Melanogenesis Research
Research into MC1R-driven melanin synthesis, including UV-independent pigmentation and photoprotection models. Used as a pharmacological tool to dissect melanocyte signalling pathways and study disorders of pigmentation.
≥99% Purity
Melanotan II
Melanin Production Studies
$45.00$22.50/vial with BOGO
USA Lab VerifiedISO/IEC 17025:2017
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About this compound
Melanotan II is a ring-shaped version of alpha-MSH, a hormone that signals pigment production. Closing the molecule into a ring makes it far more stable than the natural hormone. Studies have measured melanin production in pigment cell cultures and mapped which melanocortin receptors it binds and how strongly.
Cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin (α-MSH) analog
- Formula
- C50H69N15O9
- Molecular weight
- 1024.18 g/mol
- Form
- Lyophilized Powder
- CAS / ID
- Melanotan II (MTII)
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Amino Acids
Cyclic heptapeptide (α-MSH analog)
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More Potent Than α-MSH
Superpotent melanocortin agonist
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Research Areas
Melanogenesis Research · Appetite & Metabolic Research · Arousal Pathway Models & more
How It Works
How Melanotan II works
The pathways Melanotan II acts on — and what each one does. The animation traces its signal outward from the compound to every target it engages.
Signalling pathways studied in preclinical models · illustrative
MC1R Signalling & Melanogenesis
MC1R Agonism
Melanotan II (MTII) activates MC1R on melanocytes, with intracellular cAMP production and melanogenesis — the synthesis of eumelanin (brown-black) pigment — measured downstream. This mechanism is studied as a model for UV-independent pigmentation and photoprotection pathways.
- Potent MC1R agonism drives eumelanin synthesis
- Activates adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA signaling cascade
- Melanin production measured without UV exposure in models
Central MC3R / MC4R Pathways
MC4R Agonism
MTII's high-affinity binding at MC4R in the hypothalamus acts on both feeding-related and arousal-related signalling. MC4R knockout studies show these pathways are distinct. Its non-selective binding at MC3R and MC4R makes it a pharmacological tool for dissecting melanocortin circuits in energy balance research.
- MC4R activation suppresses food intake in animal models
- Modulates hypothalamic energy expenditure circuits
- Precursor to the more selective PT-141 (bremelanotide)
Non-Selective Pan-MC Agonism
Receptor Selectivity
Unlike its derivative PT-141, Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that activates MC1R through MC5R with varying affinities. This broad receptor activity makes it uniquely valuable as a pharmacological probe for studying the full melanocortin system in preclinical research, while also contributing to its broader side-effect profile.
- Binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R
- ~1000× more potent than endogenous α-MSH at MC receptors
- Cyclic D-Phe substitution confers metabolic resistance
Uses & Applications
What Melanotan II is researched for
The main areas Melanotan II is being studied for — and the study-reported figures behind them.
Melanocortin Energy Balance
MTII is a key pharmacological tool in metabolic and energy-homeostasis research. In rodent models, MC4R activation is associated with lower food intake and higher energy expenditure; used extensively to validate the melanocortin hypothesis.
Arousal Pathway Models
Preclinical research using MTII as a non-selective MC agonist probe contributed to the discovery of melanocortin-mediated arousal pathways, eventually leading to the development of PT-141 (bremelanotide) as a more selective MC4R-focused compound.
Melanocortin System Probing
As a potent non-selective MC receptor agonist, MTII serves as a pharmacological tool for receptor binding studies, structure-activity relationship (SAR) research, and comparison of downstream signaling cascades across the five melanocortin receptor subtypes.
Molecular Structure
The Melanotan II molecule
An interactive 3D model rendered from the compound record — rotate and explore its structure.
C50H69N15O9
Compound Information
Full specification
| Chemical Name | Melanotan II (MTII) |
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 1024.18 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Solubility | Water or bacteriostatic water |
| COA | Included with every order |
FAQ
Common questions about Melanotan II
Melanotan II (MTII) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was originally developed at the University of Arizona in a research programme on synthetic melanocortins for pigmentation and photoprotection. MTII activates melanocortin receptors (MC1R through MC5R) with higher potency than endogenous α-MSH, making it a pharmacological research tool for the melanocortin system.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) is derived from Melanotan II through chemical modification. The difference is selectivity: Melanotan II is a non-selective agonist at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R, with broader downstream activity including melanogenesis. PT-141 was engineered for narrower selectivity toward MC4R with reduced MC1R activity, so pigmentation activity is largely absent while central pathway activity remains.
No. Melanotan II has not been approved by the FDA, EMA, or any regulatory authority for human use. It is classified as a research chemical with no approved indication. Regulatory agencies including the FDA and UK MHRA have issued warnings about unlicensed MTII products marketed for tanning. It is available here exclusively for legitimate in vitro research purposes.
The melanocortin system consists of five G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R–MC5R) that respond to endogenous ligands including α-MSH, β-MSH, γ-MSH, and ACTH. This system regulates diverse functions including pigmentation (MC1R), adrenal steroidogenesis (MC2R), energy balance (MC3R, MC4R), and exocrine secretion (MC5R). MTII's high potency and non-selectivity across all MC receptors makes it an ideal pharmacological probe for pan-melanocortin system research and structure-activity relationship studies.
Due to MTII's broad, non-selective receptor activity, researchers and regulatory agencies have raised concerns about potential effects on melanocytic nevi (moles) and theoretical melanoma risk through excessive MC1R stimulation. Early human pilot studies reported significant adverse events including nausea, yawning, and spontaneous erection from MC4R stimulation. No long-term safety data from controlled clinical trials exists. These considerations make careful research design essential when working with MTII.
Lyophilized MTII should be stored at -20°C and protected from light and moisture. The cyclic structure with D-phenylalanine substitution provides greater proteolytic stability than linear α-MSH, but the material should still be handled and stored carefully to preserve receptor binding activity in research assays.
Research Use Only.
Not for human or veterinary use. For in-vitro laboratory research only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA; this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Sold exclusively to qualified researchers and institutions.