Melanotan II — Research Summary
Overview
Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was originally developed at the University of Arizona and has been studied for its effects on melanocortin receptor activation. Melanotan II was developed in the early 1990s at the University of Arizona by Dr. Mac Hadley and colleagues as part of a research program investigating synthetic analogs of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). The cyclic heptapeptide structure was designed to enhance metabolic stability and receptor binding affinity compared to the linear endogenous hormone. Unlike the native alpha-MSH peptide, which is rapidly degraded by serum proteases, Melanotan II has been documented to exhibit enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation due to its cyclic conformation. Research has characterized its binding profile across all five melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R through MC5R), with studies documenting particular affinity for MC1R, which is involved in melanogenesis, and MC4R. The compound has been examined in pharmacokinetic studies, receptor binding assays, and various experimental paradigms designed to characterize melanocortin pathway activation.
Compound Profile
The following specifications characterize the Melanotan II research compound as supplied for laboratory investigation purposes.
| Compound Name | Melanotan II |
| Designation | Melanotan II — 10 mg |
| Sequence / Structure | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (Cyclic heptapeptide) |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Vial Size | 10mg |
| Storage | Refrigerated after reconstitution |
| Research Category | Melanocortin Research |
| Series | Elite Series |
| SKU | MT2-10 |
Published Research
The following findings have been documented in peer-reviewed publications and scientific literature. These summaries reflect reported observations and are presented for informational purposes in support of laboratory research activities.
- Research at the University of Arizona documented that Melanotan II activates melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R, with particular affinity for MC1R (involved in melanogenesis) and MC4R.
- Studies published in peptide research journals have documented dose-dependent increases in melanin production in human subjects following subcutaneous administration.
- Research has examined the pharmacokinetics and receptor binding profiles of Melanotan II compared to endogenous melanocyte-stimulating hormones.
- Studies have documented various physiological responses associated with melanocortin receptor activation.
These findings reflect outcomes observed in controlled research settings and published study protocols. Individual experimental conditions, model organisms, and methodologies varied across studies. Results observed in preclinical and clinical research settings may not be generalizable.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan II activates melanocortin receptors, particularly MC1R (melanogenesis), MC3R, and MC4R. Research suggests these pathways are involved in pigmentation, appetite regulation, and sexual function.
The mechanisms described above have been characterized through published research methodologies including receptor binding assays, gene expression analyses, cell culture experiments, and in vivo preclinical models. Mechanistic understanding continues to evolve as additional research is published.
Research Context
Melanocortin receptor research encompasses the study of peptides that interact with the melanocortin receptor system, a family of five G-protein coupled receptors (MC1R through MC5R) involved in diverse physiological processes. This receptor system has been documented to play roles in melanogenesis, energy homeostasis, inflammation, and neuroendocrine signaling. Synthetic analogs of endogenous melanocortin peptides such as alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) have been developed and studied to characterize receptor selectivity, binding affinity, and downstream signaling cascades. The development of cyclic peptide analogs with enhanced metabolic stability has enabled researchers to investigate melanocortin pathway activation in greater detail. Clinical and preclinical studies have examined how melanocortin agonists interact with central nervous system pathways, peripheral tissue receptors, and immune cell populations, reflecting the broad distribution and functional significance of this receptor family.
Melanotan II has been studied within this broader research context. The compound is classified under the Melanocortin Research category and is part of the Elite Series in the Hot Peps research catalog. Researchers investigating melanocortin research may find the published findings summarized above relevant to their experimental design and literature review processes.
Key Citations
The following references represent a selection of published studies relevant to Melanotan II research. Full-text articles may be accessed through their respective journal publishers or indexed databases such as PubMed.
- Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921-930
- Wessells H, et al. Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation. Int J Impot Res. 2000;12(Suppl 4):S74-S79
This compound is part of the Elite Performance Stack — specialty melanocortin pathway focus.
View Kit →Important Notice
Melanotan II is sold exclusively for in vitro research, laboratory use, and scientific investigation purposes. This compound is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or any therapeutic application. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
All research findings, statistics, and outcomes referenced on this page have been sourced from published peer-reviewed studies and scientific literature. These summaries are provided for informational purposes to support qualified researchers in their laboratory investigations. Results documented in published research were obtained under specific experimental conditions and may not be reproducible in all settings.
Researchers are responsible for ensuring that their use of research compounds complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing laboratory research materials.
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All findings referenced on this page reflect outcomes reported in published research studies. This product is sold strictly for in vitro research, laboratory use, and scientific investigation only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.