Dermatology Research
Melanotan-2
Cyclic α-MSH Analog for Melanocortin Receptor Research
Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic peptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed for laboratory investigation of melanocortin receptor signaling. It is a cyclic heptapeptide and has been used experimentally to study melanocortin-mediated cellular responses and pigmentation-associated pathways. Research involving MT-II has examined activation of the melanocortin receptor system, including pathways associated with melanocyte signaling, melanin synthesis, energy-regulatory signaling, and other melanocortin-mediated biological processes. Experimental studies have used MT-II as a melanocortin receptor agonist in both cellular and animal research models. As a research material, Melanotan II is primarily relevant to investigations of melanocortin receptor pharmacology, melanogenesis, peptide–receptor interactions, and downstream cellular signaling. For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for consumption, administration, diagnostic use, or therapeutic use.
Frequently researched together
Other laboratory research compounds available in our catalog.
Compound information
Technical specifications
What is Melanotan-2?
Melanotan-2 is a synthetic seven-residue peptide whose structure corresponds to a cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the melanocortin peptide abbreviated alpha-MSH. It also appears as Melanotan II and MT-II. The parent belongs to the melanocortin family derived from the precursor protein proopiomelanocortin, and the receptors that family addresses are the G protein-coupled receptors MC1R through MC5R. It is supplied strictly for laboratory research use and is not for human or veterinary use.
Two structural facts separate the analogue from its linear parent: it is shorter, at seven residues, and it is cyclic. A ring-closed backbone has far fewer accessible conformations than an open chain of the same length, presenting a more defined surface to a receptor and generally leaving the molecule less accessible to exopeptidases acting on free chain termini. The ring-closure chemistry is not among the details recorded in this catalogue entry, so it is not stated here.
Melanotan-2 is catalogued under CAS 121062-08-6 with the molecular formula C50H69N15O9 and a molecular weight of 1024.20 g/mol. The absence of sulphur in that formula means the molecule contains no cysteine and no methionine, so the ring is not closed by a disulfide bond. The catalogue files it under dermatology research and stocks it in a 10 mg presentation.
- CAS number
- 121062-08-6
- Molecular formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight
- 1024.20 g/mol
Stability information
Recommended handling and storage conditions for retaining compound identity and integrity in the laboratory.
Store lyophilized at −20°C, protected from light. Reconstitute and refrigerate (2–8°C) for short-term research use.
Regulatory information
Development origin and regulatory status, compiled for reference.
Research compound · Not FDA-approved
Frequently asked
Questions about Melanotan-2
What purity is Melanotan-2 supplied at, and is a Certificate of Analysis available?
Each lot of Melanotan-2 is tested by a third-party laboratory using HPLC for purity. Certificates of analysis are published in the certificate library as lots are released.
How is the identity of Melanotan-2 verified?
Identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry against the expected molecular weight of 1024.20 g/mol, alongside HPLC retention behaviour. Both results are recorded on the lot certificate.
How should Melanotan-2 be stored on receipt?
Lyophilized material is stored at -20 C protected from light. Once reconstituted it is kept at 2 to 8 C for short-term laboratory use, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles are avoided.
Where is Melanotan-2 shipped from?
Orders ship from the United States in discreet, tracked packaging. Shipping is available to US addresses only.
Is Melanotan-2 supplied for research use only?
Yes. Melanotan-2 is sold strictly as a laboratory research material. It is not for human or veterinary use, not for diagnostic procedures, and has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. See the research use disclaimer for the full terms.
Answers describe how this material is tested, stored and shipped. They are not guidance on any use, and this compound is not for human or veterinary use.
Sources & references
Published literature in which this compound has been the subject of laboratory or preclinical study. Listed for bibliographic reference only.
Research and educational purposes only. These references are provided for bibliographic context. They are not evidence of safety or efficacy, and nothing here is medical advice or a claim about any use in humans or animals.
Peptides
Structure-function studies on the cyclic peptide MT-II, lactam derivative of alpha-melanotropin
Journal of biological inorganic chemistry : JBIC : a publication of the Society of Biological Inorganic Chemistry
Melanoma targeting with alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogs labeled with fac-[99mTc(CO)3]+: effect of cyclization on tumor-seeking properties
Journal of medicinal chemistry
CLIPSing Melanotan-II to Discover Multiple Functionally Selective hMCR Agonists