Melanotan 2 | Research Use Only

What it is

Melanotan 2, also written as Melanotan II or MT-II, is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In the scientific literature, it is described as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist used in receptor and signaling research across pigmentation, appetite, and neuroendocrine models.

Origins and scientific context

Melanotan 2 was developed as a second-generation melanocortin analog to improve potency and bioactivity relative to native melanocortin peptides. Review literature describes MT-II as a cyclic melanotropin built around the melanocortin pharmacophore, with cyclization used to enhance biologic properties in experimental systems.

Molecular profile

PubChem lists melanotan-II with the molecular formula C50H69N15O9. PubChem also lists melanotan II acetateseparately, reflecting acetate salt forms used in product contexts. The literature commonly describes MT-II as a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH.

Scientific overview

In simplified terms, Melanotan 2 is used in research to study melanocortin receptor signaling, including pathways involving MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R. Reviews of the melanocortin system place MT-II among the better-known synthetic agonists used to investigate pigmentation, energy balance, and broader melanocortin-mediated cellular responses.

What researchers study with Melanotan 2

Key research focus areas often include
• Melanocortin receptor signaling pathways
• Pigmentation and melanogenesis-related models
• Appetite and energy-balance research
• Comparative studies of melanocortin agonists and analogs

Regulatory and compliance notice

Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. This description is provided for scientific context and must not be used to market Melanotan 2 for diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Citations and references

PubChem compound entry for melanotan-II, includes molecular formula and compound information.

PubChem compound entry for Melanotan II acetate, includes acetate-form compound information.

Ericson et al. Bench-Top to Clinical Therapies: A Review of Melanocortin Ligands from Nonclinical Studies to Clinical Development, review covering Melanotan II and broader melanocortin ligand development.

Cai et al. The Melanocortin Receptor System: A Target for Multiple Degenerative Diseases, review covering melanocortin receptor biology and ligand design.

Zhou et al. Novel approaches to the design of bioavailable melanotropins, review describing Melanotan II as a cyclic second-generation melanotropin analog.

Wessells et al. Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II, paper describing Melanotan II as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist.