Melanotan 2

COMPOUND OVERVIEW

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a naturally occurring melanocortin peptide. It is a broad-spectrum melanocortin receptor agonist, with activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. MT-2 was originally developed in research contexts to study UV-independent melanogenesis (skin tanning), but its activity at MC3R and MC4R in the CNS has made it a significant research tool for studying central melanocortin system pharmacology. Its potent and non-selective receptor profile distinguishes it from more selective melanocortin research tools and makes it valuable for broad-spectrum mechanistic studies.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

MT-2’s primary pharmacological activity stems from its agonism at melanocortin receptors distributed across multiple tissues. MC1R activation in melanocytes triggers eumelanin production and UV-protective pigmentation. MC4R activation in the hypothalamus modulates energy balance, satiety signals, and CNS-mediated behavioral responses. MC3R contributes to inflammation modulation and energy homeostasis. The cyclic structure of MT-2 (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) confers greater receptor affinity and metabolic stability compared to linear alpha-MSH, making it a preferred tool for melanocortin pharmacology research.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

• Melanogenesis and UV-independent skin pigmentation research
• Melanocortin receptor (MC1R/MC3R/MC4R) pharmacology studies
• Central melanocortin system and energy homeostasis research
• CNS-mediated behavioral pharmacology studies
• Anti-inflammatory research via MC3R modulation
• Adiposity and appetite regulation research (MC4R pathway)

KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS

• Research demonstrates MT-2’s high binding affinity across MC1R through MC4R with Ki values in the nanomolar range
• Pigmentation studies confirm dose-dependent melanogenesis in cell cultures and animal models without UV exposure
• MC4R pharmacology research uses MT-2 as a reference agonist for receptor characterization studies
• Energy balance research shows hypothalamic MC4R activation suppresses food intake in animal models
• Anti-inflammatory studies confirm MC3R-mediated inhibition of cytokine release in macrophage cultures

STORAGE & HANDLING

• Store lyophilized at -20°C; stable up to 24 months
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; store at 2–8°C; use within 28 days
• Protect from light — alpha-MSH analogues are photosensitive
• Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment in research settings
• Follow institutional guidelines for CNS-active peptide handling

SPECIFICATIONS

DISCLAIMER: This compound is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes only. It is not intended for human consumption, clinical use, or veterinary application. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For use by licensed researchers and qualified professionals only. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.

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