Melanotan 2

Melanotan is a synthetic melanocortin peptide designed to activate pathways involved in skin pigmentation, metabolic regulation, and sexual function. By stimulating melanocortin receptors on melanocytes, Melanotan increases endogenous melanin synthesis, allowing the skin to darken with minimal ultraviolet exposure. This mechanism enables accelerated tanning while reducing reliance on prolonged UV radiation.

In addition to its pigmentation effects, Melanotan interacts with central melanocortin receptors associated with appetite control and sexual arousal. Experimental and clinical studies report reduced appetite signaling, changes in energy balance, and pronounced effects on sexual response in both males and females. These properties have positioned Melanotan as a compound of interest in dermatological, metabolic, and neuroendocrine research.

The peptide is supplied as a lyophilized powder to ensure optimal stability during storage and handling.

Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a naturally occurring peptide derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. Developed through strategic amino acid substitutions and a lactam bridge for enhanced receptor affinity and metabolic stability, the Melanotan 2 peptide functions as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R), making it a versatile tool for investigating melanocortin-mediated signaling pathways in experimental systems.

(Hadley & Dorr, 2006 — Peptides).

The primary mechanism of action of Melanotan 2 peptide involves activation of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes, which initiates adenylate cyclase signaling and elevates intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This cascade activates protein kinase A (PKA), leading to phosphorylation of CREB and subsequent transcription of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a key regulator of melanogenic enzyme expression including tyrosinase. Through its additional affinity for MC3R and MC4R, the Melanotan 2 peptide also engages central nervous system pathways involved in neuroendocrine signaling and energy homeostasis.

Research applications of Melanotan 2 peptide span several active domains, including pigmentation biology and melanogenesis, MC1R-mediated UV-response mechanisms and photoprotection, immune modulation and anti-inflammatory signaling through melanocortin pathways, metabolic regulation via MC4R and leptin-related pathways, and neuroprotective mechanisms involving blood-brain barrier integrity. Published studies have demonstrated that MC1R activation by melanocortin agonists can enhance eumelanin synthesis even in subjects carrying loss-of-function MC1R variants (Fitzgerald et al., 2006 – Peptides), while broader melanocortin signaling research continues to explore anti-inflammatory applications through the cholinergic pathway (Mykicki et al., 2016 – Science Translational Medicine).

The peptide is supplied as a lyophilized powder to ensure optimal stability during storage and handling. Store lyophilized Melanotan 2 peptide at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solution should be kept at 2–8°C and used within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Certificate of Analysis (COA) included with every order. Explore related research peptides: BPC-157, TB-500, and PT-141.