Research Compound Melanotan II

Research Compound Melanotan 2 is a laboratory material for analytical and in vitro work.

What is Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with the sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 and a molecular weight of approximately 1024 Da. Cyclisation and the substitution of L-phenylalanine with its D-form increase stability relative to native α-MSH.

Research background

The molecule was developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s and 1990s as part of research into melanocortin analogues. The same research line later produced bremelanotide (PT-141), which is structurally related but not the same molecule.

Mechanism and scientific context

MT-II is a non-selective agonist of several melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R). In experimental models it is therefore associated simultaneously with melanogenesis (MC1R), central neuroendocrine signalling (MC3R/MC4R) and other pathways. This lack of selectivity makes it a useful tool for comparison with more selective ligands.

Main research areas

• melanocortin receptor pharmacology
• receptor selectivity
• melanogenesis in cellular models
• central melanocortin signalling

Level of evidence

Preclinical and limited experimental human literature. The molecule is not an approved medicine, and its safety profile has not been adequately established.

Research use only: for laboratory, analytical and in vitro research only; not for use in humans or animals. Guidance on batch documentation is available in our COA guide.