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Tanning & Pigmentation Research Guide

Melanotan-2: Dosage, Benefits & Research Guide

Also known as: MT-2, MT-II

Key Facts

Melanotan-2 is a tanning & pigmentation research peptide (C50H69N15O9, MW 1024.19 g/mol). Cyclic heptapeptide alpha-MSH analogue for pigmentation and arousal research. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory and in-vitro research use only — not for human consumption.

Classification Synthetic alpha-MSH analog (melanocortin agonist)
Molecular Formula C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight 1024.19 g/mol
Research Half-Life ~1 hour in preclinical models
Form Lyophilized powder
Research Category Tanning & Pigmentation

What is Melanotan-2?

Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) with the sequence Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Its cyclic structure confers enhanced metabolic stability and broad melanocortin receptor affinity, activating MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R (energy homeostasis), MC4R (sexual function and appetite), and MC5R (exocrine gland function). This multi-receptor activity profile distinguishes it from more selective melanocortin analogues and accounts for its diverse range of biological effects observed in research settings. Originally developed at the University of Arizona by Hruby and colleagues, Melanotan 2 was first characterized in studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (1989), where its potent melanotropic activity was established. Subsequent research by Dorr et al. in Archives of Dermatological Research demonstrated dose-dependent increases in skin pigmentation without UV exposure. Studies in Neuroscience by Wessells et al. documented that MC4R activation by Melanotan 2 produced pro-erectile effects in animal models, findings that later informed the development of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), which was derived directly from Melanotan 2 as a more targeted therapeutic candidate. Compared to Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide), which is linear and MC1R-selective, Melanotan 2's cyclic structure gives it broader receptor coverage and higher potency per mole. However, this reduced selectivity means research must account for concurrent effects across multiple melanocortin pathways. Both peptides share the Nle4/D-Phe7 substitutions that distinguish them from native alpha-MSH. Lyophilized Melanotan 2 should be stored at -20°C, protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store at 2-8°C, using within 4 weeks. Researchers in dermatology, sexual medicine, neuropharmacology, and melanocortin receptor biology are the primary investigators of this compound.

Melanotan-2 Research Applications

In published and preclinical research, Melanotan-2 has been studied across the following areas:

  • Melanogenesis without UV exposure
  • Nerve injury and sensory recovery
  • Arousal signaling via MC4R
  • Neurodevelopmental signaling studies

Melanotan-2 in Research: Reconstitution & Study Concentrations

Melanotan-2 is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone studied for melanogenesis (pigmentation) research via melanocortin receptors. Research concentrations are model-specific. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use only.

Worked example: a 10mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5.00 mg/mL.

Open the reconstitution calculator

How Melanotan-2 Compares

Researchers frequently evaluate Melanotan-2 alongside related compounds:

Melanotan-2 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melanotan 2 and how does it work?
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide (Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2) that acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors MC-1R through MC-5R. It was designed as a more potent and stable analogue of alpha-MSH. The cyclic structure confers enhanced receptor binding and enzymatic resistance. Through MC-1R activation, it stimulates melanogenesis; through MC-3R and MC-4R, it influences sexual arousal and appetite signaling pathways.
What research has been done on Melanotan 2?
Research at the University of Arizona (published in Life Sciences) first characterized Melanotan 2's melanogenic properties. Studies showed UV-independent tanning in human volunteers. Published work in Peptides journal demonstrated penile erection in males as an MC-4R-mediated effect, leading to the development of PT-141 (bremelanotide). Additional research has explored Melanotan 2's effects on nerve regeneration, neurodevelopmental signaling, and MC-4R-mediated metabolic pathways.
How does Melanotan 2 compare to PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
PT-141 was derived from Melanotan 2 by removing its pigmentation activity. Melanotan 2 activates all five melanocortin receptors, producing pigmentation (MC-1R), sexual arousal (MC-3R/4R), and other effects. PT-141 was engineered for greater MC-3R/4R selectivity, reducing pigmentation effects. PT-141 has FDA approval and extensive clinical data. Researchers choose Melanotan 2 when studying broad melanocortin signaling or pigmentation pathways.
What is the recommended reconstitution protocol for Melanotan-2?
For this 10mg vial, reconstitute with 1mL of bacteriostatic water to yield a concentration of 10.0mg/mL. Inject the water slowly along the inner wall of the vial — do not shake or agitate. Allow the lyophilized powder to dissolve fully (typically 2-5 minutes). Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 30 days.
Is Melanotan-2 legal to buy for research?
Melanotan-2 is sold in the United States as a research chemical for laboratory and in-vitro use only. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not sold for human consumption. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
How is Melanotan-2 reconstituted for research use?
Melanotan-2 ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water before use in research. The volume of solvent added determines the working concentration — use the Elyte reconstitution calculator to derive the exact concentration for a given vial size and solvent volume.
Does Melanotan-2 come with a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes. Every batch of Melanotan-2 from Elyte Peptides ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting identity and HPLC purity (≥98%), so research results can be traced to a verified lot.
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