Melanotan 2 (MT-2) — Research Peptide Product Overview

1. What is Melanotan 2? (Identity & Classification)

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed for research into melanocortin receptor signaling pathways, pigmentation biology, and related physiological mechanisms.

Melanotan 2 belongs to the melanocortin peptide family and is designed to investigate the activity of melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R.

The peptide sequence of Melanotan 2 is:

Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂

Key molecular characteristics:

• Peptide Type: Synthetic cyclic melanocortin analogue
• Amino Acid Count: 7 residues
• Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 1024.18 g/mol
• CAS Number: 121062-08-6
• Physical Form: Lyophilized powder

Melanotan 2 is supplied as a research compound for laboratory investigations involving melanocortin receptor pathways.

2. Peptide Category Positioning

Melanotan 2 belongs to the following research peptide categories:

Primary Category:

Melanocortin Receptor Research Peptide

Related Research Fields:

• Melanogenesis research
• Pigmentation pathway studies
• Melanocortin receptor pharmacology
• Neuroendocrine signaling research
• Appetite regulation studies
• Sexual function pathway research

Unlike growth hormone secretagogues or tissue repair peptides, Melanotan 2 is not classified as a GH-related peptide or regenerative peptide.

Its primary research focus is the melanocortin signaling system.

3. Research Rationale & Mechanism of Action

Melanotan 2 was developed as a synthetic analogue of α-MSH to investigate how melanocortin receptor activation influences biological processes.

The primary mechanism under investigation involves:

MC1R Pathway — Pigmentation Research

Melanotan 2 interacts with melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) expressed on melanocytes.

Research models suggest that MC1R activation may stimulate:

• Adenylyl cyclase signaling
• Intracellular cAMP production
• CREB pathway activation
• Tyrosinase expression
• Melanin synthesis pathways

These mechanisms are studied in relation to:

• Melanocyte activity
• Eumelanin production
• Pigmentation regulation

MC3R / MC4R Pathway Research

Melanotan 2 also interacts with other melanocortin receptors, including:

• MC3R
• MC4R

These receptors are investigated for their potential involvement in:

• Central nervous system signaling
• Energy balance pathways
• Appetite regulation mechanisms
• Sexual behavior and arousal pathways

The broader receptor activity of Melanotan 2 makes it a useful compound for studying melanocortin biology beyond pigmentation.

4. Research Findings

Pigmentation & Melanogenesis Studies

Research investigations have demonstrated that Melanotan 2 can stimulate pigmentation-related pathways through melanocortin receptor activation.

Observed research areas include:

• Increased melanocyte activity
• Enhanced melanin production pathways
• Investigation of UV-independent pigmentation mechanisms

Studies have explored how melanocortin receptor activation may influence pigmentation responses without relying solely on ultraviolet exposure.

Melanocortin Receptor Research

Melanotan 2 has been widely investigated as a pharmacological tool for studying:

• MC1R receptor activity
• MC3R signaling
• MC4R receptor pathways
• Receptor selectivity and biological responses

These studies contribute to understanding the broader role of melanocortin systems.

Neuroendocrine Research

Due to activity beyond MC1R, Melanotan 2 has also been examined in research related to:

• Appetite regulation pathways
• Central melanocortin signaling
• Behavioral responses associated with melanocortin receptor activation

5. Research Applications

Melanotan 2 is commonly used in laboratory research applications involving:

Melanogenesis Research

Studies focusing on:

• Melanin biosynthesis pathways
• Melanocyte signaling
• Pigmentation regulation mechanisms

Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology

Research applications include:

• MC1R receptor studies
• MC3R/MC4R signaling investigations
• Receptor interaction analysis

Cellular Signaling Research

Used as a research compound for investigating:

• cAMP signaling pathways
• Intracellular receptor responses
• Signal transduction mechanisms

Neurobiology Research

Potential research areas include:

• Central melanocortin pathways
• Energy balance mechanisms
• Behavioral neuroscience studies

6. Safety Profile

Melanotan 2 is provided as a research compound and has not been approved as a therapeutic product by major regulatory agencies.

Research observations have reported potential biological effects associated with melanocortin receptor activation.

Reported research-related observations include:

• Nausea
• Facial flushing
• Appetite changes
• Fatigue
• Pigmentation changes

Because Melanotan 2 influences melanocortin pathways, researchers commonly investigate:

• Changes in existing pigmentation sites
• Melanocyte responses
• Long-term receptor signaling effects

Long-term human safety data remain limited, and further research is required to fully characterize biological effects.

7. Final Product Positioning

Melanotan 2 Research Peptide

Product Classification:

Research-grade melanocortin receptor peptide designed for:

• Melanogenesis studies
• Melanocortin receptor research
• Pigmentation pathway investigation
• Cellular signaling research

Key Product Advantages:

✔ Synthetic cyclic peptide structure
✔ Defined molecular identity
✔ Suitable for laboratory research applications
✔ Analytical characterization available
✔ Manufactured for research purposes

Melanotan 2 is positioned as a specialized melanocortin research peptide, rather than a general-purpose peptide compound.

8. Quality Documentation

To support research applications, Melanotan 2 products may be accompanied by analytical documentation including:

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Provides batch-specific information such as:

• Product identity
• Batch number
• Testing date
• Analytical results
• Purity assessment

HPLC Report

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis is used to evaluate:

• Peptide purity
• Chromatographic profile
• Batch consistency

Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry analysis confirms:

• Molecular mass verification
• Peptide identity
• Structural consistency

Batch Documentation

Supporting records may include:

• Manufacturing batch information
• Quality control records
• Storage conditions
• Testing documentation

9. Storage Information

Recommended storage conditions for lyophilized Melanotan 2:

• Store at -20°C for long-term storage
• Protect from light exposure
• Keep away from moisture
• Maintain sealed packaging conditions

After reconstitution:

• Store according to laboratory protocol
• Maintain appropriate temperature control
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Proper storage helps maintain peptide stability and analytical integrity.

10. Research Disclaimer

For research use only.

Not intended for human consumption.

Not intended for clinical or diagnostic use.

Melanotan 2 is supplied strictly as a research compound for laboratory investigation purposes.

This product is not approved as a drug, dietary supplement, cosmetic ingredient, or medical treatment.

11. FAQ — Melanotan 2 Research Peptide

1. What is Melanotan 2 (MT-2)?

Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic peptide analogue of α-MSH used in research investigating melanocortin receptor activity and pigmentation pathways.

2. What category of peptide is Melanotan 2?

Melanotan 2 belongs to the melanocortin receptor peptide category and is primarily studied in pigmentation and receptor signaling research.

3. Which receptors does Melanotan 2 interact with?

Research studies investigate Melanotan 2 activity across melanocortin receptors including MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R.

4. What research areas use Melanotan 2?

Common research areas include melanogenesis, pigmentation biology, melanocortin pharmacology, cellular signaling, and neuroendocrine studies.

5. How is Melanotan 2 analyzed for quality?

Research-grade Melanotan 2 is typically evaluated using analytical methods such as HPLC and mass spectrometry to confirm identity and purity.

6. What documentation is available for Melanotan 2 batches?

Depending on supplier documentation, available materials may include COA, HPLC reports, mass spectrometry data, and batch records.

7. How should Melanotan 2 peptide be stored?

Lyophilized Melanotan 2 is commonly stored under controlled temperature conditions, protected from light and moisture to preserve peptide stability.

8. Is Melanotan 2 approved for human use?

No. Melanotan 2 is supplied as a research compound and is not intended for human consumption, clinical use, or diagnostic applications.