MT-2 (Melanotan 2)

What is Melanotan 2 (MT2) (10mg)?

Melanotan 2 (MT2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide designed as an analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is commonly categorized among aesthetic and cosmetic research peptides because it is widely used to study pigmentation pathways and melanocortin receptor signaling that influence skin color and related biological responses.

In laboratory research, MT2 functions as a non-selective agonist at several melanocortin receptors, providing a controlled tool for investigating melanogenesis, neuroendocrine signaling, and metabolic regulation in preclinical models.

Product Specifications

• Peptide Sequence: Ac‑Nle‑c[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂ (cyclic 2–7)
• Chemical Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
• Molecular Weight: 1024.2 g/mol
• CAS Number: 121062‑08‑6
• Purity: Supplied as a high‑purity research peptide (typically ≥98–99% by HPLC); identity and purity are confirmed by chromatographic and mass‑spectrometric methods, with lot‑specific values provided in the certificate of analysis.
• Packaging Format: 10 mg lyophilized (freeze‑dried) MT2 in a sealed vial, intended for reconstitution with an appropriate solvent or buffer immediately prior to experimental use.
• Storage Conditions: Store at −20°C, protected from light and moisture; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles to maintain structural integrity and assay performance.

For Laboratory Research Use Only

Key Characteristics of Melanotan 2 (MT2) (10mg)

• α-MSH Analogue: MT2 uses a shortened, cyclic design to improve stability and receptor activity compared with native α-MSH.
• Broad Melanocortin Activity: It activates multiple melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), which supports research across pigmentation, neuroendocrine, and metabolic signaling pathways.
• MC1R-Linked Melanogenesis Model: Researchers commonly use MT2 as a reference compound in melanocyte studies examining melanin production and UV-related signaling.
• Built for Higher Stability: Cyclization (Asp–Lys lactam bridge) plus amino-acid substitutions (e.g., Nle, D-Phe) help reduce enzymatic breakdown in experimental systems.
• Research-Grade Documentation: Supplied as a lyophilized powder with standard analytical support (CoA, HPLC, MS) to help maintain batch consistency in lab workflows.
• Safety-Focused Research Relevance: Literature often discusses MT2 in the context of unregulated use and reported adverse effects (e.g., nausea, flushing, pigment changes in nevi), making it relevant for safety and pharmacovigilance research.

How Melanotan 2 (MT2) (10mg) Supports Research

Melanotan 2 (MT2) supports research by providing a well-characterized, potent melanocortin receptor agonist that can be applied under controlled conditions to investigate melanocortin biology.

Because the peptide interacts with multiple receptor subtypes (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R), it enables researchers to examine how receptor activation influences melanogenesis, appetite regulation, sexual function pathways, and energy balance in various experimental systems.

Additionally, MT2 is frequently cited in clinical and toxicological reports as an unlicensed tanning agent associated with specific side-effect patterns, making it a relevant compound in safety, pharmacovigilance, and public health-oriented research on off-label or uncontrolled peptide use.

Research Applications & Usage Information

• Pigmentation and Melanogenesis: Used to study MC1R-mediated melanogenesis, UV interaction, and melanin synthesis in melanocytes, exploring how pigmentation changes affect cutaneous biology.
• Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology & SAR Studies: Acts as a reference ligand for receptor binding, potency, and signaling bias across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, supporting structure-activity relationship studies of cyclic and linear analogues.
• Neuroendocrine, Sexual Function, and Metabolic Studies: Investigated in preclinical and human models to assess the effects of MC4R activation on sexual behavior, appetite regulation, and energy balance through MC3R/MC4R pathways.
• Safety, Toxicology, and Pharmacovigilance: Cited in research assessing adverse effects like nausea, flushing, darkening of nevi, and potential risks such as melanoma and renal infarction, relevant for safety analysis of unlicensed tanning products.

Handling and Storage Recommendations

• Keep lyophilized MT2 at −20°C or colder, dry, and protected from light.
• Let the sealed vial reach room temperature to reduce condensation.
• Use a solvent/buffer appropriate for your assay; mix gently until dissolved.
• Keep at 2-8°C for short-term storage of aliquots, and -20°C for long-term storage.
• Use standard PPE and dispose of materials in accordance with institutional waste procedures.

Research Use Only Notice

This product is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human or veterinary use. It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications. Any reference to biological activity or potential effects is based solely on preclinical or in-vitro findings and should not be interpreted as validated clinical outcomes. Researchers are responsible for ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal in accordance with institutional, federal, and international guidelines.

References

1. Scientific Performance Research, LLC. Melanotan II. Scientific Performance Research, LLC; 2018. https://peptidesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Melanotan-II-monograph-v2.docx.pdf
2. AC-NLE-Cyclo[ASP-His-D-Phe-Arg-TRP-Lys]-NH2. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/14560360
3. Mun Y, Kim W, Shin D. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R): Pharmacological and therapeutic aspects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(15):12152. doi:10.3390/ijms241512152
4. Peters B, Hadimeri H, Wahlberg R, Afghahi H. Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report. CEN Case Reports. 2020;9(2):159-161. doi:10.1007/s13730-020-00447-z
5. Brennan R, Wells JG, Van Hout MC. An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes. Performance Enhancement & Health. 2014;3(2):78-92. doi:10.1016/j.peh.2015.06.001
6. Melanotan-2 (MT-II): Comprehensive Research Monograph | Peptide Biologix. https://peptidebiologix.com/melanotan-2