Description
Melanotan II strips alpha-MSH down to its receptor-binding core and ties that core into a ring. The result is small, stable and active at several melanocortin receptors.
Melanotan II 10 mg, the cyclic core
The ring runs from aspartate to lysine through a side-chain lactam and encloses His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp, the sequence melanocortin receptors recognise. An acetyl-norleucine cap sits outside the ring and the C-terminus is amidated. At 1024.2 g/mol it is one mass unit lighter than PT-141, because an amide replaces PT-141’s free acid.
It binds MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R, which makes it a broad-spectrum reference agonist in receptor panels. That same lack of selectivity is why it is usually run alongside more selective ligands.
Compound identity and specification
| Compound | Melanotan II |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 |
| Molecular formula | C50H69N15O9 |
| Molecular mass | 1024.2 g/mol |
| CAS registry number | 121062-08-6 |
| PubChem | CID 92432 |
| Vial content | 10 mg |
| Physical form | Lyophilised powder in a sealed vial |
| Analysis | Third-party HPLC and purity testing to a 99%+ specification; certificates are posted on our COAs page |
| Supplied for | Laboratory research use only |
Questions about Melanotan 2 10mg
Why is Melanotan II described as non-selective?
It activates most melanocortin receptor subtypes rather than one.
How do I distinguish Melanotan II from PT-141?
By mass and by the C-terminus: amide for Melanotan II, free acid for PT-141.
What stabilises the molecule?
The lactam ring and the D-phenylalanine, both of which resist proteolysis.
Research literature
Peer-reviewed studies involving this compound and its class. All findings listed are from in vitro, cell culture or animal models and are provided for scientific reference only. This product is supplied for laboratory research and is not approved for human consumption, clinical, or veterinary use.
- Grieco P, et al. Peptides. 2007;28(6):1191-1196. In cell-based assays, measured binding affinity and functional selectivity of MT-II and SHU-9119 lactam derivatives at human MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Source · PMID 17482720
- Glavas MM, et al. Endocrinology. 2007;148(7):3279-3287. In neonatal rats across postnatal ages, measured brown adipose UCP1 mRNA, central c-Fos activation and regional NPY levels. Source · PMID 17412803
- Eliason NL, et al. Neuropeptides. 2022;96:102289. In mice, measured appetitive and consumptive operant responding after direct microinjection into the nucleus accumbens. Source · PMID 36155088
Certificates for our compounds are posted on the certificates of analysis page and matched to vials by cap and crimp colour. If the one for this product is not up yet, contact the order desk.
Related research compounds
Browse more compounds in Melanocortin Peptides, or view the full research peptide catalogue.
Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
