Melanotan 2 (Melanotan-II, MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide structurally related to the naturally occurring hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). AminoOptimization Group supplies it as a lyophilised research powder in a 10 mg presentation, tested to 99% purity by HPLC, with a Certificate of Analysis available for the lot supplied. This material is offered strictly for laboratory research use. It is not a drug, and it is not for human or veterinary use.
What is Melanotan 2?
Melanotan 2 is built on the core sequence of endogenous α-MSH but carries four modifications that define it in the literature: an acetylated N-terminus, substitution of methionine with norleucine at position 4, a D-phenylalanine substitution at position 7, and a C-terminal amide. A lactam bridge formed between the side chains of an aspartate and a lysine residue cyclises the peptide, in contrast to the linear structure of native α-MSH.
These modifications are described in published chemistry as conferring resistance to enzymatic cleavage relative to the linear parent hormone, and as producing a compound with binding activity across multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes rather than a single one. It is on this basis — a small, cyclic, protease-resistant ligand with broad receptor engagement — that Melanotan 2 is characterised as a pharmacological tool compound in receptor research, distinct from more selective, purpose-designed analogues developed later from the same α-MSH scaffold.
Specifications
- Compound: Melanotan 2 (Melanotan-II / MT-II)
- CAS number: 121062-08-6
- Molecular formula: C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight: 1024.2 g/mol
- Purity: 99% by HPLC
- Presentation: Lyophilised powder, sealed vial
- Available sizes: 10 mg
- Physical form: White to off-white powder
- Classification: Research peptide — not for human or veterinary use
Research context
Melanotan 2 is described in the pharmacological literature as a non-selective agonist across the melanocortin receptor family, with published binding studies reporting activity at more than one receptor subtype rather than a single target. Because it is cyclic and comparatively resistant to enzymatic degradation, it is used in in vitro receptor-characterisation work — radioligand binding and second-messenger (cAMP) assays in cell lines expressing individual melanocortin receptor subtypes — as a reference agonist against which more selective candidate ligands are compared.
It also appears in study designs examining melanocortin receptor activation and downstream signalling in animal models, where its lack of receptor selectivity is treated as a confound to be controlled for when a study is trying to isolate the contribution of one specific receptor subtype.
None of this literature establishes safety or efficacy for use in humans. It is provided as research context only.
Reconstitution
Lyophilised peptide requires reconstitution with a suitable sterile diluent before use in solution. Bacteriostatic water is the diluent most commonly specified for multi-use laboratory preparations; sterile water is typical for single-use work.
Direct the diluent stream against the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the powder itself, and allow the material to dissolve without agitation. Peptides are susceptible to shear stress — do not shake the vial. Swirl gently if needed, and expect full dissolution within a few minutes at room temperature.
Working concentration is a function of how much diluent is added to a given vial mass. Our peptide reconstitution calculator computes the resulting concentration for any combination of vial size and diluent volume.
Storage and stability
Before reconstitution: store the sealed vial in a freezer at -20 °C, protected from light. Lyophilised peptide is comparatively stable in this state. Brief excursions to ambient temperature during shipping are normal and are not expected to compromise a properly lyophilised product.
After reconstitution: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light. Reconstituted peptide in solution is materially less stable than the dry powder. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which are a well-documented cause of aggregation and loss of measurable potency — aliquot instead if repeated sampling is required.
Inspect solutions before use. Cloudiness, visible particulate, or discolouration indicate the material should not be relied upon for quantitative work.
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is tested by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the purity figure shown above refers to analytical results for the specific lot supplied — not to a generic specification. A Certificate of Analysis is available on request, and we will provide lot-specific documentation before purchase if your protocol requires it.
Purity by HPLC describes the proportion of the target peptide relative to detectable related substances. It is a statement about the material as manufactured and tested. It is expressly not a representation that the material is suitable for any use in humans or animals.
Handling and safety
Handle in accordance with good laboratory practice. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, work in a suitable containment environment, and dispose of material and consumables according to your institution’s requirements and applicable local regulation. Anyone with access to this material should understand that it is not for human or veterinary use.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes Melanotan 2 from naturally occurring α-MSH?
Melanotan 2 carries four modifications relative to endogenous α-MSH — an acetylated N-terminus, a norleucine substitution at position 4, a D-phenylalanine substitution at position 7, and a C-terminal amide — plus cyclisation via a lactam bridge, in place of the linear structure of the native hormone. Published work associates these changes with increased resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Is Melanotan 2 approved in Canada?
No. Melanotan 2 has not been evaluated or authorised by Health Canada, the FDA, or any comparable regulatory authority. It carries no DIN (Drug Identification Number) or NPN (Natural Product Number), its safety and efficacy for human use have not been assessed by any such authority, and it is supplied for laboratory research only. No equivalence to any approved therapeutic product is claimed or implied.
How much diluent should be used?
That depends on the working concentration your protocol requires. Our peptide reconstitution calculator computes the resulting concentration for any combination of vial size and diluent volume.
How long is reconstituted material usable?
Stability in solution is shorter than in lyophilised form and depends on diluent, temperature, and handling. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, avoid freeze-thaw cycling, and validate stability for your own storage conditions if your work depends on it.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes — lot-specific, available on request, including before purchase.
Research use only
This product is supplied solely for laboratory and scientific research. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or medical device, and it must not be administered to humans or animals. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a therapeutic claim. Full terms are set out in our Research Use Only Disclaimer.
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