 1987;30(11):2126-2130. PubMed: 2822931
This product is sold strictly for in-vitro research use only (RUO). It is not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.