Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) developed at the University of Arizona by Victor Hruby and colleagues. It is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that activates MC1R through MC5R subtypes. MT-II has been studied extensively in melanocortin receptor biology research.
Biochemical Characteristics
Specifications
Sequence
Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
Molecular Formula
C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight
1024.18 g/mol
CAS Number
121062-08-6
Melanotan II has a molecular weight of 1024.18 g/mol. The cyclic lactam structure between Asp and Lys residues provides conformational rigidity. The C-terminal amide (-NH2) distinguishes it from PT-141 (-OH) and affects receptor subtype selectivity.
MT-II is a non-selective agonist, binding MC1R (melanogenesis), MC3R/MC4R (central pathways), and MC5R (exocrine function).
Research Applications
• Melanocortin receptor pharmacology: Structure-activity relationship studies with melanocortin analogs.
• Melanogenesis research: Studies on MC1R-mediated melanin synthesis pathways in melanocyte cultures.
• Receptor selectivity: Comparative binding studies across MC1R-MC5R subtypes.
• Photoprotection: Research on melanocortin-mediated DNA repair mechanisms in UV-irradiated cell models.
Pathway Context
• MC1R activation → cAMP → MITF → tyrosinase → melanin synthesis
• MC3R/MC4R → central melanocortin signaling
• UV-induced DNA repair pathway enhancement via melanocortin signaling
• ERK/MAPK pathway activation in melanocyte models
Preclinical Research
Dorr et al. (1996) characterized MT-II melanogenic activity in preclinical models at the University of Arizona.
Hruby et al. (2011) reviewed the development of cyclic melanocortin analogs including MT-II and their receptor selectivity profiles.
MT-II has not been approved by any regulatory agency.
Form & Analytical Testing
Form: Lyophilized powder, 10mg per vial
Appearance: White powder
Solubility: Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water
Full analytical testing per batch.
Article Author
DS
Article Author
Dr. Sarah Chen, Ph.D.
Biochemistry researcher specializing in melanocortin peptide pharmacology.
This content was prepared for informational purposes based on published preclinical research. It does not constitute medical advice or product efficacy claims.
Citations
1
Dorr RT, et al. "Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with simulated UV radiation in dermatological model systems." Arch Dermatol. 1996;132(11):1332-7. PubMed
2
Hruby VJ, et al. "Melanocortin peptides." Ann NY Acad Sci. 2003;994:12-20. PubMed
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ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Products are for in-vitro studies only. Not approved by the FDA. Bodily introduction strictly forbidden. These products are not drugs, supplements, food, or cosmetics and may not be acquired for such purposes.
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Properties
Molecular Formula
C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight
1024.18 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass
1023.54
Heavy Atoms
74
Identifiers
PubChem CID
92432
InChIKey
JDKLBWMNRMFDOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Melanotan II 2D Structure
Source: PubChem
99.0%
HPLC Purity
Target: ≥98%
10mg
Peptide Content
1024.2 Da
Mol. Weight (MS)
<0.1 EU/mg
Endotoxins
Pass (USP <71>)
Sterility
Janssen Analytical Laboratories
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Verified
Test
Target
Result
HPLC Purity
u226598.0%
99.0% ✓
Mass Spectrometry
1024.2 u00b1 1.0 Da
1024.2 Da ✓
Endotoxin (LAL)
<0.1 EU/mg
<0.05 EU/mg ✓
Sterility (USP <71>)
No growth
Pass ✓
Temperature
Lyophilized: -20°C, protected from light
Reconstituted: 2-8°C
Shelf Life
24 months lyophilized at -20°C
30 days reconstituted at 2-8°C
Handling
Allow vial to reach room temperature before opening.
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melanotan 2 is verified at ≥99.0% purity via reverse-phase HPLC analysis. Each batch also undergoes ESI mass spectrometry for identity confirmation, LAL endotoxin testing (<0.1 EU/mg), and USP <71> sterility testing. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) is included with every order.
Add bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) slowly to the vial wall. Gently swirl to dissolve — do not shake or vortex. Solubility: Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water. Reconstituted peptide should be stored at 2-8°C and used within 30 days. For single-use applications, sterile water may be substituted (no preservative, use immediately).
Lyophilized (powder): Store at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Shelf life: 24 months. Reconstituted (solution): Store at 2-8°C, use within 30 days. Critical: Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture condensation inside the vial. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (max 3 recommended).
The CAS registry number for Melanotan 2 is 121062-08-6. Molecular weight: 1024.18 g/mol. Molecular formula: C50H69N15O9. Full chemical characterization data including PubChem identifiers, SMILES notation, and InChIKey are available on the Chemical Properties tab above.
Yes. Every batch of Melanotan 2 is independently tested by Janssen Analytical Laboratories (ISO 17025-accredited). Testing includes HPLC purity analysis, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, LAL kinetic turbidimetric endotoxin assay, and USP <71> sterility testing. Full results are provided in the batch-specific COA. Additional documentation is available on the COA/HPLC/MS and 3rd Party Testing tabs above.
Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST ship same day via cold-chain logistics with gel ice packs to maintain product integrity during transit. Most domestic orders arrive within 2-4 business days. Full tracking is provided. All vials are sealed under inert atmosphere and packaged to prevent damage.
Yes. Tiered pricing is applied automatically at checkout: 2+ units at 10% off, 3+ units at 15% off, and 5+ units at 20% off. For institutional or bulk research inquiries (10+ vials), contact us at contact@aureumpeptides.com for custom pricing.
Compatibility depends on your specific experimental design. Melanotan 2 is provided as a single-compound lyophilized preparation for maximum flexibility. When using multiple compounds, reconstitute each separately and add to experimental systems independently to avoid potential interactions during reconstitution. Check the "Researchers Also Purchased" section below for commonly paired research compounds.
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Melanotan 2 from Aureum Peptides is synthesized to ≥99% purity and verified by third-party HPLC analysis. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is included with every order.
Is Melanotan 2 intended for human use?+
No. Melanotan 2 is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption, therapeutic use, or veterinary use. Purchase is limited to qualified researchers and research facilities.
How is Melanotan 2 shipped and stored?+
Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST ship the same business day from our USA facility with cold-chain logistics. Upon arrival, store Melanotan 2 lyophilized at -20°C for long-term stability, or at 4°C for short-term storage after reconstitution.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?+
Yes. Every vial of Melanotan 2 ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis documenting identity (mass spectrometry), purity (HPLC), and appearance. COAs are also accessible via our online COA portal using the batch number on your vial.
Can I order Melanotan 2 in bulk for institutional research?+
Yes. Aureum Peptides offers institutional wholesale pricing for universities, biotech R&D, and contract research organizations. Contact us for a quote and Net-30 payment terms after credit approval.
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