Melanotan 2

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with a molecular weight of approximately 1,024.2 Da, incorporating a [Nle4, D-Phe7] substitution and a cyclic lactam bridge that confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and enhanced receptor binding — with non-selective agonist activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R melanocortin receptor subtypes, distinguishing it from the MC1R-selective Melanotan 1 and the MC3R/MC4R-selective PT-141.

Originally developed as a photoprotective research compound, Melanotan 2 has been studied for its ability to activate MC1R-mediated melanogenesis in melanocytes, stimulate eumelanin synthesis, and simultaneously engage CNS-expressed MC3R and MC4R receptors in the hypothalamus and limbic system — producing a research profile that spans peripheral pigmentation biology and central melanocortin circuit modulation, including effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission, autonomic regulation, and hypothalamic signaling pathways studied extensively in preclinical models.

Research has focused on Melanotan 2’s role as a non-selective melanocortin receptor research tool — with its broad receptor subtype engagement making it valuable for studying the full melanocortin receptor family simultaneously, while its comparison with selective agonists such as Melanotan 1 (MC1R-selective) and PT-141 (MC3R/MC4R-selective) allows researchers to isolate receptor subtype contributions to observed biological outcomes. For further reading see: Melanotan 2 melanocortin receptor research (PubMed).

Specifications:

• Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Storage: −20°C

For Research Use Only.