Research Compound
Melanotan 2
Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of a-MSH, available as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research.
Select Size
10mg
SKU: ML10
Batch: 202609-01-ML2
$48.99
Ships today if ordered by 4PM EST
Est. Arrival: 09/18/2026
Volume Discounts
Qty: 1 - 4$48.99 each
Qty: 5 - 9$44.09 each(save $4.90)
Qty: 10+$39.19 each(save $9.80)
Quantity:
1
For Research Use Only. This product is intended for laboratory and scientific research purposes only. It is not a drug or dietary supplement and is not for human or veterinary consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
99%+ Purity
COA Included
Fast Shipping
USA Based
Product Details
Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2. Features lactam bridge cyclization between Asp and Lys side chains.
N-terminal acetylated, C-terminal amidated. Contains norleucine at position 1 and D-phenylalanine at position 4. Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R). Soluble in sterile water or bacteriostatic water. Store at -20°C.
Disclaimer: For laboratory and research purposes only. Not intended for human consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanotan 2
Answers summarize published research and are provided for laboratory research purposes only.
Melanotan 2, also written MT-II, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone. Its sequence is Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2, with a lactam bridge joining the Asp and Lys side chains. Research studies have examined Melanotan 2 for melanogenesis, and because it activates several melanocortin receptors, researchers have also studied it in animal models of feeding behavior and sexual function.
In research studies, Melanotan 2 has been observed to act as a non selective agonist at melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Researchers have reported that MC1R activation on melanocytes increases melanin production, while MC3R and MC4R activation in the brain of animal models influences appetite, energy balance, and sexual behavior. The cyclic structure of Melanotan 2 is reported to give it higher receptor affinity and greater stability than linear alpha MSH.
Pigmentation is the primary research area for Melanotan 2. In cell culture, researchers have reported that Melanotan 2 stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin, and in early human studies investigators observed skin darkening in study participants. Published research has also described that this darkening occurred with less ultraviolet exposure than would normally be required, which is why Melanotan 2 became a tool compound for studying tanning independent of sunlight.
Because Melanotan 2 activates MC3R and MC4R, researchers have studied it for effects that MC1R selective analogs do not produce. In rodent studies, Melanotan 2 has been observed to reduce food intake and to increase sexual behavior. These observations led to the development of PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, which is a metabolite of Melanotan 2. Melanotan 2 remains a common reference agonist in melanocortin receptor binding and signaling assays.
Melanotan 2 has been studied in vitro, in rodent and other animal models, and in a limited number of small early stage human studies. Unlike Melanotan 1, Melanotan 2 itself did not progress to an approved pharmaceutical product, and it is not approved as a drug anywhere. Its status is investigational. Its metabolite PT-141 has gone further in clinical development and is offered on this site as a separate compound.
Both are synthetic analogs of alpha MSH, but Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide and Melanotan 1 is a linear 13 amino acid peptide. Research studies have shown that Melanotan 2 activates MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, while Melanotan 1 is comparatively selective for MC1R. In practice this means Melanotan 2 is used in research on appetite, sexual behavior, and pigmentation, whereas Melanotan 1 research is focused almost entirely on pigmentation and photoprotection.
Melanotan 2 is a lyophilized powder that dissolves readily in sterile water or Bacteriostatic Water. For research preparation, the diluent is introduced slowly down the inner wall of the vial, and the vial is swirled gently until the solution turns clear. The vial should not be shaken. Bacteriostatic Water is the usual choice when a vial will be entered more than once, and it is sold separately by Biotech Compounds.
Lyophilized Melanotan 2 should be kept at minus 20 C in a dry, dark place, and the vial should reach room temperature before it is opened. Reconstituted Melanotan 2 should be refrigerated at 2 to 8 C and protected from light. Research literature describes the cyclic lactam bridge of Melanotan 2 as giving it good stability in solution compared with linear peptides, but repeated freeze thaw cycles should still be avoided.
Yes. Melanotan 2 from Biotech Compounds is supplied at 99 percent or greater purity, and each lot is third-party tested to confirm identity and purity. A Certificate of Analysis for Melanotan 2 is available on the product page. Researchers can match the lot number on the vial to the certificate before starting an experiment.
Melanotan 2 has a molecular formula of C50H69N15O9 and a molecular weight of approximately 1024.2 g/mol. It is a seven amino acid cyclic peptide with an acetylated N-terminus and an amidated C-terminus. These values are published in the specifications on the Melanotan 2 product page and on the Certificate of Analysis.
The lactam bridge in Melanotan 2 is a covalent bond between the side chains of aspartic acid and lysine that closes the peptide into a ring. Research studies have shown that this cyclization holds the His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp core in the shape recognized by melanocortin receptors, which increases binding affinity. Researchers have also reported that the ring, together with the acetylated and amidated ends, protects Melanotan 2 from enzymatic degradation.
No. Melanotan 2 is not an approved drug and is not a dietary supplement. Biotech Compounds sells Melanotan 2 strictly as a research material for laboratory research by qualified researchers and research organizations. Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older. Melanotan 2 is not for human or animal consumption and is not intended for any therapeutic, diagnostic, or clinical application.
You May Also Like
