Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 - Broad Melanocortin-Receptor Agonist Research Peptide

Melanotan 2 (MT-2, Melanotan II) is a synthetic 7-amino-acid cyclic lactam analog of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s alongside Melanotan 1. Its cyclic structure makes it shorter, more stable, and non-selective across the melanocortin receptor family - it binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. That broad receptor profile is the research distinction between MT-2 and the MC1R-selective Melanotan 1, and it is the reason MT-2 produces a wider range of downstream effects in published work (melanogenesis plus MC4R-mediated libido signaling plus MC3R/MC4R-mediated appetite modulation).

Why the Broad Melanocortin Profile Matters

The melanocortin receptor family has five subtypes (MC1R-MC5R), each linked to different biological functions. MT-2 binds multiple subtypes simultaneously, which is why it is studied when researchers want to probe integrated melanocortin-system behavior rather than isolated MC1R melanogenesis. MC4R binding drives the libido-signaling research axis (the same receptor PT-141 / bremelanotide was engineered from). MC3R/MC4R binding drives the appetite-suppression research axis. MC1R binding drives eumelanin synthesis.

Melanotan 2 vs Melanotan 1

The two compounds are compared constantly in the melanocortin research literature. They share a mechanism but differ in receptor selectivity and downstream effect profile.

Research Applications

Melanotan 2 is used in studies examining:

• Broad melanocortin-receptor agonism and eumelanin synthesis endpoints
• MC4R-mediated sexual-behavior signaling research
• MC3R / MC4R appetite-suppression and energy-balance models
• Comparative melanocortin-selectivity research (MT-2 vs MT-1)
• Melanocortin-system cross-talk and integrated downstream endpoints
• PT-141 / bremelanotide precursor research

Specifications

Storage & Handling

Unopened vials are kept at 2-8°C under standard cold-chain conditions and remain stable for 12+ months. Reconstitution parameters, solvent compatibility, and post-reconstitution stability for Melanotan 2 are documented in the published peer-reviewed literature and standard peptide-chemistry references.

Reference Literature

Published clinical and preclinical Melanotan 2 literature is available through PubMed, Google Scholar, and other peer-reviewed databases. WWP does not provide protocol design, dosing guidance, or administration parameters. Those decisions rest with the researcher and any applicable institutional review board.

Common Questions About Melanotan 2 Research

What is Melanotan 2 used for in research?

It is studied as the reference broad melanocortin-receptor agonist. Published work covers eumelanin synthesis via MC1R, MC4R-mediated sexual-behavior signaling, MC3R / MC4R appetite-regulation endpoints, and comparative selectivity research against the MC1R-selective Melanotan 1.

What is the difference between Melanotan 2 and Melanotan 1?

Melanotan 2 is a 7-amino-acid cyclic peptide that binds multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). Melanotan 1 is a 13-amino-acid linear peptide selective for MC1R only. The broader receptor profile of MT-2 is why it produces secondary effects (libido signaling, appetite modulation, skin flushing) that MT-1 does not. The selectivity difference is the core distinction between the two compounds.

What is the difference between Melanotan 2 and PT-141?

PT-141 (bremelanotide) was engineered from Melanotan 2 by metabolic cleavage - it is the MC4R-selective fragment with the melanogenesis axis removed. PT-141 is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for MC4R-mediated sexual-behavior indications. Melanotan 2 retains the full broad melanocortin profile including MC1R melanogenesis.

Is Melanotan 2 FDA approved?

No. Melanotan 2 is not an FDA-approved drug product. The related MC1R-selective peptide Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria, and the MC4R-selective fragment PT-141 (bremelanotide) is approved as Vyleesi - but Melanotan 2 itself has no approved-drug status. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.

Does Melanotan 2 require UV exposure?

In published melanogenesis research, broad melanocortin agonism increases eumelanin synthesis capacity, but measurable visible pigmentation endpoints depend on UV stimulation of the melanogenic cascade. Studies that track skin-pigmentation outcomes typically combine melanocortin agonism with controlled UV exposure.

How is Melanotan 2 stored?

Unopened vials are stored at 2-8°C and stay stable for 12+ months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution is kept at 2-8°C and used within 28-30 days.

Purity Guarantee

Every batch is ≥99% purity. Send us a COA from any independent test and we’ll issue store credit regardless of what it shows.