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Melanotan-2

Melanotan-2

$366.00 USD

Melanotan-2 (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), primarily studied for its role in pigmentation, energy balance, and sexual function within experimental settings. As a selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors—especially MC1R and MC4R—MT-2 has gained significant interest in research models related to skin biology, photoprotection, and neuroendocrine pathways.

The peptide has been studied for its potential to stimulate melanin production, which plays a key role in photoprotection and pigmentation regulation. Additionally, MT-2 has been investigated for its effects on appetite, libido, and energy homeostasis through its interaction with central nervous system melanocortin receptors.
Milligrams

Melanotan-2 is a research peptide derived from alpha-MSH, a naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in stimulating melanogenesis and modulating various biological systems via the melanocortin receptor family. MT-2 is specifically engineered to have a longer half-life and enhanced receptor affinity compared to its endogenous counterpart, making it a more robust candidate for controlled research.

This synthetic peptide functions primarily by activating melanocortin receptors, especially MC1R and MC4R, which are expressed in skin tissues and central nervous structures. Activation of MC1R promotes increased melanin synthesis by stimulating melanocytes, while MC4R plays a role in energy balance, sexual behavior, and appetite regulation.

Researchers have studied Melanotan-2 in vitro and in vivo to understand how it may affect pigmentation patterns, UV-induced cellular damage, and hypothalamic signaling mechanisms. Some studies have suggested that it may help support melanin production without direct sun exposure, which has drawn interest in its photoprotective properties under lab conditions.

Additionally, MT-2 has shown promise in experimental models exploring sexual function and metabolic regulation. Activation of MC4R receptors in the brain has been associated with changes in libido, energy expenditure, and food intake. These findings have sparked interest in broader neuroendocrine research areas, although results remain exploratory.

The peptide's stability, potency, and ease of synthesis make it a valuable tool for those studying peptide-receptor interactions, skin biology, and hormonal feedback mechanisms. Its lyophilized format ensures that Melanotan-2 remains structurally stable and viable throughout transport and storage.
Research & References:
  1. E. Minakova et al., “Melanotan-II reverses autistic features in a maternal immune activation mouse model of autism,” PLoS ONE, vol. 14, no. 1, Jan. 2019.
  2. A. van der Klaauw et al., “Role of melanocortin signalling in the preference for dietary macronutrients in human beings,” Lancet Lond. Engl., vol. 385 Suppl 1, p. S12, Feb. 2015.
  3. H. Shimizu, K. Inoue, and M. Mori, “The leptin-dependent and -independent melanocortin signaling system: regulation of feeding and energy expenditure,” J. Endocrinol., vol. 193, no. 1, pp. 1–9, Apr. 2007.
  4. C. Bjørbaek and A. N. Hollenberg, “Leptin and melanocortin signaling in the hypothalamus,” Vitam. Horm., vol. 65, pp. 281–311, 2002.
  5. F. Guo, K. Bakal, Y. Minokoshi, and A. N. Hollenberg, “Leptin Signaling Targets the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Promoter in Vivo,” Endocrinology, vol. 145, no. 5, pp. 2221–2227, May 2004.
  6. Y. H. Lee, M.-Y. Wang, X.-X. Yu, and R. H. Unger, “Glucagon is the key factor in the development of diabetes,” Diabetologia, vol. 59, no. 7, pp. 1372–1375, 2016.
  7. C. Toda et al., “Distinct effects of leptin and a melanocortin receptor agonist injected into medial hypothalamic nuclei on glucose uptake in peripheral tissues,” Diabetes, vol. 58, no. 12, pp. 2757–2765, Dec. 2009.
  8. D. A. York, S. Boghossian, and M. Park-York, “Melanocortin activity in the amygdala influences alcohol intake,” Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 112–119, Mar. 2011.
  9. M. Navarro, F. Carvajal, J. M. Lerma-Cabrera, I. Cubero, M. J. Picker, and T. E. Thiele, “Evidence that Melanocortin Receptor Agonist Melanotan-II Synergistically Augments the Ability of Naltrexone to Blunt Binge-Like Ethanol Intake in Male C57BL/6J Mice,” Alcohol. Clin. Exp. Res., vol. 39, no. 8, pp. 1425–1433, Aug. 2015.
  10. “Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. - PubMed - NCBI.” [Online]. Available: [Accessed: 15-May-2019]..
  11. WESSELLS, H. , HRUBY, V. J., HACKETT, J. , HAN, G. , BALSE‐SRINIVASAN, P. and VANDERAH, T. W. (2003), MT‐II Induces Penile Erection via Brain and Spinal Mechanisms. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 994: 90-95.
  12. Wessells, H. (1998). Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: Doubleblind placebo controlled crossover study. Nature.com. Available at:
  13. M. T. Islam et al., “Vasopressin neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus promote wakefulness via lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons,” Curr. Biol. CB, pp. S0960-9822(22)01121–6, Jul. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.020.
  14. J. K. Y. Lau et al., “Melanocortin receptor activation alleviates amyloid pathology and glial reactivity in an Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mouse model,” Sci. Rep., vol. 11, no. 1, p. 4359, Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83932-4.