$50.00
Cyclic melanocortin agonist with strong MC1R activity. Potential benefits include increased pigmentation and photoprotection, and centrally mediated effects on sexual arousal studied historically. Adverse effects (nausea, flushing, mole darkening) are common; not approved for tanning. Use warrants dermatologic caution.
Description
Melanotan‑II (MT‑II) is a synthetic cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist modeled on α‑MSH. It is a heptapeptide with a lactam (amide) bridge between Asp and Lys residues, commonly written as Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂. MT‑II displays high affinity at MC1R (skin pigmentation) and activity at MC3R/MC4R and MC5R, and has been studied for skin tanning, photoprotection, and sexual arousal physiology.
Chemical Structure / Identifiers
| Property | Detail |
| Sequence | Ac‑Nle‑cyclo[Asp‑His‑D‑Phe‑Arg‑Trp‑Lys]‑NH₂ (cyclic lactam between Asp and Lys) |
| Peptide Class | Cyclic α‑MSH analog; melanocortin receptor agonist |
| CAS Number | 121062‑08‑6 |
| Synonyms | MT‑II; Melanotan‑2; Melanotan II |
| Primary Targets | MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R/MC4R (central effects), MC5R |
Primary Research Focus
• Skin pigmentation and photoprotection: MT‑II increases eumelanin via MC1R activation; studied for UV protection and tanning.
• Sexual function research: central melanocortin signaling (MC3R/MC4R) linked to sexual arousal; MT‑II served as a progenitor for bremelanotide development.
• Energy balance and appetite: melanocortin pathways are implicated in appetite and energy homeostasis in preclinical models.
Safety / Limitations
• Adverse effects reported in studies include nausea, flushing, facial warmth, increased blood pressure/heart rate, and darkening of nevi.
• Hyperpigmentation and new/darker moles have been described; dermatologic monitoring is advised in research settings.
• Not approved for therapeutic use; human efficacy and long‑term safety data are limited. Research Use Only.
Key Publications / References
Wikipedia overview (structure, pharmacology): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanotan_II
PubChem Compound Summary (Melanotan II): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/#query=Melanotan%20II
Hadley ME et al. Melanocortin peptides and their receptors: progress and prospects. (Review, PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2948868/
Wessells H et al. Melanocortin receptor agonists and erectile physiology (review/clinical context). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
Cone RD. Anatomy and regulation of the central melanocortin system in energy homeostasis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912661/
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.