Melanotan II 10 mg
Also known as · MT-2 · Melanotan 2 · MT2
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist (MC1R / MC3R / MC4R / MC5R).
Chemistry quick-facts
- CAS
- 121062-08-6
- Formula
- C50H69N15O9
- MW
- 1024.18 Da
- Length
- 7 aa
- Status
- Investigational. Early Phase 1 trials for photoprotection in the 1990s; no regulatory approval for any indication.
- Purity (HPLC)
- ≥ 99.0%
Mechanism of action
Non-selective agonism at melanocortin receptors MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R. MC1R activation modulates melanogenesis in melanocytes.
Research context
Melanotan II was originally developed at the University of Arizona as a more potent, longer-acting analogue of α-MSH. The cyclic structure confers metabolic stability not present in native α-MSH.
Historical Phase 1 trials evaluated MT-II for photoprotection research. No progression to approved therapeutic use. MT-1 (afamelanotide) is the related linear analogue that reached approval for erythropoietic protoporphyria in specific jurisdictions.
Published studies
A non-exhaustive list of peer-reviewed studies referenced when curating this entry. Click through to the primary source for the full text.
- Dorr RT, Lines R, Levine N, et al. (1996). Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide. Life Sciences.
Reconstitution
- Solvent
- Bacteriostatic water for injection (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — included with kit
- Typical volume
- 1 – 2 mL
- · Inject diluent slowly down the side of the vial onto the cake.
- · Swirl gently — do not shake.
- · Solution should be clear and colourless. Discard if not.
Storage
- Lyophilised
- −20 °C, desiccated, protected from light. Stable at 15–25 °C for up to 30 days in transit.
- Reconstituted
- 2–8 °C, original vial, consumed within 4 weeks.
- Shelf life — sealed
- 24 months from date of manufacture when stored lyophilised at −20 °C.
FAQ
How does this differ from MT-1 (afamelanotide)?+
MT-1 is a linear α-MSH analogue with MC1R selectivity and has reached approval for a narrow therapeutic indication (erythropoietic protoporphyria). MT-II is a cyclic non-selective melanocortin agonist — research use only.
This page summarises the research literature on Melanotan II 10 mg for in vitro laboratory investigation only. It is not medical advice, not a treatment recommendation, and not a substitute for a qualified physician. Material is sold for analytical chemistry and cell-culture research, not for human or veterinary administration.
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