Melanotan 2 (MT-2)
Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), extensively studied for its melanogenesis-stimulating properties and potential in sexual dysfunction research.
What Is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic peptide composed of 7 amino acids, developed as an analog of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). As a research compound, it has attracted significant scientific interest for its potent melanotropic and aphrodisiac properties, extensively documented in clinical and cellular models.
Its underlying biological role relates to mimicking the body's natural melanocortins to stimulate melanogenesis and regulate energy homeostasis. Studies indicate that Melanotan II promotes eumelanin production in melanocytes — processes central to skin pigmentation and photoprotection, alongside supporting sexual arousal and appetite regulation pathways (Dorr et al., 1996).
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan II is studied for its ability to stimulate melanogenesis — the production of melanin pigments — through activation of the MC1 receptor, and for modulating sexual arousal and appetite pathways via non-selective agonism of the MC3 and MC4 receptors (Wessells et al., 1998; Hadley & Dorr, 2006).
Key Areas of Research
Melanogenesis & Photoprotection
Preclinical and pilot studies show significant increases in eumelanin production, highlighting its early potential as a sunless tanning agent to protect skin against UV-induced damage (Lan et al., 1994).
Sexual Dysfunction Support
Melanotan II has demonstrated potent erectogenic properties, successfully initiating spontaneous erections and increasing sexual desire in male and female arousal disorder models (Wessells et al., 2000).
Appetite Suppression & Energy Balance
Research highlights suppressive effects on food intake and caloric retention against obesity models (Fan et al., 1997), along with increased energy expenditure mediated by central melanocortin pathways (Trivedi et al., 2003).
Neurological & Sociability Effects
Studies report improvements in sociability deficits and reductions in repetitive behaviors, indicating support for neurological pathways related to autistic-like features in murine models (Minakova et al., 2019).
Research Use Only
Melanotan 2 supplied by Peptidos.eu is intended exclusively for laboratory and scientific research. It is not approved for human or animal consumption and must not be used as a medicine or diagnostic tool.
- Chemical name
- Melanotan II (MT-2)
- Purity
- 99.849%
- Molecular formula
- C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
- Amino acid sequence
- Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂
- CAS number
- 121062-08-6
- Molecular weight
- 1024.18 g/mol
- Number of amino acids
- 7
- Appearance
- White to off-white lyophilized powder.
- Solubility / reconstitution
- Highly water-soluble. Reconstitute in bacteriostatic water; dissolves readily to a clear solution.
- Storage
- Stable for 36 months (lyophilized, 2–8°C). After reconstitution store at 4°C and use within ~2 weeks.
- Dorr, R. T., et al. (1996). Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sciences, 58(20), 1777–1784.
- Lan, E. L., et al. (1994). Preformulation studies with melanotan II: a potential skin cancer chemopreventive peptide. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 83(8), 1081–1084.
- Wessells, H., et al. (1998). Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. Journal of Urology, 160(2), 389–393.
- Hadley, M. E., & Dorr, R. T. (2006). Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides, 27(4), 921–930.
- Minakova, E., et al. (2019). Melanotan-II reverses autistic features in a maternal immune activation mouse model of autism. PLoS One, 14(1), e0210389.
- Fan, W., et al. (1997). Role of melanocortinergic neurons in feeding and the agouti obesity syndrome. Nature, 385(6612), 165–168.
- Wessells, H., et al. (2000). Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction. Urology, 56(4), 641–646.
- Trivedi, P., et al. (2003). Distribution of melanocortin receptors in the human brain. Brain Research, 969(1-2), 161–170.
- Pinsuwan, S., et al. (1997). Systemic delivery of melanotan II through the ocular route in rabbits. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 86(3), 396–397.
- Shadiack, A. M., et al. (2007). Melanocortins in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 7(11), 1097–1106.
Disclaimer
The products offered by peptidos.eu are intended exclusively for research and laboratory use and are sold only to qualified professionals, institutions, or authorized entities. These products are not intended for human or veterinary consumption, nor for any application involving living organisms, including — but not limited to — diagnostic, therapeutic, or recreational purposes.
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They are a qualified professional or entity, possessing the necessary competence, training, and facilities for the safe handling of chemical reagents;
They will use the product in full compliance with all applicable local, national, and European Union laws and regulations;
They will adopt appropriate safety measures during all stages of handling, storage, and disposal.
Prohibited Uses
The product must not be used as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in the manufacturing or preparation of medicines intended for humans or animals;
Any direct administration or use on humans or animals is strictly prohibited;
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Regulatory Compliance
Peptidos.eu does not claim or imply that its products are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or any other regulatory authority. All information provided is for informational and scientific purposes only. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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