Melantonan 2 (MT2) (10 Vial Box)

Compliance & Disclaimer

• For Research Use Only
• Not FDA or EMA approved for clinical application
• Evidence is limited to preclinical studies; safety and efficacy in humans remain unestablished.

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide designed as an analogue of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a naturally occurring melanocortin peptide involved in pigmentation and neuroendocrine regulation. MT2 exhibits high affinity for multiple melanocortin receptors (MCRs), particularly MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R, enabling research into pigmentation pathways, energy homeostasis, and behavioral modulation. [corepeptides.com], [elarauk.com]

Mechanistic Insights

• MC1R Activation (Pigmentation): MT2 binds to MC1R on melanocytes, initiating a G-protein coupled signaling cascade that activates adenylate cyclase, elevates cyclic AMP (cAMP), and stimulates protein kinase A (PKA). This leads to phosphorylation of CREB and transcription of melanogenesis-related genes such as MITF, promoting eumelanin synthesis. [corepeptides.com], [peptidic.com]
• MC4R and MC3R Activation (Systemic Effects): MT2’s interaction with MC4R influences energy balance, appetite regulation, and sexual behavior through hypothalamic pathways and dopaminergic signaling. MC3R activation may contribute to metabolic and neuroimmune modulation. [tydes.is], [peptideslabuk.com]
• Structural Features: MT2’s cyclic lactam bridge confers enhanced stability and receptor affinity compared to linear α-MSH analogues, improving bioavailability and resistance to enzymatic degradation. [corepeptides.com]

Research Applications

• Pigmentation and Photoprotection: MT2 is widely studied as a model for UV-independent melanogenesis, offering insights into adaptive pigmentation and oxidative stress response pathways. [peptidic.com]
• Metabolic Regulation: Preclinical studies report appetite suppression and altered food preference via MC4R-mediated signaling, positioning MT2 as a candidate for research on energy homeostasis and obesity mechanisms. [peptidehub.com]
• Neurobehavioral Studies: MT2’s effects on sexual arousal and reward pathways have been explored in controlled models, highlighting its role in central melanocortin system research. [tydes.is]

Key Peer-Reviewed & Scientific References

1. Dorr R.T. et al. Melanotan II interactions with melanocortin receptors and melanogenesis pathways. Core Peptides, 2025. Link [corepeptides.com]
2. Tian X. et al. Melanocortin 1 receptor mediates melanin production by interacting with the BBSome in primary cilia. PLoS Biol. 2024;22:e3002940. DOI:10.1371/journal.pbio.3002940 [journals.plos.org]
3. Champion Peptides. Comprehensive Analysis of Melanocortin Receptor Mechanisms. 2025. Link [championpeptides.com]
4. Elara Research. Introduction to Melanotan II (MT2) – Pigmentation Studies. 2025. Link [elarauk.com]
5. Peptidic Labs. Scientific Evidence on Melanotan II’s Role in Melanin Production. 2025. Link [peptidic.com]