Melanotan II

Melanotan II aka Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-MSH, structurally derived from the same active core sequence as Melanotan 1 but in a cyclized, shortened form that confers greater metabolic resistance and receptor promiscuity. MT-2 acts as a non-selective agonist at multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. It was developed as a successor to MT-1 with a focus on achieving comparable melanogenic activity at lower cumulative concentrations. In preclinical research, MT-2 has been studied in the context of melanocortin receptor pharmacology, sexual behavior-related CNS signaling (primarily via MC4R), and pigmentation biology. PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a metabolite of MT-2. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

Chemical Structure and Identification

• Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
• Molecular Weight: 1024.18 g/mol
• CAS Number: 121062-08-6

Research Applications

• Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology: Investigation of MT-2’s non-selective agonism across MC1R through MC5R subtypes, receptor binding kinetics, and downstream second messenger signaling profiles [1]
• Central Nervous System Melanocortin Signaling: Study of MC3R and MC4R activation in hypothalamic and limbic circuits relevant to energy homeostasis and behavioral signaling research [2]
• Melanogenesis and Pigmentation Models: Examination of MT-2’s concentration-dependent stimulation of melanin production and MC1R-mediated transcriptional regulation in melanocyte cell models [3]
• Comparative Peptide Pharmacology: Use of MT-2 as a reference compound in studies comparing linear versus cyclic melanocortin peptide pharmacodynamics and receptor selectivity [4]

Reference Citations

1. Mountjoy KG et al. (1994) – Mol Endocrinol | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7845413/
2. Fan W et al. (1997) – Nature | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9353119/
3. Dorr RT et al. (2004) – Arch Dermatol | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15262696/
4. Hruby VJ et al. (1995) – J Med Chem | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7783141/

Important Regulatory Notice

These products are for research use only and are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. All compounds described herein have not been approved by the FDA for human use. These products are strictly intended for in vitro laboratory research and analytical purposes when conducted by qualified research professionals in licensed facilities. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws regarding purchase and use of these materials.