Melanotan II (MT-2) Research Guide: Melanocortin Receptor Agonism
Melanotan II is a synthetic α-MSH analog studied for its potent non-selective melanocortin receptor agonism.
What is MT-2?
Melanotan II (Ac-Nle-cyclo(Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys)-NH₂) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-MSH developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s as part of a broader melanocortin agonist research program.
Mechanism of action
MC1R activation on melanocytes drives tyrosinase expression and eumelanin synthesis — the basis for melanotan's pigmentation effects in animal models. MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus is linked to modulation of energy homeostasis and sexual response pathways.
Sourcing & purity
Research-grade material should be ≥99% pure by HPLC with peptide content confirmed via mass spectrometry. Redline Bio material ships with batch documentation; independent third-party COAs are published on the lab reports page as testing returns.
Compliance reminder
Sold and distributed for laboratory research use only. Not approved by the FDA for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of any disease. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable institutional, state, and federal regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What is MT-2?
Melanotan II is a cyclic synthetic analog of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a non-selective agonist at all melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) with substantially greater potency than native α-MSH.
Mechanism?
MT-2's MC1R agonism drives melanogenesis via cAMP-mediated upregulation of tyrosinase in melanocytes. Its MC4R activity is the basis for downstream research on appetite and sexual arousal pathways.
Half-life?
Approximately 33 minutes in published pharmacokinetic studies — substantially longer than native α-MSH (~2 minutes) due to cyclic structure conferring enzymatic stability.